News - Yemen: In a significant political development, the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) announced its dissolution on Friday, along with all its primary and subsidiary bodies and offices, both domestically and abroad.

The announcement followed a meeting of the STC's Presidency, Supreme Executive Leadership, General Secretariat, and other affiliated bodies held in Riyadh. The meeting was convened to assess recent events in the Hadramawt and Al-Mahra governorates and the subsequent rejection of de-escalation efforts.

The STC's statement indicated the decision was based on the Saudi Foreign Ministry's announcement to sponsor a comprehensive southern dialogue to resolve the so-called "Southern Issue." The move aims to preserve the future of this cause and maintain social peace and security in the occupied southern provinces, neighboring countries, and the region.

The council clarified that it was established to champion the cause of the southern people, represent them, and lead them toward achieving their aspirations—not as a tool for authority, monopolizing decision-making, or excluding others. It stated that the goal has always been, and remains, achieving the declared objective rather than clinging to the organizational structure itself.

Furthermore, the announcement stated that the STC did not participate in the decision for the military operations witnessed in Hadramawt and Al-Mahra, which reportedly harmed southern unity and strained relations with the Saudi-led coalition. This led to the conclusion that the council's continued existence no longer served its founding purpose under the current circumstances.

Citing "historical responsibility," the STC's Presidency announced the dissolution of the council and all its entities and offices. It declared its intention to now focus on preparing for a comprehensive southern dialogue conference under Saudi sponsorship, considering this the alternative pathway to achieving a "just southern goal."

The statement praised Saudi Arabia's commitments and dedication to sponsoring this path and called on various southern figures and leaders to engage in the dialogue conference to eventually form an inclusive southern framework and a shared vision.

It also urged the people of Aden and other occupied southern provinces to recognize the sensitivity of the current phase, intensify efforts to maintain social peace, and prevent any chaos or security disturbances, affirming their continued service to the "Southern Cause."

The STC's self-dissolution marks a major concession and strategic shift, likely driven by intense pressure from its primary backer, the United Arab Emirates, and the coalition leader, Saudi Arabia. The move aims to reset the political landscape in southern Yemen amid growing internal fractures, particularly highlighted by recent clashes in Hadramawt and Al-Mahra involving STC-aligned and other Southern forces.