Fate of Yemeni separatists unclear after STC ‘disbands’

In January 2026, the Yemeni separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC) was reported to have disbanded. The announcement followed a statement made by STC delegation members in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. However, an STC official disputed the claim, stating to Al Jazeera that the delegation members were coerced into declaring the end of the group. The official's statement casts doubt on the validity of the disbandment announcement and leaves the future of the STC uncertain. The circumstances surrounding the Riyadh statement and the motivations behind the alleged coercion remain unclear.