ISTANBUL

Yemeni government forces entered the city of Mukalla, the capital of the eastern Hadhramout province, on Sunday after the withdrawal of Southern Transitional Forces (STC) fighters, local media reported.

According to the state-run Yemen TV, the Nation’s Shield Forces moved into the city through the eastern entrance, without providing further details.

Footage aired by the channel showed government forces entering the city, with citizens lining in the streets to welcome the troops.

Yemeni government sources told Anadolu on condition of anonymity that STC forces withdrew from a number of facilities and positions in the city on Saturday.

Mukalla is the most important city in Hadhramout and is home to the Al-Dhabba oil port, and Al Rayyan International Airport.

The Nation’s Shield Forces confirmed that they had given a safe corridor for the STC fighters to withdraw from Al-Mahra toward Aden.

They said STC forces were allowed to leave the city, carrying only personal arms, adding that they had secured full control of Mukalla Port.

Footage broadcast by Yemen TV showed government forces operating from Al Rayyan International Airport.

It came a day after government forces seized control of the eastern Al-Mahra province and Hadhramaut’s desert and valley region from the STC troops.

Yemen has seen an unprecedented escalation since Tuesday, after the STC forces took control of Hadhramaut and Al-Mahra in early December. The two provinces account for nearly half of Yemen’s territory and share borders with Saudi Arabia.

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. Abu Dhabi denied the accusation.

The STC says successive Yemeni governments have marginalized southern regions politically and economically and calls for secession. Yemeni authorities reject the claim and reaffirm their commitment to the country’s unity.