Yemen’s Saudi-backed government retakes southern areas from STC: What next?

Al JazeeraCenterEN 8 min read 100% complete by Al Jazeera StaffJanuary 12, 2026 at 02:37 PM

AI Summary

long article 8 min

Yemen's internationally recognized government, led by the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), has regained control of southern Yemen from the Southern Transitional Council (STC) as of January 2026. This follows Saudi Arabia's military intervention in support of the PLC after the STC captured two border provinces. The STC has been dissolved, and its leader has fled the country. The PLC is forming a Supreme Military Committee to prepare forces for potential conflict with the Houthis, who control northwest Yemen, including the capital Sanaa. Saudi Arabia plans to host a conference of southern political factions to discuss Yemen's future. The PLC chief has called for unity and urged armed groups to integrate into state forces.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Mukalla 30% United Arab Emirates 35% Sanaa 40% al-Mahra 40% Aidarous al-Zubaidi 40% Hadramout ×250% Rashad al-Alimi ×360% Saudi Arabia ×370% Houthis ×370% Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) ×675% Southern Transitional Council (STC) ×780% Yemen ×890%

Keywords

yemen 100% southern transitional council 90% presidential leadership council 80% saudi arabia 80% southern yemen 80% houthis 70% conflict 60% united yemen 50% political factions 50%