An official from the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a separatist faction in Yemen, announced the group's disbanding on Friday, though the circumstances surrounding the announcement have raised concerns about its legitimacy. The STC, which seeks to establish an independent state in southern Yemen called South Arabia, made the announcement during talks with the Saudi government in Riyadh.

The move comes after weeks of escalating tensions between the STC and Yemen's internationally recognized government, which is backed by Saudi Arabia. The STC has received significant support from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), creating a rift between the two Gulf allies. Since arriving in Saudi Arabia early Wednesday, members of the STC delegation have been largely unreachable by colleagues abroad, family members, and reporters, fueling speculation that the announcement was not made voluntarily. According to sources familiar with the situation, the delegation was coerced into making the statement.

Yemen has been embroiled in a civil war since 2014, when Houthi rebels, a Shia Muslim group with ties to Iran, seized control of the capital, Sanaa, and much of northern Yemen. The conflict has evolved into a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran, exacerbating the country's humanitarian crisis. The STC emerged as a significant player in the conflict, initially fighting alongside the Saudi-led coalition against the Houthis, but later turning its focus to establishing an independent state in the south.

The STC's ambition for an independent South Arabia reflects historical divisions within Yemen. From 1967 to 1990, South Yemen existed as a separate socialist state before unifying with North Yemen. Separatist sentiments have persisted in the south, fueled by grievances over perceived marginalization and economic disparities.

The UAE's support for the STC has complicated the Saudi-led coalition's efforts to restore Yemen's internationally recognized government. While both Saudi Arabia and the UAE initially shared the goal of countering Houthi influence, their diverging interests in Yemen have become increasingly apparent. The UAE has focused on securing its own strategic interests in the region, including control over key ports and waterways, while Saudi Arabia has prioritized restoring the government of President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi.

The announcement of the STC's disbanding has been met with skepticism by many Yemenis, who view it as a Saudi attempt to undermine the separatist movement. The future of the STC and its impact on the broader conflict in Yemen remain uncertain. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the announcement represents a genuine shift in the political landscape or a temporary setback for the separatist cause.