Yemen Separatists Vow to Hold Territory, Defying Saudi Ultimatum

ADEN : Tensions in Southern Yemen have reached a boiling point as the Southern Transitional Council (STC) formally rejected a Saudi-led coalition demand to withdraw from newly seized territories. The defiance comes just hours after Saudi airstrikes targeted what they alleged were smuggled weapons in a port under separatist control.

Following a 24-hour ultimatum issued by Riyadh, STC spokesman Anwar Al-Tamimi told reporters that the group has no intention of retreating. “There is no thinking about withdrawal. It is unreasonable for the landowner to be asked to leave his own land,” Al-Tamimi stated, adding that the situation now requires “staying and reinforcing.”

The STC, which seeks to revive the formerly independent state of South Yemen, has made lightning territorial gains in recent weeks, seizing strategic oilfields and key border governorates.

According to the STC, Saudi Arabia has mobilized approximately 20,000 security forces along the border adjacent to separatist-held positions. Al-Tamimi warned that the STC is currently in a “defensive position” and that any movement against their forces would be met with a retaliatory response.

The standoff was triggered by a Saudi airstrike targeting a shipment of combat equipment at a separatist-controlled port. While Saudi Arabia labeled the cargo as smuggled weapons intended to fuel conflict, the STC denied ownership of the vehicles.

“The vehicles belonged to the Emirati forces in Yemen as part of the Arab Coalition and the counterterrorism alliance,” Tamimi claimed, contradicting Saudi allegations that the equipment was intended for separatist use.

As the UAE begins the voluntary withdrawal of its remaining counter-terrorism units, the vacuum left behind appears to be setting the stage for a direct confrontation between Saudi-backed government forces and UAE-aligned separatists.