South Yemen separatists: clashes to cooperation

• Long-held aspirations for autonomy in South Yemen erupted into deadly conflict between separatists.
• Saudi Arabia creates a military coalition to prop up Hadi's forces.
• Aden is declared Yemen's de facto capital.

ADEN: Long-held aspirations for autonomy in South Yemen erupted into deadly conflict between separatists and pro-government forces in 2017, adding to the complexity of Yemen's war.

After the two sides signed a power-sharing deal Tuesday, here is recap of tensions in the south.

2015: Government moves to Aden

Huthi rebels complete their takeover of Yemen's capital Sanaa in early 2015, forcing the government of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi to relocate to second city Aden, in the south.

Saudi Arabia creates a military coalition to prop up Hadi's forces.

Aden is declared Yemen's de facto capital.

2017: Southern 'authority' launched 

In April 2017, Hadi sacks Aden governor Aidarous al-Zoubeidi, who had a history of favouring autonomy for the formerly independent south.

Thousands of Aden residents demonstrate.

In an open challenge to Hadi, Zoubeidi in May launches a self-proclaimed parallel authority to manage the southern provinces, the Southern Transitional Council (STC).

2018: Aden palace seige

In January 2018 a separatist force dominated by STC supporters seizes almost all of Aden and surrounds the presidential palace.

That sparks three days of clashes in which 38 people are killed.

The group, called the Security Belt Forces, is backed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a key member of the Saudi-led coalition aiding Hadi against the Huthi rebellion.

After coalition mediation, the separatists lift the siege of Aden.

2019: Clashes erupt

There are new clashes between Security Belt and pro-government forces in Aden in August 2019.

The separatists gain ground across the city, saying they have seized the presidential palace.

Four days of fighting leaves 40 dead and 260 wounded, according to the United Nations.

Hadi's government accuses the UAE of backing a "coup". Abu Dhabi denies the charge.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE call for dialogue and send in a military delegation.

STC supporters vacate some public buildings in Aden but keep hold of military positions.

Separatists in control

Hadi's forces enter Aden late August and announce they are in "full control", including of the presidential palace.

But the next day they are forced to withdraw as the separatists retake the city.

Yemen's government accuses the UAE of launching air strikes against its troops in support of separatist fighters, reportedly leaving dozens dead.

The UAE confirms the strikes, but says it had targeted "terrorist militias" in self-defence.

Saudi warning, talks 

In September Saudi Arabia demands separatists return captured military and civilian facilities, warning that otherwise they will be "dealt with firmly".

The kingdom calls for dialogue but insists there is "no alternative to the legitimate government".

Yemen's government publicly rules out talks at first, but it emerges on October 7 that the two sides are holding indirect negotiations under Saudi mediation.

Power-sharing deal

On October 14, the UAE hands over to Saudi forces key positions in Aden, including an airbase and the international airport, in a bid to defuse tensions between separatists and the government.

On October 25, sources from both sides announce they have struck a power-sharing deal.

The accord is signed in Riyadh on November 5, reportedly handing the STC a number of government ministries and allowing the government to return to Aden.