Yemeni government accuses separatists of restricting access to Aden.

Yemen's Saudi-backed government said southern separatists had cut off movement into the port city of Aden and warned it would take measures; the Southern Transitional Council denied the claim and Saudi Arabia agreed to host a forum to address the southern issue.

Yemen's Saudi-backed government accused the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council of restricting movement into the port city of Aden and said it would take all necessary measures. The STC rejected the accusations and said the situation in Aden was stable. Reuters reported it could not verify the claims. Saudi Arabia agreed to host a forum to discuss the southern issue after a government request. Reported developments: - The presidential office said the STC had taken measures that limited movement into Aden and reported arrests in the city. - The STC called the accusations a distortion and stated Aden was stable. - Reuters said it could not independently verify the reports. - Riyadh accepted a government request to host a forum for southern factions; officials said any dialogue would begin only after Aden was secured. Summary: The situation reflects ongoing tensions between the internationally recognised government and the Southern Transitional Council in southern Yemen, with the government signalling it intends to secure Aden before talks. Saudi Arabia's agreement to host a forum is the next publicly announced step, while the timing and format of any negotiation remain unclear.