Saudi Airstrikes Near Southern Transitional Council Positions Amid Rising Separatist Tensions in Yemen
The Southern Transitional Council (STC) has reported Saudi airstrikes near its positions in Wadi Nahab, Hadramaut, following its recent seizure of the oil-rich provinces of Hadramaut and al-Mahra about two weeks ago. Videos circulating show airstrikes close to STC positions, described by the STC as warning shots, though these have not been independently verified. Saudi officials have not publicly commented on the strikes.
This appears to be the first military action by Saudi Arabia since last Thursday's diplomatic appeal urging the STC to withdraw from Hadramaut and al-Mahra. According to Amr al-Bidh, these airstrikes came after clashes in eastern Hadramaut that resulted in the deaths of two STC fighters.
The STC's unilateral move to control parts of southern Yemen has heightened tensions with the broader Southern movement and the UN-recognised Yemeni government, both of which are trying to counter this expansion. Western and Gulf states continue to support Yemen's unity, while the United States has been notably quiet.
Demonstrations in Aden on Thursday called for independence, as STC president Aidarous al-Zubaidi contemplates declaring independence for the region. The United Arab Emirates has praised Saudi Arabia's role but has not endorsed an STC withdrawal. Private discussions are ongoing regarding withdrawal preconditions. Observers warn that the STC's survival in the absence of UAE support is uncertain.
