Archive · 10 Dec 2025
Yemen's Southern Separatists Seize Territory, Risking Civil War
Yemen is a country that used to be split into two parts before they united in 1990.
Now, a group called the Southern Transitional Council (STC) has taken control of some areas in the south and east of Yemen.
This could start a big fight again after a long time of not much fighting.
The STC wants to be independent or have their own rule, and they are fighting against another group called the Houthis, who control the capital.
Other countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE are involved too, supporting different sides.
This is important because Yemen is near a very busy sea route, and any big fight there could affect trade and shipping all over the world.
The Southern Transitional Council (STC) has taken control of eastern provinces and much of South Yemen, risking a renewed civil war.
The STC is backed by the UAE and seeks autonomy or independence, focusing on fighting the Houthi Movement.
The Houthi Movement controls Yemen's capital Sanaa and the northwest, with support from Iran.
The internationally-recognized government, based in Aden, has been operating from Riyadh and condemns the STC's actions.
Yemen's strategic location near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait makes the conflict significant for global trade and maritime security.
- Who
- Southern Transitional Council (STC), Houthi Movement, Internationally-recognized government, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iran
- What
- STC has taken control of eastern provinces and much of South Yemen, risking renewed civil war
- When
- Recent power shift, with historical context dating back to 1990 unification
- Where
- Yemen, particularly the southern and eastern provinces, and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait
- Why
- STC seeks autonomy or independence, and to fight the Houthis; power dynamics and foreign influences contribute to the conflict
- STC
- Southern Transitional Council, separatist group in Yemen
- Houthi Movement
- Rebel group controlling Yemen's capital Sanaa
- Hadhramaut and Mahra
- Eastern provinces claimed by the STC
- Bab el-Mandeb Strait
- Critical maritime trade route near Yemen
- Saudi-led Coalition
- Military coalition supporting the internationally-recognized government
- UAE
- Backer of the STC in the past
- Rashad al-Alimi
- Head of the internationally-recognized government
- Salem Saleh Bin Braik
- Prime Minister of the internationally-recognized government