What's happened
The Southern Transitional Council (STC) announced its dissolution to maintain peace in Yemen's south amid internal splits and regional tensions. The group's leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi fled Yemen, allegedly helped by UAE forces, after skipping talks in Riyadh aimed at ending the crisis. The move reflects ongoing Saudi-UAE rivalry.
What's behind the headline?
The disbandment of the STC signals a significant shift in Yemen's complex regional conflict. The group's leader fleeing to the UAE suggests internal fractures and regional power struggles. Saudi Arabia's push for stability clashes with the UAE's backing of separatist ambitions, revealing a deeper Gulf rivalry. This move may weaken the separatist movement but could also lead to further fragmentation. The international community's response will be crucial in shaping Yemen's future, as regional powers prioritize their interests over peace. The situation underscores the fragility of Yemen's peace process and the influence of Gulf rivalries on local conflicts.
What the papers say
Al Jazeera reports that the STC's Secretary-General Abdulrahman Al-Subaihi justified the group's dissolution as a measure to preserve regional peace, praising Saudi Arabia's efforts. Reuters highlights the internal split, noting the absence of non-participating members and the flight of Aidarous al-Zubaidi, with accusations of UAE involvement. France 24 details the detention of the delegation in Riyadh and the uncertainty surrounding their safety, emphasizing the regional tensions and the role of Saudi and UAE interests in the conflict.
How we got here
The STC, backed by the UAE, has been fighting for southern independence, clashing with the Saudi-backed Yemeni government. Recent military advances by the STC near Saudi borders prompted Saudi-led coalition intervention. The group's leadership was summoned to Riyadh for talks, but internal disagreements and regional rivalries have complicated efforts to unify the separatists.
Go deeper
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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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