Mapping who controls what in Yemen in 2026

Al JazeeraCenterSCO 5 min read 100% complete by Alia Chughtai,Mohamed A. HusseinJanuary 14, 2026 at 07:14 PM

AI Summary

long article 5 min

In January 2026, Al Jazeera reported on the key groups vying for control in Yemen and the resulting humanitarian crisis. The Saudi-backed Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), Yemen's internationally recognized government, announced it had regained two southern provinces from the UAE-backed separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC), who had seized them in December 2025. Saudi Arabia responded to the STC takeover with airstrikes, citing threats to its national security. The PLC and STC, formerly allies against the Iran-aligned Houthi rebels who control the capital Sanaa, have seen increased conflict, escalating tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The report details the territorial control of the PLC, STC, and Houthis, and analyzes the impact on Yemen's 42 million people.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Rashad al-Alimi 30% Sanaa 35% Iran 40% Hadramout 50% al-Mahra 50% Houthi ×360% United Arab Emirates (UAE) ×465% Saudi Arabia ×470% Southern Transitional Council (STC) ×780% Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) ×785% Yemen ×790%

Keywords

yemen 100% conflict 80% southern transitional council 70% presidential leadership council 70% humanitarian situation 70% uae 60% saudi arabia 60% houthi rebels 60% control 50% instability 40%