Separatists Vow to Take Over the Rest of South Yemen

The Southern Transitional Council (STC), a large separatist movement now in control of the South Yemen capital city of Aden, has not only rejected demands to cede their territory back to the Saudi-dominated government, but also has promised to take over the entire rest of South Yemen.

South Yemen was an independent state from 1967 to 1990, ending when it was conquered by President Saleh’s northern forces. The STC says they will “liberate” all the territory under the control of the government that belongs to South Yemen.

The STC is supported by the United Arab Emirates, and their forces are roughly half of the overall invasion force. The split with the Saudis seems likely to continue, with the government conditioning any talks on the STC surrendering.

That’s not going to happen, and it seems the STC is not only saying their control over Aden is irreversible, but the start of a new war trying to take over the entirety of South Yemen and reestablishing it.