Yemen's Separatists Declare Independent South Constitution

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Escalation of Conflict in Yemen

Yemen's separatist movement has taken a significant step by announcing a constitution for an independent nation in the south. This move marks a critical escalation in the ongoing conflict, pitting Gulf powerhouses Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates against each other. The UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) has declared this as a declaration of independence for the south. However, it remains unclear whether this move will be implemented or if it is primarily symbolic.

Last month, STC-linked fighters seized control of two southern provinces from Saudi-backed forces and took over the Presidential Palace in Aden, forcing members of the internationally recognized government to flee to Riyadh. On Friday, Saudi warplanes bombed camps and military positions held by the STC in Hadramout province as Saudi-backed fighters attempted to seize these facilities, according to a separatist official. This is the latest direct intervention by Saudi Arabia, which has recently bombed STC forces and struck what is said to be a shipment of Emirati weapons destined for the separatists.

UAE Withdraws Troops from Yemen

Meanwhile, the UAE announced early Saturday that it had completely withdrawn all its troops from Yemen, fulfilling a pledge made after the confrontation. The UAE's Foreign Ministry stated that the country was dealing with the situation "with restraint, coordination, and a deliberate commitment to de-escalation." The UAE Defense Ministry confirmed the withdrawal of troops, stating that the process ensured the safety of all personnel and was carried out in coordination with relevant partners.

The Southern Separatists' Declaration

The head of the STC, Aidarous al-Zubaid, issued a video statement on Friday, declaring that the constitution his group issued would be in effect for two years, after which a referendum would be held on “exercising the right to self-determination for the people of the South.” During those two years, he said, the “relevant parties” in north and south Yemen should hold a dialogue on “a path and mechanisms that guarantee the right of the people of the South.”

He warned that if other factions do not agree to his call or take military action, “all options remain open.” The 30-article “constitution” proclaimed the creation of “the State of South Arabia,” covering the same territory of the former People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen, which existed from 1967-1990. This declaration represents the most overt move yet by the STC toward its long-proclaimed goal of independence.

Continued Fighting in the South

The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen demands the withdrawal of the STC-linked Southern Shield forces from the two governorates they seized, Hadramout and Mahra, as part of de-escalation efforts. However, the STC has so far refused to hand over its weapons and camps. Saudi-backed fighters, known as the National Shield Forces, advanced on two STC-camps in Hadramout, according to a senior STC official, Ahmed bin Breik, a former governor of the province.

The separatist forces refused to withdraw, and in response, Saudi planes struck the camps, he said. Mohamed al-Nakib, spokesperson for the STC-backed forces, claimed the strikes caused fatalities, though the Associated Press could not independently verify this claim. He later told the AP that “intense clashes” erupted between his forces and the National Shield forces across several areas of Hadramout.

Escalating Tensions

In a post on X, the Saudi ambassador to Yemen, Mohammed al-Jaber, stated that the kingdom had tried “all efforts with STC” for weeks to stop the escalation and urge the separatists to leave Hadramout and Mahra, only to face “continued intransigence and rejection from Aidarous al-Zubaidi.” Al-Jaber also mentioned that the STC had not allowed a Saudi delegation's jet to land in Aden, despite having agreed on its arrival with some STC leaders to find a solution that serves “everyone and the public interest.”

Yemen’s Transportation Ministry, aligned with STC, reported that Saudi Arabia imposed requirements mandating that flights to and from Aden International Airport undergo inspection in Jeddah. The ministry denounced the decision, but there was no confirmation from Saudi authorities. A spokesperson with the transport ministry told the AP late Thursday that all flights from and to the UAE were suspended until Saudi Arabia reverses these reported measures.