Yemen's southern separatists to disband after Saudi talks

The Southern Transitional Council's secretary-general announced the group will dissolve after talks in Saudi Arabia, saying the move is meant to preserve peace and security; the STC also reported loss of contact with its Riyadh delegation and there are reports the STC leader went to the UAE.

Yemen's main southern separatist body announced it would dissolve following negotiations held in Saudi Arabia. The secretary-general, Abdulrahman Al-Subaihi, made the declaration on Yemeni television and framed it as a step to preserve peace and security in the south and neighboring countries. He praised measures and solutions provided by Saudi Arabia. Members of the STC who were not participating in the Riyadh talks had not immediately commented. Key facts: - The STC Secretary-General Abdulrahman Al-Subaihi announced the organisation's dissolution on Yemeni television and said it was intended to preserve peace and security in the south and nearby countries. - Al-Subaihi praised measures taken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and described proposed solutions as meeting southern needs. - The STC reported it had lost contact with all members of its delegation in Riyadh, indicating a split within the group. - The Saudi-led coalition said STC leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi skipped the Riyadh talks and reported that he left for the UAE via Somaliland, accusing the UAE of smuggling him out. Summary: The announcement represents a formal change announced by STC leadership and is presented as aimed at reducing tensions in the south and with neighbouring states. Undetermined at this time.