Yemen
Amid ongoing conflict in Yemen, thousands rallied in Aden's Khor Maksar district on January 16, 2026, in support of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), calling for the south’s independence. The protest followed the STC’s recent announcement of self-dissolution, despite internal disagreements. Demonstrators voiced opposition to Saudi Arabia and backed STC leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi, who reportedly fled to the UAE.
The STC, founded in 2017 and backed by the UAE, has grown from a separatist force into a key faction in the anti-Houthi alliance, though tensions rose after it ousted Saudi-aligned forces from southern governorates like Hadramout and al-Mahra last month. Saudi-backed troops later regained control, and the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) appointed a new prime minister to stabilize the government.
Meanwhile, the UN warns that Yemen’s humanitarian situation is deteriorating, with over 18 million at risk of acute food insecurity and famine. Aid efforts are hindered by lack of funding and operational challenges, especially in Houthi-held areas. Regional talks in Riyadh are expected, though no date has been announced. The crisis continues to intertwine political instability, economic woes, and security concerns.
The protests in Aden highlight the persistent demand for southern independence and the complex dynamics of Yemen's ongoing conflict, with significant implications for regional stability and humanitarian efforts.
