Yemeni government troops, supported by Saudi Arabia, have regained control of several provinces from the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a secessionist group backed by the United Arab Emirates. The development comes amid ongoing tensions between the regional Gulf Arab powers.

Rashad al-Alimi, head of the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), the internationally recognized government in Yemen, stated on Saturday that the Saudi-backed Homeland Shield forces successfully retook all military and security positions in the province bordering Saudi Arabia. The operation to reclaim the territory commenced the previous day. Al-Alimi described the operation as a "record success" for the government forces.

The retaken provinces were previously held by the STC, which has been vying for independence in southern Yemen. The STC has called for an independence vote as fighting with government forces has intensified in recent months. The recent government offensive marks a significant shift in the balance of power in the region.

The conflict in Yemen has been ongoing for years, pitting the internationally recognized government against the Houthi rebels, who control much of northern Yemen, including the capital, Sanaa. The war has created a complex web of alliances and rivalries, with regional powers like Saudi Arabia and the UAE backing different factions. The United Nations estimates that hundreds of thousands of people have died as a result of the conflict, and millions more have been displaced.

The Saudi-led coalition has been providing military support to the Yemeni government since 2015. While the UAE was initially a key member of the coalition, it has since reduced its military presence in Yemen, and has instead focused on supporting the STC. This divergence in strategy has led to increased tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Analysts suggest that the recent government offensive may be an attempt by Saudi Arabia to reassert its influence in southern Yemen and to counter the growing power of the STC. The retaking of these provinces could strengthen the government's position in any future peace negotiations.

The situation in Yemen remains volatile, and it is unclear what the long-term implications of the recent government offensive will be. The United Nations has called for a ceasefire and a return to political negotiations to end the conflict. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with concerns focused on the humanitarian crisis and the potential for further escalation.