Yemen's Saudi-backed government retakes southern areas from STC: What next?

"The internationally recognised government of Yemen says its forces have taken full control of the south from the separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC), which was aligned with the Saudi-backed government until recently. As the president of the country and the high commander of the armed forces, I want to assure you of the recapture of Hadramout and al-Mahra, Rashad al-Alimi, the head of the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), said on Saturday."

"On Friday, the STC was dissolved, and its leader, Aidarous al-Zubaidi, fled the country after forces loyal to the PLC took control of most of the south and eastern Yemen. The future of the STC, which is backed by the United Arab Emirates, remains uncertain amid internal divisions and the exile of its leader. Saudi Arabia is now planning to host a conference of the main political factions from the south to shape the future of Yemen."

"In his televised address on Saturday, al-Alimi called on all parties to unite ranks to restore state institutions. He announced the formation of a Supreme Military Committee, which has been tasked with preparing military forces for the next phase of the conflict and readying them if the Houthis reject peaceful solutions. The Yemeni leader warned armed groups to surrender their weapons and rejoin the ranks of the state, underlining the importance of strengthening security, protecting social peace and working closely with the"

The Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) and allied forces regained control of southern and eastern Yemen, including Hadramout and al-Mahra, forcing the dissolution of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) and the exile of its leader. Saudi Arabia intervened militarily earlier, citing threats to its national security, and plans to host a conference of southern political factions. The STC’s future remains uncertain amid internal splits and UAE backing. The PLC announced a Supreme Military Committee to prepare forces should the Houthis reject peaceful solutions and urged armed groups to surrender weapons and rejoin state institutions to strengthen security and social peace.

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