{"id":11330,"date":"2026-02-03T19:04:18","date_gmt":"2026-02-03T16:04:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mokhacenter.org\/?p=11330"},"modified":"2026-02-10T16:26:32","modified_gmt":"2026-02-10T13:26:32","slug":"11330","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mokhacenter.org\/en\/11330\/","title":{"rendered":"Monthly Briefing\/ January\u2013 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t\t
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Political Scene <\/span><\/h3>\n\t\t\t
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Recent developments mark a pivotal phase in Yemen\u2019s political landscape, characterized by the reassertion of sovereign decision-making, a recalibration of relations within the internationally recognized government, and the fragmentation of non-state actors\u2019 influence. Saudi Arabia has played a leading role in steering this trajectory, seeking to contain escalation, dismantle UAE-affiliated armed factions, and reframe southern political dynamics within the framework of a unified Yemeni state.<\/span><\/p>\n

January 2:<\/b> The Southern Transitional Council (STC) issued a \u201cconstitutional declaration\u201d announcing what it termed the <\/span>State of the South<\/span><\/i>, outlining an independent state project, a two-year transitional period, the formation of transitional governing bodies, and a call for international sponsorship of dialogue, while signaling potential escalation options.<\/span><\/p>\n

January 3:<\/b> The STC welcomed Saudi Arabia\u2019s invitation to sponsor a southern dialogue, affirming its commitment to dialogue and a referendum and its readiness to engage under regional and international auspices. This coincided with a presidential initiative to convene a comprehensive southern conference.<\/span><\/p>\n

January 4:<\/b> Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman met in Riyadh with Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) member Lieutenant General Tariq Saleh, marking the first visit by a figure closely associated with the UAE since developments in the eastern governorates.<\/span><\/p>\n

January 4:<\/b> PLC Chairman Rashad Al-Alimi commended the handover of military camps in Hadramawt and Al-Mahra, calling for unified efforts to build the state, address the southern issue through institutional frameworks, and safeguard civil peace and the rule of law.<\/span><\/p>\n

January 4:<\/b> Supporters of the STC dismantled their sit-in tents in Aden\u2019s Parade Square, alongside the conclusion of other sit-ins, amid a noticeable decline in the Council\u2019s influence following setbacks in Hadramawt and Al-Mahra.<\/span><\/p>\n

January 7:<\/b> The head of the Southern Transitional Council, Aidarus Al-Zubaidi, refused at the last minute to depart from Aden International Airport for Riyadh to participate in the Southern Conference.<\/span><\/p>\n

January 7:<\/b> The PLC issued two decrees dismissing Aden Governor Ahmed Lamlas and appointing Abdulrahman Al-Yafei as his replacement, as part of broader political and security changes in the interim capital.<\/span><\/p>\n

January 7:<\/b> PLC Chairman Rashad Al-Alimi issued a decree expelling Aidarus Al-Zubaidi from the Council and referring him to the Attorney General on charges including high treason and leading an armed rebellion.<\/span><\/p>\n

January 8:<\/b> A presidential decree relieved Defense Minister Mohsen Al-Daari of his duties and referred him to retirement, within a broader package of dismissals and investigations of senior officials.<\/span><\/p>\n

January 8:<\/b> Somalia announced an investigation into the unauthorized use of its airspace and airports by the UAE, suspected of facilitating Al-Zubaidi\u2019s escape, citing violations of sovereignty and international law.<\/span><\/p>\n

January 8:<\/b> The coalition spokesperson stated that Al-Zubaidi fled by sea from Aden to Berbera and then by air to Abu Dhabi aboard a UAE military aircraft with disabled identification systems.<\/span><\/p>\n

January 9:<\/b> The STC leadership announced the dissolution of the Council and all affiliated bodies, citing preparations to participate in the Saudi-sponsored Comprehensive Southern Dialogue Conference.<\/span><\/p>\n

January 9:<\/b> Prince Khalid bin Salman described the dissolution of the STC as a courageous decision, confirming the formation of a preparatory committee for the Riyadh Conference with broad participation.<\/span><\/p>\n

January 10:<\/b> The PLC announced the formation of a Supreme Military Committee under coalition supervision to unify command structures and prepare for the next phase.<\/span><\/p>\n

January 10:<\/b> PLC member Faraj Al-Bahsani attributed his absence from Council meetings to health reasons, denying reports of UAE restrictions on his travel.<\/span><\/p>\n

January 12:<\/b> Aden witnessed a mass rally called for by Aidarus Al-Zubaidi under the slogan \u201cMillion-Man March for Steadfastness and Popular Escalation.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

January 14:<\/b> Somalia\u2019s Foreign Minister stated that the UAE facilitated Al-Zubaidi\u2019s exit from Yemen via Somali airspace using cargo aircraft, citing the incident as grounds for canceling agreements with Abu Dhabi.<\/span><\/p>\n

January 15:<\/b> The PLC dismissed Faraj Al-Bahsani, citing violations of sovereign decisions and actions undermining state unity.<\/span><\/p>\n

