Yemen Separatists: South Yemen Constitution Declared

Yemen’s separatist movement announced a constitution for an independent nation in the south Friday, escalating a confrontation between Gulf powerhouses Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Southern Separatists’ Declaration

The UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) depicted the announcement as a declaration of independence. It was not immediately clear if the move could be implemented or was largely symbolic. Last month, STC-linked fighters seized control of two southern provinces from Saudi-backed forces and took over the Presidential Palace in Aden, prompting members of the internationally recognized government to flee to Riyadh.

The head of the STC, Aidarous al-Zubaid, issued a video statement Friday saying the constitution his group issued would be in effect for two years, after which a referendum would be held on “exercising the right to self-determination for the people of the South.” He said that if other factions don’t agree to his call or take military action, “all options remain open.”

The 30-article “constitution” proclaimed the creation of “the State of South Arabia,” covering the same territory of the former People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen, which existed from 1967-1990.

Saudi Warplanes Strike as Fighting Continues in the South

Saudi warplanes bombed camps and military positions held by the STC in Hadramout province Friday as Saudi-backed fighters tried to seize the facilities, a separatist official said. This is the latest direct intervention by Saudi Arabia, which in recent weeks has bombed STC forces and struck what it said was a shipment of Emirati weapons destined for the separatists.

The Saudi-led coalition demands the withdrawal of the STC-linked Southern Shield forces from Hadramout and Mahra as part of de-escalation efforts. The STC has so far refused to hand over its weapons and camps.

Saudi-backed fighters, known as the National Shield Forces, advanced on two STC-camps in Hadramout, said a senior STC official, Ahmed bin Breik. The separatist forces refused to withdraw, and in response, Saudi planes struck the camps, he said.

Mohamed al-Nakib, spokesperson for the STC-backed forces, said the strikes caused fatalities, but the Associated Press couldn’t independently verify that claim. He later told the AP that “intense clashes” erupted between his forces and the National Shield forces across several areas of Hadramout.

Salem al-Khanbashi, the governor of Hadramout chosen Friday by Yemen’s internationally recognized government to command the Saudi-led forces in the governorate, said the move to reclaim the camps was “not a declaration of war and is not seeking an escalation,” but a “pre-emptive measure to remove weapons.”

UAE Withdrawal

Meanwhile, the UAE announced early Saturday it had completely withdrawn all its troops from Yemen, something it pledged to do after the confrontation. The UAE Defense Ministry said the withdrawal was complete and coordinated with relevant partners, following the implementation of a previously announced decision to conclude counterterrorism missions.

Escalating Tensions

The Saudi ambassador to Yemen, Mohammed al-Jaber, said the kingdom had tried for weeks to stop the escalation and urge the separatists to leave Hadramout and Mahra, but faced “continued intransigence and rejection” from Aidarous al-Zubaidi. He said the STC had not permitted a Saudi delegation’s jet to land in Aden, despite having agreed on its arrival with some STC leaders.

Yemen’s Transportation Ministry, aligned with the STC, said Saudi Arabia on Thursday imposed requirements mandating that flights to and from Aden International Airport undergo inspection in Jeddah. The ministry denounced the decision. There was no confirmation from Saudi authorities.

A spokesperson with the transport ministry told the AP late Thursday that all flights from and to the UAE were suspended until Saudi Arabia reverses these reported measures.

Ostensibly, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and their allies in Yemen have been part of a Saudi-led coalition fighting Iranian-backed Houthi rebels who control the north in the country’s decade-long civil war. The coalition’s professed goal has long been to restore the internationally recognized government, which was driven out of the north by the Houthis. However, tensions between the factions and the two Gulf nations appear to be unraveling the coalition, threatening to further tear apart the Arab world’s poorest country.

The UAE’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement Friday that the country was dealing with the situation “with restraint, coordination, and a deliberate commitment to de-escalation.”