Southern Separatists on the Rise in Yemen Amid Saudi Airstrikes Near STC Positions
The Southern Transitional Council (STC) has claimed that Saudi airstrikes targeted its positions in Wadi Nahab, Hadramaut, with footage released though not independently verified. These airstrikes reportedly followed ambushes in eastern Hadramaut that resulted in the deaths of two STC fighters, according to Amr al-Bidh.
Two weeks prior, the STC seized control of the large, oil-rich governorates of Hadramaut and al-Mahra, with Hadramaut forces retreating with little resistance. In response, Saudi-backed and UN-recognised southern authorities have mounted a political and diplomatic counteroffensive against the STC's unilateral actions, arguing that there is no appetite in the south for secession.
Internationally, Europe, Kuwait, Qatar, and the Arab League have called for Yemen to remain unified, while the United States has offered little public comment. European observers express concern that a split in the south risks diverting energy and resources from efforts to oust the Houthis, who have dominated the north, including the capital Sana’a, since 2015.
The STC contends that the UN-recognised government has done little to confront the Houthis, asserting that a cohesive, separate south would be better positioned to defend southern ports and counter Iran-backed forces. Demonstrations in Aden on Thursday urged STC president Aidarous al-Zubaidi to declare independence, a step he is reportedly considering.
The Saudi foreign ministry called for the STC to withdraw and resume negotiations with the UN-recognised government, warning that unilateral moves threaten Yemen's unity and urging an urgent, orderly withdrawal from Hadramaut and al-Mahra.
