STC declares open escalation campaign against Saudi influence in Yemen south
ADEN, July 15 (YPA) – The UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) on Wednesday announced an open campaign of popular, public, and union-led escalation in Aden and other Saudi-controlled provinces, calling for an end to Saudi tutelage, the systematic deterioration of public services, and policies of economic deprivation.
In a final statement issued after an expanded consultative meeting involving STC bodies, institutions, and affiliated unions, the STC rejected Saudi attempts to impose guardianship or restore the influence of the “July 7 forces and clique.” It held the Saudi-backed authorities fully responsible for the severe collapse of electricity and water services, as well as the depreciation of the local currency.
The STC accused Saudi Arabia of seeking to fragment southern society by creating “artificial factions and fake coordinating councils” aimed at dividing the southern ranks and fueling internal discord to serve Saudi interests.
The statement said the escalation would continue until the Saudi-backed Aden government responds to public demands to end collective punishment, improve basic services, and pay salaries.
It warned that the policy of systematic starvation would be met with a “mass popular uprising” aimed at dismantling corruption and centers of influence linked to Saudi tutelage.
Separately, acting STC Secretary-General Waddah Al-Halimi said Saudi-backed forces were carrying out what he described as “the worst occupation the South has ever witnessed.”
Al-Halimi said the current stage requires southern unity to confront Saudi plans targeting the southern cause, adding that “the people of the South, who expelled British colonialism, are capable of expelling the Saudi occupation.”
He also described the tearing down of STC’s head Aidarous Al-Zubaidi’s posters in Aden as a blatant violation and a crossing of “red lines.”
Meanwhile, Acting President of the STC National Assembly Nasr Harhara warned of the dangers of Saudi moves and urged all southern political forces and groups to confront them by activating the comprehensive popular escalation program.