Aidarus al-Zoubaidi demands political recognition for South Yemen

Aidarus al-Zoubaidi, leader of the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) in Yemen, has re-emerged in the public eye to demand political recognition for the cause of South Yemen's independence. In recent televised statements, al-Zoubaidi adopted a conciliatory tone toward Saudi Arabia, explicitly condemning Houthi attacks against the Kingdom while simultaneously insisting that any political solution must include the STC and its project for a separate southern state.

Al-Zoubaidi’s reappearance follows months of media absence and period of tension between the STC and Saudi-backed government forces. He positioned the STC as a vital military partner in the fight against the Houthi militia, suggesting that the group's battlefield contributions should translate into political leverage. He emphasized that his forces are committed to defending southern borders, framing the struggle as a pursuit of statehood rather than merely serving as temporary military assets.

The move comes amid heightened regional instability and ongoing military operations to counter Houthi advances. While al-Zoubaidi seeks to bridge gaps with regional allies like Riyadh, he maintains a firm stance on the STC's constitutional declarations and its goal of restoring the independent state of South Yemen.