UAE-Backed Separatists Seize South Yemen Strongholds; Airspace Briefly Closed

The United Arab Emirates-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) has rapidly expanded its hold across southern Yemen, seizing key towns, oil facilities and government sites while tensions prompted a brief closure of Yemeni airspace that left hundreds of passengers stranded in Aden.

Airspace Disruption

An official said flights to and from the southern port city of Aden were temporarily halted after the Saudi-led coalition — which has controlled Yemen's skies since 2015 — did not issue required clearances. Hundreds of travelers were delayed for several hours before operations resumed. Saudi authorities did not publicly confirm the closure.

STC Advances and Strategic Gains

The STC, an umbrella of armed groups trained and financed by the UAE, seized control of Seiyun in Hadhramaut province, taking over important oil fields and energy installations, including PetroMasila, Yemen’s largest oil company. Allied media said STC forces also captured Seiyun’s presidential palace and international airport, and advanced into Mahra province near the Oman border. Separately, STC fighters seized the presidential palace in Aden over the weekend, the government official said.

Public Demonstrations and Symbols

Supporters of the STC marched in Aden and other southern cities waving the old South Yemen flag — a light blue chevron with a red star — and calling for reestablishing an independent southern state. Demonstrators displayed portraits of Aidarous al-Zubaidi, the STC leader and Yemen’s vice president, and some set up protest camps demanding a formal declaration of independence.

Government Reaction

Rashad al-Alimi, chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Council, urged the Emirati-backed forces to withdraw from areas they captured in Hadhramaut and Mahra, warning against any unilateral actions that would undermine state authority or create a parallel reality. His statement followed meetings with diplomats from the United States, United Kingdom and France in Riyadh.

Regional Implications

Analysts say the STC’s gains mark a significant shift in Yemen’s balance of power, expanding UAE influence and straining cohesion within the Saudi-led anti-Houthi coalition. Ahmed Nagi of the International Crisis Group warned the moves could have wider regional repercussions and that Saudi Arabia’s next steps will be pivotal for regional security.

Background

Yemen’s conflict escalated in 2014 when Houthi fighters captured Sanaa and much of the north. A Saudi-led coalition intervened in 2015 to restore the internationally recognized government. The STC has long sought to revive an independent South Yemen, which existed until 1990, and enjoys substantial support across the south.

Key takeaway: The STC’s rapid territorial gains, control of strategic oil and transport hubs, and public push for independence heighten the risk of Yemen fragmenting and complicate an already fraught regional balance.