Yemen’s southern spat may strain intra-Gulf relations

Significance

The airport is now under the control of Aden security chief Shallal Shayei, who is allied with the popular former governor of Aden, Aidrous al-Zubaidi. Aden airport has been a focus of clashes since February, culminating in Hadi’s dismissal of Zubaidi in May, and Zubaidi’s announcement of a new council to represent the interests of the south.

Impacts

• The influence of Islah, a political party linked with the Muslim Brotherhood, will grow, as Hadi needs its support.
• Ongoing internal divisions in Aden will boost the morale of the rival government in the national capital, Sana’a.
• Hadhramaut, which has seen little direct impact from the war, could distance itself from both Hadi and his southern rivals.