An official from the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a separatist faction in Yemen, announced Friday that the group was disbanding, a move that comes after weeks of internal conflict and strained relations between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The announcement, made during talks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has been met with skepticism, with questions raised about the circumstances surrounding the decision.
The STC, which seeks to establish an independent state in southern Yemen called South Arabia, has been supported by the UAE. This backing has put the group at odds with Saudi Arabia, which supports Yemen's internationally recognized government. The conflict between the STC and the Yemeni government reflects a broader power struggle in the region, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE pursuing differing agendas in Yemen.
Since arriving in Saudi Arabia early Wednesday, members of the STC delegation have been largely unreachable by colleagues abroad, family members, and reporters, raising concerns about the delegation's autonomy in making the decision to disband. Some sources allege the delegation was coerced into making the announcement.
The situation in Yemen is part of a complex geopolitical landscape, with regional and international actors vying for influence. Yemen has been embroiled in civil war since 2014, when Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, seized control of the capital, Sanaa. The conflict has triggered a humanitarian crisis, with millions of Yemenis facing starvation and disease.
The STC's separatist ambitions further complicate the conflict, adding another layer of complexity to the already volatile situation. The group's control over parts of southern Yemen has challenged the authority of the internationally recognized government and fueled tensions with Saudi Arabia.
The announcement of the STC's disbandment could potentially reshape the dynamics of the conflict, but its impact remains uncertain. The circumstances surrounding the announcement and the lack of communication with STC members raise doubts about the group's true intentions and the extent to which it was acting independently. The future of the STC and its role in Yemen's future remain unclear.
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