Yemen's govt says it has recaptured southern areas from separatist STC

Key Concepts

• Southern Transitional Council (STC): A separatist movement in South Yemen, previously controlling Hadramut and Al Mahra.
• Presidential Leadership Council (PLC): Yemen’s internationally recognized government body, backed by the UN and Saudi Arabia, currently dismantling STC structures.
• Hadramut & Al Mahra: Two regions in Yemen containing nearly all of the country’s oil reserves, recently retaken by the PLC.
• Houthis: An armed group controlling northern Yemen, backed by Iran, considered illegitimate by the PLC.
• Geopolitical Realignment: The shifting power dynamics in Yemen, particularly concerning Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the PLC/STC.

---

Yemen’s Shifting Control: PLC Gains Ground & Escalating Tensions

The internationally recognized government of Yemen, represented by the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), has announced the recapture of Hadramut and Al Mahra, two strategically significant regions comprising almost half of Yemen’s territory. These regions are particularly crucial as they hold nearly all of the country’s oil reserves. The seizure marks a significant reversal of control from the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a separatist group backed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which had occupied these areas since December.

PLC Consolidation of Power & Dismantling of STC Structures

According to Hashim Albara, reporting from Riyadh, the PLC, under the leadership of President Rashad Alimi, is actively dismantling the structures, institutions, and military factions established during the STC’s period of control. Alimi stated that PLC forces have taken control of all military bases in Hadramut and Al Mahra, and are focused on rebuilding the Yemeni army while deliberately excluding separatists who previously advocated for secession from the north. This represents a clear indication of Saudi Arabia’s increasing influence in the region and effectively signals the end of the era of Aidarus Zubi, the STC leader currently based in the UAE.

Implications for Regional Relations: Saudi Arabia vs. UAE

The PLC’s success in regaining control raises questions about the future of relations between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which have been strained in recent weeks, particularly concerning the situation in southern Yemen. The developments suggest Saudi Arabia is asserting its dominance in the region. The PLC’s actions are a direct challenge to the UAE’s support for the STC and its separatist agenda.

Escalating Rhetoric & Potential for Renewed Conflict with Houthis

Rashad Alimi, Chairman of the PLC, issued a direct warning to the Houthi group, which controls northern Yemen and is backed by Iran. He presented the Houthis with an ultimatum: “You have two options. Come together around the negotiating table and negotiate a comprehensive peaceful plan or you will face a military option.” This ultimatum underscores the deep-seated conflict and the potential for renewed warfare. The Houthis, however, maintain their claim as the sole legitimate authority in Yemen, extending their claimed jurisdiction southward. Conversely, the Saudi-backed PLC deems the Houthis illegitimate, citing their seizure of power in 2014.

Geopolitical Significance & Future Outlook

The situation in Yemen is described as a complex geopolitical realignment with far-reaching implications for the entire region. The outcome of these developments is considered “the extremely most important political development the entire region has seen,” highlighting the critical nature of the ongoing power struggle and the potential for further instability. The control of Yemen’s oil reserves, coupled with the involvement of regional powers like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Iran, makes the situation particularly volatile.