Pro-UAE STC leader issues bold statement, ending partnership, declaring transitional phase

ADEN, Jan. 02 (YPA) – Aidarous Al-Zubaidi, Head of the so-called “Southern Transitional Council” (STC), backed by the UAE, announced this evening the termination of the current political partnership and the initiation of a “transitional phase,” in a significant move viewed as the first practical step toward secession,

In a televised statement on Friday night, al-Zubaidi outlined that the proposed transitional period would last for two years. This phase is intended to culminate in a public referendum on self-determination, allowing the people of the South to define their political future. He further called for a sponsored “South-North dialogue” to facilitate this referendum through peaceful mechanisms.

This declaration comes amid a sharp military escalation in eastern Yemen, particularly in Hadramout province. The region is currently witnessing fierce clashes between UAE-backed factions and Saudi-backed forces.

These developments follow a Saudi-led push to use military force to evict STC units from areas they recently seized following the withdrawal of Islah Party militants.

YPA