Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council (STC), a major separatist group, declared plans to disband amid rising tensions in the region, highlighting a significant rift between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This announcement comes in the wake of their leader’s hasty departure to the UAE, raising questions about the future of the separatist movement and the region’s stability.
The STC’s decision to announce its disbanding while in Riyadh seems to signal discord within its ranks. The group’s leadership, notably tied to various factions backed by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, is under scrutiny following allegations that the UAE facilitated their leader’s escape out of Yemen. This move may further complicate the already precarious alliance between the two Gulf states, both of whom have vested interests in Yemen’s conflict.
Recent reports indicate that a UAE aircraft lifted away STC leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi, leading to accusations from Saudi officials claiming the UAE acted unilaterally. Analysts suggest that this infighting could have broader implications for regional stability, as the STC has been a pivotal player in military operations against Houthi forces under the Saudi-led coalition.
Saudi Arabia, which has historically exerted influence over the STC, may now find its position weakened. The disbanding of the council puts into question the unity of the southern forces, which have shared objectives yet diverging loyalties to their foreign backers. Observers note that this emerging infighting reflects deeper fractures in the shared Saudi-UAE posture towards Yemen.
Following the disbanding, there is uncertainty regarding the fate of local governance in the southern regions of Yemen, where the STC has held substantial power. As the situation evolves, the international community will closely monitor the developments, with hopes that diplomatic efforts might still stabilize a region plagued by conflict. The departure of al-Zubaidi and subsequent fallout underscores an escalating power struggle within Yemen’s complex landscape, posing new challenges for peace and governance efforts.
Original Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/yemens-southern-separatists-have-disbanded-delegate-talks-saudia-arabia-says-2026-01-09/
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Publish Date: 2026-01-09 22:55:00
