SHOTLIST:

MUKALLA, YEMEN (JAN. 8, 2026) (ANADOLU - ACCESS ALL)

1. VARIOUS OF YEMENI GOVERNMENT FORCES AT STREETS / SECURITY MEASURES MUKALLA, YEMEN - JAN. 8, 2026: Yemen’s government-affiliated Homeland Shield forces have stepped up security measures in the city of Mukalla after taking control of the eastern city in Hadramawt province.

The forces were seen deploying along main roads, setting up checkpoints at entry and exit points, and conducting regular patrols across the city.

The move is aimed at filling a security vacuum that emerged following the recent withdrawal of the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) from Mukalla.

On Wednesday, Alimi ordered a reshuffle of senior civilian and military officials in the country’s south, dismissing the Aden governor and key commanders amid heightened tensions in southern and eastern provinces.

Last week, Saudi Arabia accused the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of pushing STC forces to carry out military operations along the kingdom’s southern border in Hadhramaut and al-Mahra provinces. Abu Dhabi denied the accusation.

The two provinces, which account for nearly half of Yemen’s territory, were seized by the STC fighters last month, but government forces managed to recapture them earlier this week.

The STC has long pushed for the secession of southern Yemen, arguing that successive governments have marginalized the region politically and economically. Yemeni authorities reject the claim and insist on preserving the country’s territorial unity.

North and South Yemen were unified on May 22, 1990, forming the Republic of Yemen.