What's happened
The Southern Transitional Council (STC), backed by the UAE, has expanded control across southern Yemen, including key oil facilities and border regions, amid ongoing clashes with the internationally recognized government. This escalation risks reigniting Yemen's civil war and regional instability.
What's behind the headline?
The recent expansion of the STC's control signifies a significant shift in Yemen's ongoing conflict. By consolidating power in southern provinces and asserting control over strategic oil facilities, the STC is positioning itself as a de facto independent entity. This move undermines the Saudi-backed government and complicates regional efforts for a unified resolution. The departure of key government figures from Aden indicates a potential collapse of the current power-sharing framework, which could lead to a de facto partition of Yemen. The international community's response will be critical; continued support for the recognized government may deepen regional tensions, while negotiations could be hampered by the STC's push for independence. The next phase will likely see increased instability, with the possibility of renewed civil conflict or regional intervention to prevent further fragmentation.
What the papers say
The AP News reports that the STC launched a military operation called 'Promising Future,' expanding control over southern Yemen, including Aden and oil facilities, with senior government figures leaving the city. The Independent highlights the UAE-backed group's refusal to withdraw from seized territories, emphasizing their goal of establishing an independent South Yemen. Al Jazeera and Reuters detail the recent military advances and the strategic importance of the provinces involved, such as Hadramout and Mahra, which border Oman and are vital for trade and resources. The New York Times underscores the broader context of Yemen's complex civil war, regional involvement, and the potential for the country to split into separate states, with the STC's actions representing a major challenge to the existing political order.
How we got here
Yemen's civil war began in 2014 with the Houthi takeover of Sanaa and has involved regional powers supporting different factions. The STC, formed in 2017 with UAE backing, seeks southern independence and has clashed with the internationally recognized government, which is supported by Saudi Arabia. Recent months have seen the STC seize key provinces, including Hadramout and Mahra, challenging the fragile power-sharing arrangements and threatening regional stability.
Go deeper
Common question
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Yemen Power Shift: What’s Behind the Territorial Changes?
Recent developments in Yemen have seen the Southern Transitional Council (STC) expand its control across key regions in the south, including Aden and Hadramout. This territorial shift raises important questions about Yemen’s stability, regional implications, and the future of its ongoing conflict. Below, we explore the key questions people are asking about this significant power change and what it could mean for Yemen and the wider Middle East.
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How Might Yemen’s Territorial Changes Impact Regional Stability?
Yemen's recent territorial shifts, with the Southern Transitional Council expanding control in the south, raise important questions about regional alliances, potential conflicts, and international responses. As the conflict evolves, understanding its broader implications is crucial. Below, we explore key questions about Yemen's changing landscape and what it means for neighboring countries and global peace efforts.
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Yemen Conflict: What’s Next for the Power Struggle?
Yemen's ongoing civil war has entered a new phase as the Southern Transitional Council (STC) seizes key territories in the south. This shift raises questions about the future of Yemen’s fragmented control, regional stability, and international involvement. Below, we explore the possible outcomes of this power struggle, the role of global players, and what history tells us about Yemen’s current crisis.
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Who Controls Southern Yemen Now?
Recent developments in Yemen have seen a major shift in territorial control, especially in the south. The Southern Transitional Council (STC), backed by the UAE, has expanded its influence, capturing key areas and oil facilities. This raises questions about who is now in charge of southern Yemen and what this means for the country's future. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this power shift and its regional implications.
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What’s happening with Yemen’s civil war and regional stability?
Yemen's ongoing civil war has taken a new turn as the Southern Transitional Council (STC), backed by the UAE, pushes for independence in the south. This development raises questions about regional stability, control over key resources, and the future of Yemen’s political landscape. Below, we explore the key issues and what they mean for Yemen and its neighbors.
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Could Yemen's Split Affect Regional Alliances?
Yemen's ongoing civil conflict is reaching a critical point, with the southern region seeking independence backed by the UAE. This potential division raises important questions about regional stability, alliances, and future power dynamics. How might Yemen's possible split impact neighboring countries and regional politics? Below, we explore key questions to understand the broader implications of Yemen's potential independence.
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Why is Yemen's south seeking independence now?
Yemen's southern region has recently intensified its push for independence, backed by the UAE and involving significant military advances. This move raises questions about the reasons behind the surge in secessionist efforts, the regional implications, and whether it could reignite Yemen's ongoing civil war. Below, we explore the key factors driving this push for independence and what it means for Yemen and the broader Middle East.
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What is the current status of Yemen's civil war?
Yemen's civil war has been ongoing since 2014, involving multiple factions and regional powers. Recently, the conflict has intensified with the Southern Transitional Council (STC), backed by the UAE, expanding control in the south. This development raises questions about regional stability and the future of Yemen. Below, we explore the latest updates, key players, and potential risks of escalation in Yemen's complex conflict.
More on these topics
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Yemen, officially the Republic of Yemen, is a country at the southern end of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. It is the second-largest Arab sovereign state in the peninsula, occupying 527,970 square kilometres.
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The Southern Transitional Council is a secessionist organization in Yemen. The 26 members of the STC include the governors of five southern governorates and two government ministers.
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Saudi Arabia, officially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is a country in Western Asia constituting the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula.
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Aden is a city, and since 2015, the temporary capital of Yemen, near the eastern approach to the Red Sea, some 170 km east of the strait Bab-el-Mandeb. Its population is approximately 800,000 people.
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The United Arab Emirates, sometimes simply called the Emirates, is a sovereign state in Western Asia at the northeast end of the Arabian Peninsula on the Persian Gulf, bordering Oman to the east and Saudi Arabia to the south and west, as well as sharing m
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Sanaa, also spelled Sanaʽa or Sana, is the largest city in Yemen and the centre of Sanaa Governorate. The city is not part of the Governorate, but forms the separate administrative district of "Amanat Al-Asemah".