Aden | January 9, 2026
The Southern Transitional Council (STC), one of the most influential factions in Yemen’s long-running civil war, has announced its dissolution following significant territorial losses to forces aligned with the Saudi-backed Yemeni government.
The decision comes amid the ongoing 2025 Southern Yemen offensive, during which government troops regained control of several strategic areas previously held by the STC. The group, which had long campaigned for autonomy and eventual secession of southern Yemen, said the setbacks forced a strategic reassessment that culminated in its disbandment.
The STC emerged as a major power broker in southern Yemen during the civil war that began in 2014, positioning itself as a rival authority to the internationally recognized Yemeni government. Led by Aidarus al-Zoubaidi, the council drew support from southern constituencies frustrated with political marginalization and economic instability.
According to reports by Al Arabiya, sustained military pressure and shifting regional dynamics weakened the STC’s operational capacity. Saudi Arabia, a central player in the Saudi-led coalition backing the Yemeni government, provided support during the latest phase of fighting that reversed the STC’s territorial gains.
The dissolution marks a pivotal moment in Yemen’s conflict, with analysts saying it could reshape alliances and alter the balance of power in the south. While the move may consolidate government control in reclaimed areas, it also raises questions about how former STC-aligned fighters and local administrations will be integrated going forward.
The humanitarian toll of the renewed fighting remains severe. United Nations agencies estimate that more than 100,000 people have been displaced in southern Yemen during recent offensives, prompting urgent calls for expanded humanitarian access and international aid.
Despite the STC’s disbandment, Yemen’s broader conflict remains unresolved, with multiple armed factions, regional actors, and international stakeholders continuing to vie for influence in one of the world’s most complex and protracted wars.
