Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council Accuses Saudi Arabia of Airstrikes

The Southern Transitional Council (STC), a separatist group in Yemen, accused Saudi Arabia on Friday of conducting airstrikes targeting its forces in Hadramout province. This province was recently taken over by the STC, which had previously been collaborating with Yemen’s internationally recognized government, the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), against the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. However, the STC’s relationship with the PLC seems to have deteriorated rapidly.

As the situation unfolded, STC fighters are expected to exert control over Hadramout and the nearby Mahra province by early December. In seeking international backing, the STC claimed it was more organized and combat-ready compared to the forces under the PLC. Their next major operation is planned with the aim of driving the Houthis out of the capital, Sanaa.

Despite working alongside the PLC for years, the STC has not abandoned its long-standing goal of establishing an independent South Yemen. For context, South Yemen existed as a separate entity from the end of British colonial rule in 1967 until merging into what is now the Republic of Yemen in 1990.

This development hasn’t impressed Saudi Arabia, leading a coalition of Gulf nations that intervened in Yemen’s civil war in 2015. The coalition has faced ongoing criticism over its heavy airstrikes that have resulted in extensive damage and civilian casualties, yet progress against the Houthis has been limited.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), also part of this coalition, has shown strong support for the STC, often training its elite units with the primary objective of combating al-Qaeda in Yemen.

On Thursday, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the STC to cease the “unwarranted escalation,” explaining that it undermines both the southern cause and the broader coalition efforts. The ministry emphasized the need for collaboration among various factions in Yemen to avoid any destabilizing actions.

Efforts are reportedly underway to mediate between the parties, pressuring the STC to withdraw from Hadramout and Mahra and transfer military camps to the National Shield Corps, a primary military faction loyal to the PLC.

However, the STC appears unmoved. A large demonstration took place in Aden, supporting the STC’s pursuit of independence for South Yemen, with attendees calling for the STC President, Aidars al-Zubaidi, to declare independence immediately.

Meanwhile, in Sanaa, Houthis held their own demonstration during a funeral for four of their soldiers believed to have been killed in a U.S. airstrike earlier in March.

On Friday, the STC reiterated its accusation that Saudi Arabia conducted airstrikes against its forces in Hadramout. According to the STC, their fighters were repelling attacks from unidentified armed groups at the time of the aerial bombardment. Witness reports confirm the destruction of a military vehicle belonging to the STC, although there have been no immediate reports of casualties. This latest strike seems to serve as a warning from Saudi Arabia to the STC.

Adding to the narrative, a video surfaced on social media showing what appeared to be an airstrike near a military position in Hadramout’s Wadi Nahab.

The UAE responded calmly, praising Saudi Arabia’s efforts to bolster security and stability in Yemen while notably avoiding any call for the STC to withdraw from the claimed territories.