Aden, Yemen – Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council (STC) announced Friday the drafting of a constitution for an independent South Arabia, escalating tensions with the Saudi-led coalition and raising the specter of further conflict in the war-torn nation.
Southern Separatists’ Declaration
According to a video statement released by STC President Aidarous al-Zubaid, the newly announced constitution will be in effect for two years, after which a referendum will be held to determine the future of the south. Al-Zubaid called for dialogue with other factions in Yemen to “guarantee the right of the people of the South,” but warned that “all options remain open” if those calls are not met or if military action is taken against the STC.
The 30-article document proclaims the creation of “the State of South Arabia,” encompassing the territory of the former independent nation. While the practical impact of this declaration remains unclear, it represents the most overt move yet by the STC toward achieving its long-held goal of independence.
Saudi Warplanes Strike as Fighting Continues in the South
The announcement comes amid escalating clashes between the STC and Saudi-backed forces. On Friday, Saudi warplanes bombed camps and military positions held by the STC in Hadramout province, following an advance by the Saudi-backed National Shield Forces to retake facilities seized by the separatists last month. Ahmed bin Breik, a senior STC official and former governor of Hadramout, stated that separatist forces refused to withdraw, prompting the airstrikes.
Mohamed al-Nakib, a spokesperson for the STC-backed forces, reported fatalities resulting from the strikes, though the Associated Press has not independently verified these claims. Intense clashes between the two sides were reported across several areas of Hadramout, with the outcome of the fighting remaining uncertain.
Salem al-Khanbashi, the newly appointed governor of Hadramout by Yemen’s internationally recognized government, described the move to reclaim the camps as a “pre-emptive measure to remove weapons” and not a declaration of war.
Escalating Tensions
The conflict stems from a power struggle within the Saudi-led coalition, which has been fighting Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen’s decade-long civil war. Last month, STC-linked fighters seized control of two southern provinces, including Aden, and took over the Presidential Palace, prompting members of the internationally recognized government to flee to Riyadh.
Saudi Ambassador to Yemen, Mohammed al-Jaber, stated on X that the kingdom had made repeated attempts to de-escalate the situation and persuade the STC to withdraw from Hadramout and Mahra, but these efforts were met with “continued intransigence and rejection” from Aidarous al-Zubaidi. Al-Jaber also claimed the STC prevented a Saudi delegation from landing in Aden despite prior agreement.
Further complicating matters, Yemen’s Transportation Ministry, aligned with the STC, reported that Saudi Arabia imposed new requirements for flights to and from Aden International Airport, mandating inspections in Jeddah. The ministry denounced the decision, and a spokesperson stated that all flights to and from the UAE were suspended pending a reversal of the new measures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Southern Transitional Council?
The Southern Transitional Council (STC) is a coalition of separatist groups seeking to restore the independent state of South Yemen, which existed from 1967 to 1990.
What is the role of Saudi Arabia and the UAE in this conflict?
Both Saudi Arabia and the UAE have been part of a Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthi rebels in Yemen. However, tensions have emerged between the two Gulf nations and the STC, leading to direct confrontations.
What is the current status of the fighting between the STC and Saudi-backed forces?
On Friday, Saudi warplanes bombed camps and military positions held by the STC in Hadramout province as Saudi-backed fighters attempted to seize the facilities. Intense clashes between the two sides were reported, but the outcome remains unclear.
As the situation continues to evolve, will the escalating tensions between the STC and the Saudi-led coalition lead to a full-scale conflict, and what impact will this have on the already fragile humanitarian situation in Yemen?
