Yemen’s Separatist Movement Declares Independence, triggering Renewed Conflict with Saudi-Led Forces
The fragile peace in Yemen is fracturing once more. The Southern Transitional council (STC),a separatist movement backed by the United Arab Emirates,has declared the establishment of the “State of south Arabia,” reigniting tensions with the internationally recognized government and its Saudi Arabian backers. This bold move, coupled with ongoing clashes in the south, threatens to escalate the already devastating conflict and further complicate efforts to find a lasting resolution.
A Declaration of Independence and a History of Grievances
The STC’s declaration,formalized through a 30-article “constitution,” aims to revive the self-reliant southern state that existed from 1967 to 1990. This isn’t a sudden impulse. The STC has long advocated for self-determination, fueled by a sense of marginalization and historical grievances following the 1990 unification of North and South yemen.
STC President Aidarous al-Zubaidi called for dialogue with other Yemeni factions to establish a framework guaranteeing the rights of southerners. However,he warned that “all options remain open” should these calls be ignored or met with military force.This declaration represents the most overt step yet in the STC’s pursuit of independence, though its immediate practical impact remains uncertain.
Saudi Arabia Responds with Force
The declaration has been met with swift and forceful opposition from the Saudi-led coalition supporting the Yemeni government. Saudi Arabia views the STC’s move as a direct challenge to its authority and a threat to the territorial integrity of Yemen.
The coalition is demanding the withdrawal of the STC-linked Southern Shield forces from the governorates of Hadramout and Mahra, areas they recently seized. The STC has refused to comply, refusing to disarm or relinquish control of its camps. This refusal triggered a military response.
Saudi warplanes have struck STC camps in Hadramout, initiating “intense clashes” between Saudi-backed National Shield Forces and separatist fighters. Reports indicate casualties, though independant verification remains challenging. Salem al-khanbashi, the newly appointed governor of Hadramout and commander of the Saudi-led forces, insists the operation is not a declaration of war, but a “pre-emptive measure to remove weapons.”
Escalating Tensions and Diplomatic Breakdown
The situation is rapidly deteriorating. Saudi Ambassador to Yemen, Mohammed al-Jaber, stated the kingdom fatigued all diplomatic avenues with the STC over weeks, urging withdrawal from Hadramout and Mahra. He accused STC President Aidarous al-Zubaidi of “continued intransigence and rejection.”
Further complicating matters, the STC alleges Saudi Arabia imposed new requirements for flights to and from Aden International Airport, mandating inspections in Jeddah. The STC-aligned Transportation Ministry denounced the move and suspended all flights from the UAE in response. These actions signal a significant breakdown in trust and dialogue.
The UAE’s Position and Regional Implications
The United Arab Emirates, a key backer of the STC, has adopted a more cautious approach. Its Foreign Ministry stated it is indeed handling the situation “with restraint, coordination, and a deliberate commitment to de-escalation.” Though,this measured response doesn’t necessarily indicate a complete abandonment of the STC. The UAE has historically prioritized its own strategic interests in Yemen, and its continued support for the separatists remains a crucial factor.
This latest escalation carries significant regional implications.Yemen’s conflict is already a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and iran, and the STC’s move adds another layer of complexity. A prolonged conflict between the STC and the Saudi-led coalition could further destabilize the region, exacerbate the humanitarian crisis, and create opportunities for extremist groups to exploit the chaos.
looking Ahead: A Precarious Future
The future of Yemen remains deeply uncertain. The STC’s declaration of independence and the subsequent military clashes have significantly raised the stakes. A negotiated solution remains the only viable path to peace, but the current level of distrust and animosity makes dialogue increasingly difficult.
The international community must intensify its efforts to mediate between the warring parties and address the underlying grievances fueling the conflict. Without a concerted effort to find a sustainable political solution, Yemen risks descending into further fragmentation and prolonged instability.
disclaimer: *I am an AI chatbot and cannot provide real-time updates on rapidly evolving situations. This analysis is based on facts available as of November 3,2023
