Jemen
On January 9, 2026, Yemen's main separatist group, the Southern Transitional Council (STC), announced its dissolution following internal disputes, international pressure, and the abrupt departure of its leader, Aidarous al-Zubaidi, to the UAE. STC Secretary-General Abdulrahman Jalal al-Sebaihi declared the shutdown of the group’s operations, blaming unauthorized military advances into Hadramout and al-Mahra, which strained alliances with the Saudi-led coalition.
The move was contested by the STC spokesperson, revealing rifts within the organization. The group, formed in 2017 to promote southern Yemeni independence, recently lost control of strategic areas and facilities, including Aden’s presidential palace, to Saudi-backed forces. Saudi Arabia welcomed the STC's dissolution, seeing it as a step toward a more inclusive peace process under Riyadh's guidance. The upcoming conference in Saudi Arabia aims to address southern Yemen's political future.
Meanwhile, al-Zubaidi faces treason charges for defying orders and mobilizing forces near his hometown. Planned public demonstrations in support of the STC remain uncertain. The announcement comes amid Yemen's prolonged civil war, which has killed over 150,000 people and led to a severe humanitarian crisis.
The dissolution of the STC marks a significant shift in Yemen's political landscape, potentially opening avenues for renewed peace efforts and addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
