Daijiworld Media Network - Aden
Aden, Jan 3: Yemen’s southern separatist movement on Friday announced a constitution for an independent nation in the south, escalating tensions in the war-torn country and sharpening divisions within the Saudi-led coalition involving regional powerhouses Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
The UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) described the move as a declaration of independence for southern Yemen, though it remained unclear whether the announcement would have any immediate practical effect or remain largely symbolic. The declaration comes amid intensifying clashes between the STC and Saudi-backed forces in the south.
Last month, fighters linked to the STC seized control of two southern provinces from Saudi-backed troops and took over the presidential palace in Aden, the south’s main city. Members of Yemen’s internationally recognised government, which had been operating from Aden, subsequently fled to Riyadh.
On Friday, Saudi warplanes carried out airstrikes on camps and military positions held by STC forces in Hadramout province, as Saudi-backed fighters attempted to retake the facilities, a separatist official said. The strikes marked the latest direct Saudi intervention after weeks of rising confrontation, including earlier bombings of STC positions and reported strikes on an alleged shipment of Emirati weapons destined for the separatists.
Meanwhile, the UAE announced early Saturday that it had completed the withdrawal of all its troops from Yemen, a step it had pledged to take following the escalation. Abu Dhabi said the pullout was part of a previously announced plan to conclude the remaining missions of its counterterrorism units, adding that the process was carried out in coordination with relevant partners.
The STC chief, Aidarous al-Zubaidi, said in a video statement that the newly issued constitution would remain in effect for two years, after which a referendum would be held on the “right to self-determination for the people of the South.” He called for dialogue between northern and southern factions during this period, warning that “all options remain open” if the move is rejected or met with military action.
The 30-article document proclaims the establishment of the “State of South Arabia,” covering the territory of the former People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen, which existed as an independent state from 1967 to 1990. Analysts see it as the most explicit step yet by the STC toward formal independence, though its immediate impact remains uncertain.
The developments threaten to further unravel the Saudi-led coalition, which was formed to restore Yemen’s internationally recognised government and fight Iranian-backed Houthi rebels who control much of the north. Tensions between coalition partners and their local allies risk plunging the south into deeper conflict, further destabilising the Arab world’s poorest country.
Saudi-backed National Shield Forces reportedly advanced toward STC camps in Hadramout, prompting airstrikes after separatist fighters refused to withdraw. STC officials said the clashes caused casualties, though the claims could not be independently verified.
Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Yemen, Mohammed al-Jaber, said Riyadh had made repeated efforts in recent weeks to prevent escalation and urged the STC to withdraw from seized areas, accusing the separatist leadership of continued defiance.
With fighting ongoing and political divisions widening, prospects for de-escalation in southern Yemen appear increasingly fragile.