Southern Transitional Council

The Southern Transitional Council (STC) is a separatist group in Yemen advocating for an independent state in southern Yemen. They have been a significant player in the region for almost a decade, particularly during the country's civil strife. The STC is currently newsworthy due to recent events indicating a shift in power dynamics and internal divisions. Recent developments include the disbanding of the STC announced by its delegation in Riyadh, which was rejected by members based in Aden, suggesting coercion. This occurred amidst Saudi-sponsored talks and increased pressure from Saudi-backed forces deploying in Aden. Furthermore, the leader of the STC, Aidarous al-Zubaidi, fled Yemen for the UAE, allegedly with Emirati assistance, leading to diplomatic tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The STC's current relevance lies in its potential impact on the future of southern Yemen and the ongoing conflict, as well as the complex relationships between regional actors like Saudi Arabia and the UAE.