Riyadh:Yemen’s main southern separatist group has announced that it has disbanded while taking part in talks hosted by Saudi Arabia, marking a major political shift in the country’s long running conflict.
A delegate speaking at the talks in Riyadh said the Southern Transitional Council, known as the STC, had dissolved its political and military structures. The announcement was reported by Saudi state media during discussions aimed at easing tensions in southern Yemen.
The STC has for years sought autonomy or independence for southern Yemen and has controlled large areas, including the port city of Aden. Its sudden disbandment comes after growing pressure from Saudi Arabia, which backs Yemen’s internationally recognised government and has opposed further fragmentation of the country.
Developments on the ground suggest deep divisions within the separatist movement. STC leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi was not present at the talks and is reported to have left Yemen earlier this week. Saudi sources have said he travelled to the United Arab Emirates, a country that previously supported the STC, though Abu Dhabi has not commented publicly on the claims.
In recent months, the STC had expanded its military presence in several southern provinces, moves that alarmed Riyadh and raised fears of renewed fighting among anti Houthi forces. Saudi officials pushed for talks to prevent further instability near the kingdom’s border and to reinforce the authority of the Yemeni government.
Observers say it remains unclear whether all STC fighters and commanders will accept the decision to dissolve the group. Some analysts warn that splinter factions could emerge if former leaders reject the outcome of the talks.
The announcement comes as Yemen continues to face political turmoil and a severe humanitarian crisis after more than a decade of conflict. Saudi Arabia has said it hopes the move will help stabilise the south and open the way for broader political negotiations to end the war.