Yemen's Southern Transitional Council (STC) and its institutions will be dismantled following weeks of unrest in southern areas, according to reports emerging from the region. The decision comes just a day after the council's leader fled to the United Arab Emirates amid escalating tensions.
The STC, which has been a key political player in Yemen's complex civil conflict, controlled significant portions of southern Yemen and had been backed by the UAE. The dissolution marks a dramatic shift in the power dynamics of a country that has been embroiled in civil war since 2014.
The council's collapse follows weeks of demonstrations and clashes in southern governorates, where residents expressed growing frustration with deteriorating economic conditions and governance failures. The unrest reportedly spread to several major cities, including the port city of Aden, which had served as the de facto capital for anti-Houthi forces.
The departure of the STC leader to the UAE signals the end of a political entity that had at times sought full independence for southern Yemen, which was a separate country until unification in 1990. Regional analysts suggest the dissolution could reshape alliances in the ongoing conflict and potentially open new avenues for peace negotiations.
The internationally recognized Yemeni government has not yet officially commented on the development, though sources indicate discussions are underway regarding the future governance of southern territories. Humanitarian organizations have expressed concern about potential instability during the transition period.
The situation remains fluid as various factions assess how the power vacuum will be filled. International observers are closely monitoring developments, with concerns that any prolonged uncertainty could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis that has affected millions of Yemenis over the past decade of conflict.
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