What Happened: The United Arab Emirates has pulled a portion of its forces out of the southern Yemeni port city of Aden, local witnesses and officials told Reuters on Oct. 8.
Why It Matters: A pullback, if confirmed, would corroborate earlier reports that the Saudi-backed Yemeni government and the Emirati-supported Southern Transitional Council (STC) are close to reaching a deal over control of Aden.
Background: Saudi Arabia has been spearheading negotiations in Jeddah to reach an agreement between the Yemeni government of President Abd Rabboh Mansour Hadi and the STC after the latter took control of Aden in August.
Read More:
- How Iran's Attack Will Shape Saudi Arabia's Regional Stance (Oct. 2, 2019)
- Southern Yemen Inches Toward Independence. But at What Cost? (Sept. 19, 2019)
- A Renewed Southern Push for Autonomy Risks Deepening Yemen's Woes (Aug. 14, 2019)
