Southern Transitional Council (STC)

The Southern Transitional Council (STC) is a separatist group in Yemen aiming to restore the independent state of South Yemen. Backed by the UAE, the STC gained de facto control over much of southern Yemen. However, recent events have significantly impacted their position. The STC launched an offensive against Yemeni government troops in December 2025, leading to deadly confrontations. This ultimately resulted in the internationally recognized government, the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), retaking control of key southern areas, including Aden. The STC's leader, Aidarous al-Zubaidi, was expelled from the presidential council and accused of treason, allegedly being smuggled out of Yemen with UAE assistance. While thousands of supporters rallied in Aden, the STC faces internal divisions and uncertain future, with reports suggesting plans to disband. The STC's collapse has allowed the Yemeni government to regain momentum in the south, though the Houthis remain a significant challenge in the north. The situation also led to Somalia cutting ties with the UAE after al-Zubaidi's illegal entry through Somaliland.