STC factions defy Saudi leadership, reject military missions outside southern regions

ADEN, Sept. 11 (YPA) – The “Support and Reinforcement” factions affiliated with the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) delivered a major blow to the Saudi military leadership stationed in Aden, southern Yemen, on Friday.

In a statement, the factions said they would not participate in any Saudi-led military missions outside the southern regions, stressing that “protecting the south, its territory and borders, and the security of its people remains a firm priority that cannot be compromised or neglected.”

The statement also said the factions would no longer support Saudi-backed commanders and would instead stand with STC President Aidarous al-Zubaidi to maintain security and stability in Aden and other areas. Riyadh announced the dissolution of the STC in January.

The factions also backed any military decisions by the STC to reorganize and redeploy its forces based on its priorities, while focusing their efforts and resources on protecting areas under Saudi administration and safeguarding their personnel.

The statement, issued in the name of the “Support and Reinforcement” factions’ leadership by Nasr Atef al-Yafei, concluded by reaffirming their firm commitment to the southern cause and their full alignment with it, stressing that this stance would help strengthen security and stability in the south.

Since July, the STC has rejected any attempt to drag its factions into a Saudi-led military escalation against Sanaa forces, saying the fighting does not serve the south or its cause. The stance came after Saudi airstrikes struck its factions in Wadi Hadramout late last year, reportedly killing or wounding more than 1,000 people.

Saudi Arabia later dissolved the STC in early January and accused al-Zubaidi of “treason” for the benefit of the UAE. It also reportedly attempted to assassinate him in a series of airstrikes targeting his hometown in Dhalea after he left Aden.

According to the Saudi military narrative, al-Zubaidi escaped Aden by sea and reached Somalia before flying to Abu Dhabi with the assistance of Emirati officers. He has remained out of public view since then, while Saudi authorities continue to hold the STC delegation under house arrest in Riyadh.

@E.Y.M