Yemen’s main southern separatist group, the Southern Transitional Council (STC), claims it has consolidated control across the country’s south.

The announcement on Monday, which marks a major power shift, comes following a military operation launched last week.

Eight southern governorates “are under the protection of the Southern Armed Forces”, including the port city of Aden, STC representative Amr al-Bidh told Reuters news agency.

“We are concentrating on unifying the operational theatre of our armed forces to enhance coordination and readiness to reinforce stability and security in the south, as well as combating the Houthis should there be a willingness to head in this direction.”

Yemen’s internationally recognised government, known as the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), c

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