Yemen’s separatist STC refuses to withdraw from provinces near Saudi Arabia

STC to maintain presence, but agrees to deployment of Riyadh-backed National Shield government forces in the areas.Published On 1 Jan 2026Tensions in Yemen continue to simmer as Rashad al-Alimi, the head of the internationally recognised Presidential Leadership Council, has warned against unilateral military moves by southern separatists.Al-Alimi cautioned that further advances by the Southern Transitional Council (STC) separatists in Hadramout and al-Mahra provinces would have serious consequences.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3What is behind the Saudi-UAE rupture in Yemen?list 2 of 3Palestine was the deadliest place to be a journalist in 2025: Media unionlist 3 of 3Why are some African countries banning US citizens from entry?end of listHis warning followed a surprise offensive in December that saw STC forces seize control of the resource-rich provinces. Riyadh has accused the United Arab Emirates of egging the STC on and warned that the presence of the STC in Yemeni provinces that border Saudi Arabia poses a threat to its security. The UAE has rejected those allegations and has said it supports Saudi Arabia’s security.Meanwhile, the STC has rejected al-Alimi’s authority, insisting its fighters will remain in place in the provinces that Saudi Arabia and the official Yemeni government want them out of.On Wednesday evening, the group announced a new agreement to deploy additional separatist forces to areas it has taken in Hadramout, further entrenching its presence. Neither the Yemeni government nor Saudi Arabia has issued an official response to this announcement.Mohammed al-Naqeeb, an STC spokesperson, said in a video posted on X that the group’s units would continue operating in the seized areas. He added, however, that they would be coordinated with the “Homeland Shield” forces affiliated with the Yemeni government and the Saudi-led coalition.Limited withdrawalHadramout’s governor, Salem al-Khanbashi, said the STC’s response to official demands for a withdrawal had been limited.