Yemen: Multiple fatalities during clashes in Abyan province November 27

Event

At least thirteen fighters were reportedly killed and six wounded in an exchange of artillery fire between pro-government forces and forces loyal to the Southern Transitional Council (STC) in Abyan province on Friday, November 27. Media sources suggest shelling was carried out on STC positions in Sheikh Salem. The Southern Transitional Council reportedly suffered eight fatalities and six injured, and the Yemeni government side reported five fatalities.

Further fighting is likely across the province in the medium term.

Context

Nominally allies against the Houthis in Yemen's ongoing civil war, Southern Transitional Council (STC) fighters have frequently clashed with government forces over control of southern Yemen since August 2019. Saudi Arabia has repeatedly attempted to intervene in the dispute, brokering a power-sharing agreement in November 2019, but previous efforts have failed to resolve the crisis and the STC declared self-rule in Aden and other key southern provinces in April 2020.

Advice

Due to poor security conditions, many Western governments advise their citizens against all travel to Yemen. Travel to the country should only be considered with proper security protocols in place. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.