What's happened
Supporters of Yemen's Southern Transitional Council (STC) gathered in Aden's Khor Maksar district to protest against Saudi-backed government forces and regional tensions. The protests followed a recent military push that expelled the STC from key areas, including Hadramout and Mahra, amid internal divisions and regional pressure. The leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi fled to the UAE earlier this month.
What's behind the headline?
The protests highlight the deepening rift within Yemen's southern separatist movement and the broader regional rivalry between Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The STC's internal divisions are evident, with conflicting statements about its dissolution and leadership. The recent military setbacks for the STC, including losing control of key territories, suggest that regional pressures and internal disagreements will continue to weaken the separatist movement. The UAE's support for the STC and the leader's flight to Abu Dhabi underscore the ongoing regional influence and the fragile nature of Yemen's peace process. The situation indicates that Yemen's civil war remains highly complex, with regional powers pursuing their own strategic interests, making a sustainable resolution unlikely in the near term.
What the papers say
Al Jazeera reports on the protests and regional tensions, emphasizing the internal divisions within the STC and the recent military developments. AP News provides context on the broader Yemen conflict, highlighting the regional rivalry and the strategic importance of southern Yemen. The Independent offers insight into the internal dynamics of the Saudi-led coalition and the implications of the recent clashes for regional stability. Both sources underscore the ongoing regional rivalry and the fragile state of Yemen's peace efforts, with contrasting perspectives on the internal cohesion of the separatist movement and the regional actors' roles.
How we got here
The conflict in Yemen involves regional powers, notably Saudi Arabia and the UAE, supporting different factions. The STC, backed by the UAE, seeks independence for South Yemen, which was an independent state until 1990. Recent clashes stem from the STC's attempts to assert control over oil-rich regions and the ongoing civil war that began in 2014, when Houthi rebels seized Sanaa. The Saudi-led coalition aims to restore Yemen's recognized government, but internal divisions and regional rivalries complicate efforts.
Go deeper
Common question
-
Why Are Yemen Separatists Protesting Now?
Recent protests by Yemen's separatists have drawn international attention, raising questions about the underlying causes and regional implications. Supporters of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) gathered in Aden to voice their frustrations after recent military setbacks and internal divisions. Understanding what triggered these protests, who is involved, and what they mean for Yemen's future is crucial. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this ongoing conflict and regional tension.
-
What Are the Key Political and Regional Developments in Brazil and Yemen Today?
Today’s news highlights significant political shifts in Brazil and Yemen, with Lula’s veto on coup legislation and ongoing protests in Yemen’s south. These stories raise questions about democracy, regional stability, and internal conflicts. Below, we explore the main events shaping these countries and what they mean for the wider region.
-
What Do Recent Political Moves Say About Global Stability?
Recent events like protests, vetoes, and regional conflicts are often seen as signs of underlying political instability worldwide. From Brazil's efforts to uphold democracy after a coup attempt to Yemen's ongoing regional tensions, these developments raise questions about the state of global stability today. What do these actions reveal about the current political climate, and what might they mean for the future? Below, we explore key questions to understand the significance of these recent political moves.
-
How Do Regional Conflicts Like Yemen's Affect Global Stability?
Regional conflicts such as the recent tensions in Yemen can have far-reaching impacts beyond their borders. These disputes often involve regional powers and internal divisions that can destabilize neighboring countries and influence global politics. Understanding how these conflicts unfold and their broader implications helps us grasp the interconnected nature of today's world. Below, we explore key questions about regional tensions and their effects on global stability.
-
What’s Next for Global Protests and Political Movements?
Recent protests in Yemen and Brazil highlight ongoing political unrest worldwide. As governments respond with new strategies and protests influence policy changes, many wonder what the future holds for these movements. Here’s a look at the current landscape and what we can expect in the coming months.
More on these topics
-
Saudi Arabia, officially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is a country in Western Asia constituting the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula.
-
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
-
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.
-
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.