Major Yemen Separatist Faction Ceases Operations as Leader Flees to UAE
The principal independence movement in Yemen has announced its disbandment, effective immediately. This news comes in the wake of significant internal discord and increasing regional strain. The group's leader has also escaped to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The Secretary-General of the group, Abdulrahman Jalal al-Sebaihi, revealed the decision to close down all of the organization's offices and departments, both within and outside Yemen. However, the announcement has been disputed by the group's spokesperson, Anwar al-Tamimi, who argued that only the full council, under the leadership of its president, can take such actions. This further highlights the internal disagreements within the separatist faction.
Yemen's Ongoing Civil War
Yemen has been embroiled in a civil war for over a decade. The conflict involves intricate layers of religious and tribal conflicts, as well as the involvement of regional powers. The most densely populated regions of the country, including the capital, Sanaa, are controlled by the Houthi group, which is supported by Iran. Meanwhile, a broad regional coalition of powers, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, has supported the internationally recognized government in the south.
Separatists Gain and Lose Territory
Last month, the separatist forces made significant advances into the regions of Hadramout and al-Mahra. They took control of oil-rich areas, facilities, and the presidential palace in the main southern city of Aden. However, these actions led to the expulsion of the Saudi-backed National Shield Forces and escalated tensions between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi.
Since then, the Saudi-supported forces have recaptured Hadramout, the presidential palace in Aden, and camps in al-Mahra. The secretary-general explained that the military operations were not approved by the council, leading to a lack of unity in the south and strained relations with the Saudi-led coalition. As such, he concluded that the council's continued existence no longer served its original purpose.
Future Plans for the Separatist Group
The separatist group, which was initially established in 2017, aimed to restore southern Yemen as an independent state. The members will now focus on seeking a "fair" solution for southern Yemen and preparing for a conference in the Saudi capital.
Saudi Arabia's Reaction to the Announcement
Saudi officials have welcomed the separatist group's decision to disband. They viewed the group's military operations on Saudi Arabia's borders as a threat to the kingdom's national security. The Saudi Defense Minister stated that the southern issue is now on a "real path nurtured by the kingdom and endorsed by the international community."
Yemen's Shura Council, which is backed by the internationally recognized government, also welcomed the decision, stating that the southern issue should be resolved through "a comprehensive political process."
Separatist Leader Escapes to the UAE
The separatist group's leader fled Yemen to the UAE just a day before the announcement of the group's dissolution. He was accused of treason after reportedly refusing to travel to Saudi Arabia for meetings and after deploying separatist forces to his home village. It remains uncertain whether a planned march in support of the "right to self-determination" in Yemen's south and in support of the leader will still take place following the announcement of the group's dissolution.
The Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen
The civil war in Yemen, located on the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula and bordering the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, has claimed the lives of more than 150,000 people, including fighters and civilians. It has also resulted in one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.