Mon Dec 08 17:30:11 UTC 2025: Summary:
Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council (STC) has declared it controls most of southern Yemen, including Aden, the base of the internationally-recognized government. This follows a military operation and signifies a major power shift in the region, where the STC seeks greater autonomy. The STC’s actions are condemned by the Presidential Council, which claims they undermine the government. While the UAE affirms its support for a political process, Saudi Arabia has yet to comment.
News Article:
Southern Separatists Claim Control of Southern Yemen, Including Aden
Aden, Yemen – The Southern Transitional Council (STC), a major separatist group in Yemen, announced Monday that it has extended its control over all southern provinces, including the key port city of Aden. Aden has served as the base of the internationally-recognized government since the Houthi rebels captured the capital Sanaa in 2014.
According to Amr al-Bidh, a senior STC official, the group’s military operation, dubbed “Promising Future,” has placed the eight southern governorates “under the protection of the Southern Armed Forces.” The STC seeks greater autonomy for the south, a region that was an independent state prior to Yemen’s unification in 1990.
The STC’s advance has been met with strong condemnation from the Presidential Council, which shares power with the STC in southern regions. Presidential Council head Rashad al-Alimi stated that the STC’s actions “undermine the legitimacy of the internationally recognized government” and violate existing power-sharing agreements.
The United Arab Emirates, a key player in Yemen’s conflict, stated its position on Yemen remains “in line with Saudi Arabia in supporting a political process” based on Gulf-backed initiatives and United Nations resolutions. However, they did not directly address the STC’s recent actions. Saudi Arabia has yet to comment on the developing situation.
The power shift presents a significant challenge to the stability of Yemen and the ongoing efforts to resolve the country’s decade-long civil war.