(16.3.2014) The decision comes amid a standoff between the commander of the SSF in Aden, Abdulhafez Al-Saqqaf, and Adlan Al-Hattas, who Hadi appointed last week to replace him.

Given Hadi’s past aggression towards the south, his move has not been welcomed there by all. Ahmad Lamlass, an officer based in Aden governorate, said Hadi’s escape to Aden and subsequent call for a southern army is an effort to “drag Yemen into endless conflict and war.”

“The Ministry of Defense is located in Sana‘a, not Aden. Therefore, enlistment should take place there, but Hadi wants to drag the south into a war which he will lose.”