The takeover of Aden by the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (NTC) forces and the overthrow of the internationally recognized legitimate government has significantly confused military papers in Yemen in general and specifically in the southern governorates.
Their control of Aden and the withdrawal of legitimate government forces posed further questions about the map of control of the entire Yemeni territory.
These are the most prominent areas of control of various forces and military factions in Yemen
Marib
The legitimate government has full control over the province of Marib, only parts of the districts of "Sorouh" and "Hareb Qaramish" west of the province.
Shabwah - Al Jouf
The legitimate government, along with the so-called Shabwa elite forces loyal to the UAE, shares influence in Shabwa province. It also controls a number of directorates east, central and south of the province of Jouf.
Abyan
Abyan province, which has troops from the UAE-backed security belt, is also under the control of the legitimate government.
Lahj
The legitimate government also shares control of Lahj governorate with the security belt forces.
Skilled
Al-Mahra province, which is witnessing an increasing presence of Saudi forces, is fully controlled by the legitimate government amid the rejection of the people.
Dali
Legitimate government forces also control most of al-Dhali governorate except for Dumat district and parts of Qatoba, Juban and al-Hasha districts, which are still controlled by the Houthi group.
Socotra Archipelago
The Socotra archipelago is also under the control of the legitimate government, which protested to the UN Security Council against the UAE's violation of Yemeni sovereignty and the unjustified deployment of its forces in the archipelago.
Houthi control areas
The rest of Yemen is under the control of the Houthi militia, most notably the capital Sana'a (Amanat al-Asimah), and Saada, which is described as a Houthi stronghold, Ibb, Amran, Dhamar, Rumayah, Hodeidah, Mahwit, al-Bayda and Hajja.