Yemen crisis and Southern Transitional Council (STC)
Context
Thousands of people rallied in Aden, Yemen, in support of the Southern Transitional Council (STC).
What is the Southern Transitional Council (STC)
The Southern Transitional Council (STC) is a southern separatist political and military group in Yemen.
It seeks the restoration of an independent South Yemen, which existed as a separate country from 1967 to 1990.
The STC is backed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
It has its stronghold in Aden, Yemen’s temporary capital.
Leadership
Headed by Aidarous Al-Zubaidi, former governor of Aden.
Background: Yemen conflict context
Yemen is divided between:
The internationally recognised government, based in Aden
The Houthi rebels, controlling Sanaa in northern Yemen
Saudi Arabia leads a military coalition supporting the Yemeni government.
The UAE, though part of the coalition, has supported the STC, exposing rifts within Gulf allies.
Recent developments related to STC
The STC made territorial gains in southern Yemen in December.
It was later pushed back by Saudi-led coalition forces.
Saudi air strikes targeted STC positions.
Reports emerged that:
The STC leader fled the country
A delegation in Riyadh announced the group’s dissolution
STC members claim the dissolution was forced, not voluntary.
Prelims Practice MCQs
Q. The Southern Transitional Council (STC), recently in news, is best described as:
A. A Houthi-aligned rebel group in northern Yemen
B. A UAE-backed southern separatist group in Yemen seeking independence
C. A Saudi-supported political party controlling Sanaa
D. A United Nations–sponsored transitional authority
Correct answer: B
Explanation:
The STC is a southern Yemeni separatist political and military group, backed mainly by the United Arab Emirates, demanding an independent South Yemen.