January 15:<\/b> The PLC appointed Lieutenant General Mahmoud Al-Subaihi and Dr. Salem Al-Khanbashi as new members, filling vacancies left by Al-Zubaidi and Al-Bahsani.<\/span><\/p>\n

January 16:<\/b> A large demonstration was held in Aden\u2019s Parade Square following calls by the dissolved STC, with participants chanting slogans supporting Al-Zubaidi and opposing government measures.<\/span><\/p>\n

January 17:<\/b> The Minister of State and the new Governor of Aden discussed a phased plan to reposition military camps outside the city.<\/span><\/p>\n

January 18:<\/b> Hani bin Breik claimed that Al-Zubaidi remained inside Yemen, contradicting coalition statements that he had fled to Abu Dhabi.<\/span><\/p>\n

January 19:<\/b> The PLC Chairman met with the Commander of the Joint Forces to discuss strengthening military coordination with Saudi Arabia and consolidating the state\u2019s monopoly over weapons.<\/span><\/p>\n

January 20:<\/b> The UAE Ministry of Defense denied allegations regarding secret detention facilities and explosives at Riyan Airport, while local authorities reiterated documentation of violations.<\/span><\/p>\n

January 26:<\/b> Saba News Agency reported that Prime Minister Shaya Zindani continues consultations to form a technocratic government under strict criteria.<\/span><\/p>\n

January 27:<\/b> The UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2813, extending the UN Mission to Support the Hodeidah Agreement (UNMHA) for a final period until 31 March 2026, in preparation for its withdrawal.<\/span><\/p>\n

January 29:<\/b> The Giants Brigades closed the headquarters of the dissolved STC\u2019s General Assembly in Tawahi, implementing the government\u2019s dissolution decree and placing the site under security control.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n\t\t

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Military Scene <\/span><\/h3>\n\t\t\t
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Recent military developments indicate a calculated repositioning of forces aligned with the internationally recognized government and the coalition, alongside a gradual escalation by Houthi forces on multiple fronts. This process is unfolding within a broader framework aimed at unifying command structures, reducing overlapping roles, and preparing for a more decisive phase of military engagement, while simultaneously consolidating security in liberated areas and containing sources of armed instability.<\/span><\/p>\n

January 1:<\/b> Military sources reported the withdrawal of approximately six brigades of the Giants Brigades from western coastal fronts toward Hadramawt. Their positions were handed over to Tihami forces and National Resistance forces loyal to Tariq Saleh, amid notable troop movements.<\/span><\/p>\n

January 1:<\/b> The <\/span>Musnad Platform<\/span><\/i> reported the return of three UAE military flights from Mayyun Island to the UAE using C-130 aircraft, indicating the beginning of a drawdown of military presence, with no observed counter-deployments.<\/span><\/p>\n

January 7:<\/b> The Giants Brigades assumed control of the Central Bank, Camp 20, and the Ma\u2019ashiq Presidential Palace after Southern Transitional Council forces withdrew from these sites in Aden, as part of security arrangements aimed at stabilizing the situation and unifying control over sovereign facilities.<\/span><\/p>\n

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January 14:<\/b> Government forces carried out targeted operations on Taiz\u2019s western front, striking Houthi vehicles and positions. The operations resulted in casualties and the destruction of an armored vehicle and a military truck, amid ongoing escalation and the disruption of Houthi advances.<\/span><\/p>\n

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January 14:<\/b> A Saudi military committee arrived in Shabwa to initiate arrangements for the handover of key sites to the <\/span>Nation Shield forces<\/span><\/i> and to integrate local units, within a security and development plan coordinated with local authorities to enhance stability in the governorate.<\/span><\/p>\n

January 16:<\/b> Houthi forces established a new military checkpoint south of Taiz and began fortifying the site while imposing levies. The Yemeni army confirmed that it targeted the position with artillery to prevent its consolidation and to protect civilian security.<\/span><\/p>\n

January 21:<\/b> Engineering teams, supported by vehicles, dismantled military installations previously established by Emirati forces at the Port of Mocha, which had been converted into a military site in earlier years. The operation included the removal of temporary structures and the clearing of multiple locations.<\/span><\/p>\n

January 26:<\/b> The 21st Giants Brigade, commanded by Brigadier General Hamdi Shukri, arrived in Aden from the western coast as part of a redeployment plan aimed at reinforcing security and military operations, following the handover of its previous positions to the National Resistance Forces.<\/span><\/p>\n

January 27:<\/b> Houthi forces imposed a tight security cordon around the Khash\u2018ah area in Al-Bayda Governorate, severely restricting civilian movement. The measures were accompanied by military reinforcements and the detention of bodies and prisoners, prompting human rights warnings over escalating violence and serious violations against civilians.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n\t\t

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The Security Scene <\/span><\/h3>\n\t\t\t
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Recent security developments expose the fragility of the transitional phase, as the withdrawal of UAE-backed forces, the emergence of a security vacuum, and the resurgence of terrorist activity converge with mounting pressures from illegal migration. In response, both the state and the coalition are seeking to reassert control over the security landscape, dismantle sources of instability, and unify security decision-making as a precondition for stability and to prevent a descent into widespread chaos.<\/span><\/p>\n