Thu Jan 08 05:07:38 UTC 2026: Headline: STC’s Push for Southern Yemen Independence Falters as Saudi Arabia Reasserts Influence

The Story:
The Southern Transitional Council (STC), a secessionist movement in Yemen backed by the UAE, has seen its ambitions for an independent South Yemen undermined after a recent push to expand its control. Having previously held de facto control over much of southern Yemen, the STC’s move to seize the eastern governorates of Hadhramout and al-Mahra proved to be a miscalculation, drawing a firm line from Saudi Arabia. Consequently, the STC leader, Aidarous al-Zubaidi, is now reportedly on the run, and forces loyal to the Yemeni government have regained control of much of the south. The UAE, seemingly recognizing Saudi Arabia’s dominant role in Yemen, has reportedly stepped back.

Key Points:

  • The STC, formed in May 2017, aims for secession from Yemen.
  • By 2019, the STC had ousted the Yemeni government from Aden.
  • Aidarous al-Zubaidi, head of the STC, joined the Saudi-backed Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), but continued to pursue secession.
  • The STC’s recent expansion into Hadhramout and al-Mahra triggered Saudi opposition.
  • The UAE appears to have reduced its involvement in Yemen, accepting Saudi Arabia’s primacy.
  • The Yemeni government, with Saudi support, aims to unify anti-Houthi forces.

Key Takeaways:

  • External actors, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, wield significant influence over the trajectory of the conflict in Yemen.
  • The pursuit of secession by the STC, while holding strong support in some southern regions, faces considerable obstacles, including regional and international opposition.
  • The Yemeni government, backed by Saudi Arabia, is attempting to regain control and unify the country, presenting challenges to the STC’s ambitions.
  • The focus seems to shift to establishing a federal republic.
  • The situation remains volatile, with the potential for renewed conflict and insurgency.

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