Saudi-backed Yemen government regains control of southern regions held by STC

Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council Seizes Control of Southern Region

The internationally recognized government of Yemen has regained control over the southern region after a Saudi-backed military intervention. The Southern Transitional Council (STC), which had been aligned with the Saudi-backed government, was dissolved on Friday and its leader fled the country.

According to Rashad al-Alimi, the head of the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), the STC’s capture of two border provinces last month posed a threat to Saudi Arabia’s national security. The PLC has since taken control of most of southern Yemen and eastern regions.

The future of the STC remains uncertain due to internal divisions and the exile of its leader, Aidarous al-Zubaidi. Saudi Arabia plans to host a conference of main political factions from the south to shape the country’s future.

In a televised address on Saturday, al-Alimi called for unity among all parties to restore state institutions. He announced the formation of a Supreme Military Committee to prepare military forces for the next phase of the conflict and ready them if the Houthis reject peaceful solutions.

The PLC has warned armed groups to surrender their weapons and rejoin the ranks of the state, emphasizing the importance of strengthening security and protecting social peace. Al-Alimi accused the Houthis of refusing to engage in dialogue and blamed the Iran-linked group for prolonging Yemen’s suffering due to their “coup against constitutional legitimacy”.

The PLC has stated that it will focus on confrontation with the Houthis in the near future, while also prioritizing self-determination in southern Yemen. A southern dialogue conference under Saudi Arabia’s sponsorship is planned.

Meanwhile, the STC announced plans for a referendum on independence from the north on January 2, but suffered major territorial losses at the hands of PLC forces. The group’s now-exiled leader remains defiant, while some of its other leaders have switched loyalties.

Source: Al Jazeera