New State in Yemen to Be Formed By UAE-linked Separatists

Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council (STC), widely seen as having backing from the United Arab Emirates, has indicated that it is moving closer to declaring an independent state in the country’s south.

Speaking at a gathering with tribal leaders and local figures from Hadramout on last Saturday, STC National Assembly head Ali al-Kathiri said the south was nearing what he described as a “decisive stage” that could culminate in the announcement of a new state. His remarks were published on the council’s official platform.

Kathiri urged unity within southern ranks, stressing the need to prevent internal unrest or divisions in order to safeguard what he called the council’s political and military gains.

Responding to calls from Yemeni, regional and local actors demanding the withdrawal of STC forces from Hadramout and the eastern province of Al-Mahra, Kathiri claimed the group had not initiated hostilities against any party.

He also said the STC was open to maintaining ties with members of the Arab Coalition, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE. At the same time, he rejected what he described as efforts by rival factions to undermine southern aspirations, accusing forces aligned with the internationally recognised government of failing to secure their own territories.

Neither the Yemeni government nor officials from Saudi Arabia or the UAE immediately commented on the statement.

The remarks came amid renewed tensions in Hadramout, where clashes on Friday night between STC forces and the Hadramout Tribes Alliance-an influential group advocating greater autonomy for the province-left casualties.

Following the violence, Rashad al-Alimi, chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, appealed to the Saudi-led coalition to protect civilians, assist national forces and enforce de-escalation in the region. He reiterated his demand for the immediate withdrawal of STC units from Hadramout and Al-Mahra.

The STC has expanded its presence in eastern Yemen in recent weeks. Since December 3, its forces have taken control of several areas in Hadramout after confrontations with tribal fighters and troops from the government-aligned First Military Region. Days later, STC units also moved into Al-Mahra, which had previously remained under government control.

The council argues that southern areas have long suffered political and economic neglect under successive governments and insists separation from the north is the only solution. Yemeni authorities reject these claims, maintaining that the country’s unity must be preserved.

North and South Yemen were formally unified on May 22, 1990, creating the modern Republic of Yemen.