Bullet-riddled homes, buildings turned to rubble and countless pictures of martyrs: seven years into Yemens civil war, the interim capital Aden bears the scars of a conflict that shows no signs of abating.<\/p>\n
While Aden is now relatively stable, economically the ancient port city has been left on its knees.<\/p>\n
Water and electricity are intermittent, serving a population that officials say has tripled to more than three million, as people seek safety from fighting raging elsewhere.<\/p>\n
Aden governor Ahmed Lamlas said the outbreak of war in 2015 was a disaster, leaving the citys infrastructure in ruins.<\/p>\n
We are still suffering from the impacts of war, said Lamlas, who narrowly escaped a deadly car bomb attack in October.<\/p>\n
Yemen has a long history of civil war, and was divided into North and South Yemen until 1990.<\/p>\n
It descended into brutal conflict again when Iran-backed Huthi rebels launched a military campaign to seize power in 2014, taking large swathes of territory including the capital Sanaa in the north.<\/p>\n
The following year, after a Saudi-led military coalition intervened to support the internationally recognised government, the insurgents were at the gates of Aden.<\/p>\n
They held sway for a few months before being pushed out by loyalist forces.<\/p>\n
Sporadic violence continues to blight the temporary seat of the government, whose troops clashed with southern separatists in 2018-19 before they reached a power-sharing agreement.<\/p>\n
Flags of former South Yemen line the streets of Aden, where the separatist Southern Transitional Council has much influence, with checkpoints set up everywhere.<\/p>\n
As if civil war and a struggle for the city were not enough, Aden has also been targeted by a number of bombings claimed by the Islamic State group.<\/p>\n
Along the corniche in Aden stands a large portrait of the former governor, Jaafar Saad, who was killed in a car bomb claimed by the jihadist group in 2015.<\/p>\n
Aden will not forget you, its message reads.<\/p>\n
At the airport, a gaping hole torn into the arrivals terminal reminds visitors of a missile attack on cabinet members in 2020, a memorial of sorts to the at least 26 people killed.<\/p>\n
Across Yemen, hundreds of thousands have been killed, directly or indirectly, and millions displaced by the war, which has left 80 percent of people on food aid.<\/p>\n
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday warned that Yemen risked catastrophe, speaking at a donor conference that raised less than a third of the money needed.<\/p>\n
The number of people starving in famine conditions is projected to increase five-fold this year to 161,000.<\/p>\n
Lamlas said the pressure was exacting a toll on Adens citizens.<\/p>\n
Living conditions have affected the people psychologically, said Lamlas, but insisted: Aden remains steadfast and will return to life.<\/p>\n
Adens residents are struggling to afford basic goods amid soaring inflation.<\/p>\n
Fish vendor Ammar Mohammed, 52, struggles to make a living, as few in the city can afford his product.<\/p>\n
Only those who have money can buy fish, he said.<\/p>\n
Everything was cheaper before the war.<\/p>\n
On a quiet Friday evening, some Yemeni families headed to a seaside resort, one of the citys few recreational areas.<\/p>\n
I have work experience in hotels, makeup and accounting, Abeer, 31, told AFP as she sat with her two friends smoking shisha andelectronic cigarettes.<\/p>\n
The salaries are low, the situation is difficult, and I am fighting to lead a dignified life, she said, adding that friends and jokes are what keep her going.<\/p>\n
There is no internet, phone network, theres nothing. Were looking for water, gas and petrol, but we at least still have some laughs.<\/p>\n
Many in Aden blame the government for the citys deterioration, and some of them make no secret of their desire to become an independent southern state.<\/p>\n
South Yemen was an independent country from 1967 when British colonial forces withdrew, paving the way for the creation of a Soviet-backed communist one-party state until 1990.<\/p>\n
An attempt to break away again in 1994 sparked a brief civil war. That ended with northern troops and their militia allies occupying the south.<\/p>\n
But calls for secession are growing louder, as people recall better times and more opportunities for women.<\/p>\n
Its all bad, whether separated or not, said Abeer.<\/p>\n
We dont want to unite with the Huthis in the north but in (rebel-held) Sanaa there is more security and safety and there is electricity.Here there is nothing.<\/p>\n
by Shatha Yaish<\/p>\n
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Link: <\/p>\n
'Here there is nothing': Yemen's Aden scarred by grinding war - Macau Business<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Bullet-riddled homes, buildings turned to rubble and countless pictures of martyrs: seven years into Yemens civil war, the interim capital Aden bears the scars of a conflict that shows no signs of abating. While Aden is now relatively stable, economically the ancient port city has been left on its knees. Continue reading