It is a political and military organisation based in southern Yemen. It seeks autonomy or full independence for South Yemen, reviving the territorial identity that existed before Yemen’s unification in 1990.

Formation and Background

• The STC was formed in 2017 amid growing dissatisfaction in southern Yemen with the central government based in Sana’a.
• It emerged from long-standing southern grievances, including political marginalisation, unequal resource distribution, and lack of representation after unification.
• Historically, South Yemen existed as the People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen, the only Marxist state in the Arab world, until it unified with North Yemen in 1990.

Political Objective

• The primary goal of the STC is self-rule for southern Yemen, either through:
  • A federal arrangement with extensive autonomy, or
  • Complete secession and restoration of an independent southern state.
• The STC has announced intentions to pursue a referendum on independence in the future.

Territorial Control

• The STC exercises control over key southern regions, including:
  • Aden (de facto southern capital)
  • Lahj
  • Parts of Abyan and surrounding governorates
• These areas are strategically significant due to their ports, coastline, and proximity to global maritime routes.

Military Wing and Capabilities

• The STC maintains armed units often referred to as Southern Forces.
• These forces are well-trained and have experience in urban warfare and counter-insurgency operations.
• The STC has frequently clashed with forces loyal to the internationally recognised Yemeni government.

External Support

• The STC is widely understood to be backed by the United Arab Emirates.
• UAE support has included:
  • Military training
  • Logistical and financial assistance
  • Political backing in regional power calculations
• This support has made the STC a key non-state actor in the Yemeni conflict.

Role in the Yemen Conflict

• The STC is opposed to the Saudi-backed Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), despite both being against the Houthis.
• This has created a multi-sided conflict, where anti-Houthi forces are themselves divided.
• STC advances into oil-rich and coastal regions have intensified tensions with Saudi Arabia.

Strategic Importance

• STC-controlled areas provide access to the Gulf of Aden and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical chokepoint for global trade.
• Control over these regions gives the STC geopolitical leverage disproportionate to its size.