Saudi Arabia intervened militarily in southern Yemen to halt what it described as a threat to its national security, leading to the Southern Transitional Council (STC) announcing its dissolution in Riyadh earlier this week. The move preceded Saudi Arabia's plans to host a conference of Yemen's main political factions aimed at shaping the future of the southern region. For nearly a decade, the STC had been a dominant force in southern Yemen, a period marked by division and civil strife.

The rapid loss of territory previously held by the separatists underscored the impact of the Saudi intervention. Khaled Batarfi, a political analyst, and Farea Al Muslimi, a research fellow at Chatham House's Middle East and North Africa program, provided analysis on the developments. Al Muslimi's research indicated the dissolution of Yemen's separatists was anticipated.

Yemen has been embroiled in conflict since 2014, when Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, seized control of the capital, Sanaa, prompting a Saudi-led coalition to intervene in 2015 in support of the internationally recognized government. The conflict has had a devastating impact on Yemen, creating one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, with millions facing starvation and displacement. The southern region of Yemen has long been a focal point of separatist sentiment, with historical grievances and a distinct identity fueling calls for independence. The STC emerged as a prominent voice for southern separatism, seeking to restore the independent state of South Yemen, which existed from 1967 to 1990.

Saudi Arabia's involvement in Yemen is driven by a complex mix of factors, including concerns about regional security, the spread of Iranian influence, and the stability of its southern border. The kingdom views the Houthi rebels as a proxy for Iran and seeks to contain their influence in Yemen. The planned conference of Yemeni political factions reflects Saudi Arabia's efforts to broker a political settlement to the conflict and ensure a stable and unified Yemen that does not pose a threat to its interests. The outcome of the conference remains uncertain, as deep divisions persist among the various Yemeni factions. The success of Saudi Arabia's efforts will depend on its ability to bridge these divides and forge a consensus on the future of southern Yemen.