Archive · 4 Jan 2026
Yemen Crisis Deepens as Separatists Push Independence
In Yemen, a group called the Southern Transitional Council (STC) wants to become independent from the rest of Yemen.
They announced a two-year plan to become their own country, which they would call South Arabia.
Meanwhile, a group led by Saudi Arabia, which includes the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is not happy with the STC's plans.
They have been fighting with the STC and even bombed some of their military bases, killing 20 fighters.
The STC says they will become independent right away if they are attacked again.
The UAE has pulled out all of its troops from Yemen and called for restraint and dialogue.
Saudi Arabia has called for talks in Riyadh to try to solve the problem peacefully, but the situation is still very tense.
Yemen is a very important place because it is near Saudi Arabia and a vital sea route between Europe and Asia.
Yemen's UAE-backed separatists (STC) announced a two-year transition to independence, aiming to form 'South Arabia'.
Saudi-led coalition conducted airstrikes on STC military bases, killing 20 fighters, and called for urgent dialogue among rival factions in Riyadh.
STC forces took control of resource-rich Hadramawt and Mahra provinces in a recent offensive, and Saudi-backed forces retook key locations, including parts of Mukalla.
UAE confirmed the withdrawal of all its troops from Yemen, emphasizing commitment to dialogue and peace, and called for restraint.
The crisis has deepened the rift between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, threatening the regional order and the coalition against the Houthi movement.
- Who
- Yemen's UAE-backed separatists (Southern Transitional Council - STC) and Saudi-led coalition
- What
- STC announced a two-year transition to independence; Saudi-led coalition conducted airstrikes and called for dialogue
- When
- Friday and Saturday (specific dates not mentioned)
- Where
- Southern Yemen, including Hadramawt, Mahra, Seiyun, and Mukalla
- Why
- Tensions between Saudi Arabia and UAE over STC's offensive and independence bid
- Organization
- Southern Transitional Council (STC)
- Proposed New Country Name
- South Arabia
- Transition Period
- Two years
- Casualties
- 20 fighters dead in airstrikes
- Key Regions
- Hadramawt, Mahra, Seiyun, Mukalla
- Saudi-Led Coalition
- Nominally includes UAE
- STC's Warning
- Immediate independence if attacked
- UAE Troop Withdrawal
- Confirmed on Friday
- Saudi Initiative
- Urged dialogue in Riyadh
- UAE Statement
- Called for restraint and dialogue
- Government Leader
- Rashad al-Alimi
- Strategic Location
- Between Saudi Arabia and Bab al-Mandeb strait
Sources
Yemen Separatists Launch 2-Year Independence Transition As Strikes Kill 20
Yemen Separatists Announce Independence Plan as Saudi-Led Airstrikes Kill 20
Saudi Arabia calls for 'dialogue' in Riyadh as southern Yemen tensions escalate
Yemen's separatists announce constitution for independent south in escalation of conflict
Saudi urges ‘dialogue’ in Riyadh as Yemen separatists announce independence transition after deadly strikes
Brotherhood under strain: How Saudi-UAE power play in Sudan, Yemen deepens West Asian instability
What are Saudi Arabia and UAE doing in Yemen, and what led to their rift?
UAE calls for restraint amid rapidly moving Yemen crisis
UAE calls for restraint amid escalating Yemen crisis
Saudi-backed Yemen government says it retakes eastern city from separatists
UAE expresses concern after Saudi-backed forces retake Yemen’s south - Telegraph India