Yemen Separatists Declare Independent South, Escalating Conflict with Saudi-Backed Forces

• Yemen's Southern Transitional Council (STC) announced a constitution for an independent "State of South Arabia" on January 2.
• The declaration escalates tensions, pitting Gulf powerhouses Saudi Arabia and the UAE against each other, despite their nominal alliance.
• Saudi warplanes bombed STC positions in Hadramout province after STC-linked fighters seized southern provinces and refused to withdraw.
• STC head Aidarous al-Zubaid stated the constitution would be in effect for two years, followed by a referendum on self-determination.
• Saudi Arabia accused STC leader Aidarous al-Zubaid of intransigence, while Aden International Airport faced new Saudi inspection rules.

Why It Matters: Yemen's separatists declare independence, deepening internal conflict and fracturing the Saudi-led coalition.