UPDATE: The Southern Transitional Council (STC) has dramatically seized control of the oil-rich provinces of Hadramout and Mahra in Yemen, a move that could reignite the ongoing civil war. This aggressive takeover, announced earlier today, raises urgent concerns over regional stability and the future of the Yemeni conflict involving the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) and the Iran-backed Houthi insurgents.
The STC’s actions threaten to unravel a fragile peace that has been in place since a shaky ceasefire in 2022. Reports indicate that the STC, which seeks an independent South Yemen, has quickly advanced, claiming key oil facilities and forcing high-ranking PLC members to flee to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The STC’s spokesman, Amr al-Bidh, stated, “We are concentrating on unifying our armed forces to enhance coordination and readiness to reinforce stability in the south.” This declaration underscores the STC’s intent to solidify its control and potentially expand its influence against the Houthis, who first sparked the civil war in 2014 by capturing the capital, Sanaa.
As tensions heighten, the STC’s military maneuvers have reportedly met with “limited resistance” from Saudi-backed PLC forces, raising alarms about a possible full-scale return to conflict. PLC leader Rasad al-Alimi condemned the STC’s actions as a “blatant violation” of their alliance, further complicating the political landscape.
The implications of this takeover could be far-reaching. Analysts fear that renewed fighting may not only destabilize Yemen but also draw in regional powers, particularly as the STC aims to cut off Houthi supply lines and assert dominance over the region’s resources. The STC’s next targets reportedly include key strategic locations in northern Yemen, signaling an escalation in hostilities.
Authorities in Saudi Arabia and the UAE have remained notably quiet amid this power shift, with Saudi officials only mentioning troop repositioning in Aden. The international community is watching closely as the STC’s ambitions unfold, posing a significant threat to both local and global stability.
The situation is developing rapidly, and further confrontations are anticipated as the STC consolidates power. With the potential for increased violence and humanitarian crises, the world waits anxiously for the next move in Yemen’s tumultuous landscape.
Stay tuned for updates as this urgent story continues to unfold. The stakes have never been higher for the people of Yemen and the surrounding region.
