STC Gains Control of Key Yemeni Provinces
Yemen’s separatist group, the Southern Transitional Council (STC), has taken control of the oil-rich provinces of Hadramawt and Mahra. This move raises concerns about reigniting Yemen’s stagnant civil war and potentially destabilizing the region further.
In Yemen’s civil war, three primary factions are at play: the internationally recognized Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), the Iranian-backed Houthi militant group, and the STC forces based in southern Yemen.
The Houthis ignited Yemen’s brutal civil conflict in 2014 by capturing the capital, Sanaa, which pushed the elected government to relocate to Aden. Following that, a coalition of Gulf states spearheaded by Saudi Arabia was formed in 2015. They intervened with airstrikes against the Houthis in support of the Aden government, but ultimately, the situation has remained largely stagnant.
While the STC may not have received as much international media coverage compared to other factions, it has maintained a presence in southern Yemen since the civil war began. Typically, they align with the PLC, though they harbor strong opposition towards the Houthis.
The STC aspires to restore the Southern Province, aiming for an independent state reminiscent of what existed in South Yemen before its unification nearly 40 years ago. The STC operates its own military, referred to as the “Southern Army,” which comprises a mix of paramilitary forces.
Leaders within the STC often criticize their supposed allies in the PLC as corrupt or ineffective, declaring autonomy over regions they control. Despite their long-held goal of secession, they have remained allies with the PLC against the Houthis.
A confusing aspect of Yemen’s civil war is the support dynamics. While Saudi Arabia backs the PLC, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a strong alliance with the STC. In 2016, the UAE set up a paramilitary group known as the Hadram Elite Force (HEF), ostensibly to combat al-Qaeda. However, this group has evolved into a challenge to Saudi influence in the vital Hadramawt area.
The ceasefire established in 2022 had been fragile, with various areas held by the Houthis, the People’s Liberation Army, and the STC remaining stagnant until recently. In the past few weeks, the STC and HEF have begun extending their control in southern Yemen.
On Monday, the STC announced that it had seized power in Hadramawt and Mahra, including essential oil facilities. They also claimed dominance over Aden, where several PLC officials have reportedly fled since the takeover.
The STC argues that its assertive actions are necessary for ensuring stability and security in southern Yemen, aiming to combat extremist groups such as al-Qaeda and disrupt smuggling routes benefitting the Houthis.
STC spokesperson Amr al-Bid mentioned on Monday, “We are focused on enhancing coordination and readiness to stabilize and secure the south, preparing to combat the Houthis should they decide to escalate.” He indicated that STC and HEF fighters faced “limited resistance” while advancing, although some violent confrontations were reported.
PLC leader Rasad Al Alimi condemned the STC’s actions as a “clear violation” of the alliance agreement. Meanwhile, both Alimi and Prime Minister Salem Saleh bin Burak have allegedly fled to Riyadh.
The silence from Saudi Arabia and the UAE regarding this sudden power shift is notable. Saudi Arabia has vaguely announced plans to “redeploy” its troops from Aden and dispatched a diplomatic team to southern Yemen to help ease tensions.
On Wednesday, STC Chairman Aidars Al Zubaidi stated that their operations in southern Yemen form the “cornerstone” of efforts to “liberate” northern Yemen from Houthi control. He remarked that the stability achieved in the south was a critical foundation for a broader operation aimed at securing the north.
Zubaidi enthusiastically mentioned, “The era of flank battles is over,” suggesting that with supply lines to the Houthis now severed, it’s time for a decisive move. He emphasized that the next target would be Sana’a, which would be secured “by peace or war.”
Despite how it might appear, Zubaidi stressed that the STC’s takeover of southern Yemen’s oil fields and Aden is not intended as an act of aggression against the PLC or the Saudi-led coalition. Instead, they assert their intent to proactively address the Houthis, claiming their forces are “more loyal, stronger, and better prepared” to combat Iranian influence and the Houthi threat affecting international shipping and neighboring countries.
