Aden Airport Flights Suspended Amidst Escalating Tensions in Southern Yemen
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, flights at Aden Airport have been suspended due to escalating tensions in southern Yemen. A source reported that Yemen Airways has canceled flights to and from Aden Airport.
The reason for the flight cancellations is reportedly the lack of permits from the Saudi-led coalition, leaving passengers stranded. Simultaneously, large-scale demonstrations have erupted in Aden and Hadramaut provinces, supporting the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council. Protesters are demanding the separation of southern Yemen from the north and the establishment of an independent South Yemen.
In recent days, forces loyal to the Southern Transitional Council have taken control of significant portions of the vast Hadramaut province and parts of Al-Mahra province in eastern Yemen. The situation in southern and eastern Yemen has rapidly deteriorated over the past week as the Southern Transitional Council elements, affiliated with the UAE, advance through Hadramaut and Al-Mahra provinces.
Sources have indicated that Rashad al-Alimi, head of the Riyadh-based presidential council, left Aden on Saturday, effectively placing the city under the control of UAE-affiliated elements. Local sources in Aden province reported the immediate withdrawal of Saudi forces and the complete shutdown of flights at the airport.
The Al-Khabar Al-Yamani website reported that Saudi Arabia evacuated dozens of its military personnel from Aden via a military transport plane. These forces had been stationed at various headquarters and garrisons in Aden. A source in the Riyadh-backed government stated that Saudi Arabia has halted the issuance of permits for civilian flights to and from Aden Airport, effectively closing Yemeni airspace.
This move is seen as a warning from Riyadh due to the actions of the Southern Transitional Council in the eastern provinces, according to a government source in Aden. Yemeni media outlets have reported that the country’s airspace, controlled by Saudi-led coalition forces, has been completely and abruptly closed.
Al-Mawqeh Post also reported that the Saudi coalition is responsible for issuing flight permits in Yemeni airspace, and all flights have been suddenly canceled since early this morning.
