Sana'a: Yemen's presidential council chief, Rashad al-Alimi, has dismissed Defense Minister Mohsen al-Daeri and ordered his retirement, as reported by local media. Alimi's decree, which relieved Lt Gen al-Daeri of his post, did not specify the reasons behind this decision, according to the state news agency, Saba.

According to Anadolu Agency - English, this dismissal follows Alimi's recent decisions to remove the ministers of transport and planning over their support for 'unilateral measures' taken by the Southern Transitional Council (STC). On Wednesday, Alimi initiated a reshuffle of senior civilian and military officials in the southern region of the country, leading to the dismissal of the Aden governor and key military commanders amid escalating tensions in the southern and eastern provinces.

The situation has become more complex with Saudi Arabia accusing the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of encouraging STC forces to conduct military operations along Saudi's southern border in the Hadhramaut and al-Mahra provinces. However, Abu Dhabi has denied these allegations. The STC fighters had seized control of these provinces last month, but Yemeni government forces managed to reclaim them earlier this week.

The STC has been a long-standing advocate for the secession of southern Yemen, citing political and economic marginalization by successive governments. Yemeni authorities, however, have dismissed these claims and remain committed to maintaining the country's territorial integrity. Yemen's unification took place on May 22, 1990, resulting in the formation of the Republic of Yemen.