Latest news with #SouthernTransitionalCouncil
Yahoo
31-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Iran's axis 'can be stopped here,' general of Yemen's anti-Houthi forces tells 'Post'
BEHIND THE LINES: Read about the Southern Transitional Council, based out of Aden in south Yemen, leading the fight against Houthi terrorists, primarily based in the north of the country. ADEN, Yemen – 'We just need a green light, and we'll drive back the Houthis – and Habrish too,' Maj.-Gen. Salah al Hassan tells me, as we sit in his office in Aden, southern Yemen. 'Habrish' is Amr Bin Habrish, deputy governor of Hadramout Province, who is widely suspected of collaboration. The Houthis need no introduction. We are in the headquarters of the Yemeni Southern Transitional Council, or STC. I have come here to look into the question that the general has sought to answer – namely, whether there are potential ground partners available to the West in Yemen, to help undertake the urgent task of pushing back the Ansar Allah ('Partisans of God,' the Houthis' official name) from the Red Sea coast area. The importance and the urgency of this question require little explanation. Of the pro-Iran forces mobilized by Tehran to take part in the regional war against Israel under way since October 2023, the Houthis are unique in that they have not yet suffered any serious setback, and have not yet blinked. Across a regional landscape where the main strategic lesson of recent months has been the relative weakness and vulnerability of Iran and its allies, the Houthis stand out in their durability. Aden, under the de facto control of the STC, is ramshackle and poverty-stricken. The apartment buildings built by the British to house imperial officials and their families have long since fallen into decay. The Soviet-supported People's Democratic Republic of Yemen (PDRY, now South Yemen) appears to have left little architectural memory. Here and there, one may see faded Soviet-style murals. Like similar displays in Syria and Egypt, these seem to be the work of North Korean artists, and depict heroic Arab fighters of oddly East Asian appearance. The British fought a doomed colonial counter-insurgency here, in the late 1960s. The Soviets are long gone, too. BUT THE thing that brought them both to South Yemen – the crucial strategic waterway that runs past the Bab el Mandeb Strait between the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea and then on to the Suez Canal and the Mediterranean – remains. Today, new forces are fighting over it. The Houthis' campaign against international shipping on the Gulf of Aden/Red Sea route recommenced this month, with the targeting and sinking of two Greek owned, Liberian-flagged vessels. This is despite a supposed ceasefire concluded with the US regarding this front on May 6. Ansar Allah's launching of ballistic missiles and drones at Israel is ongoing. Large-scale US and Israeli counterattacks from air and sea on the Hodeidah and Salif ports and the airport at Sanaa have so far failed to deter them. What more might be done? GEN. MOHSEN DERAI, Yemen's defense minister, told us that he and the government he serves were 'shocked' at the US decision to conclude a ceasefire with the Houthis in May. Speaking in his office in Aden, the defense minister said that on the one hand, he had regretted that no ground operation had taken place to take advantage of the US air activity. But on the other hand, he was relieved, 'because the US was going to abandon us…. When the Americans decided to begin those operations against the Houthis, they didn't coordinate with us and didn't notify us, and when they decided to cease, they also didn't coordinate with or notify us.' 'We had a strategic plan we had devised together with STC leader Aidarus al-Zoubaidi, which was supposed to involve the US, UK, UAE, and Saudi Arabia… a coordinated effort to bring down the Houthis.' Darei's words are notable given reporting at the time in April by The Wall Street Journal, suggesting that a ground operation had been in preparation. Such an operation to push north into Hodaidah Province – taking the ports of Hodeidah and Salif, and the Ras Issa oil terminal – would with one stroke deprive the Houthis of a massive part of their revenue, their ability to bring in weaponry and goods, and much of the infrastructure used for attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. But it didn't take place. THE ISSUE, in part at least, is one of will. In 2019, an agreement brokered in Stockholm prevented a military offensive by the internationally recognized government of Yemen and the STC on the crucial Houthi-held port of Hodeidah. Now in 2025, the enemies of the Houthis have hesitated again. But there are other complicating factors. The CIA estimates that anti-Houthi forces number around 300,000 fighters, which is only a little less than the number commanded by their enemies. But the anti-Houthi camp remains bitterly divided. The internationally recognized government of which Defense Minister Da'eri is a part wants to reunite the country after the destruction of the Houthis. Who is the Southern Transitional Council, and what is their goal? The separatist Southern Transitional Council favors recreating a separate state in South Yemen, with Aden as its capital. In our talks with STC officials, this issue was paramount. The Southern Transitional Council emerged in 2017, following a successful defense of the southern provinces against the Houthis, and the clashes with Saudi-linked forces. Led by Zoubaidi, the STC was backed from the outset by the United Arab Emirates. Today, it constitutes probably the dominant military force in South Yemen, with its associated militias holding the main fronts against the Houthis in Daleh, Abiran/Shabwa, and Lahej. The STC aligned decisively with the US-led coalition following the commencement of attacks on international shipping in November 2023. In interviews, Zoubaidi noted that air action against the Houthis would not be enough. 'What we need,' he said at that time, 'is military equipment, capacity building, and training for ground forces, as well as intel sharing.' These requests were echoed by STC fighters and commanders when we visited the Daleh and Shabwa fronts in the course of our visit. The situation on the frontlines is one of 'no war, no peace,' as one commander at Daleh described it. There are near daily exchanges of fire, involving small arms and mortars, and regular attempts by the Houthis at incursion. The Daleh front is the most active. STANDING ON a mountain facing the Houthi lines in Daleh, Gen. Abdallah, the local STC commander, outlined the tactical situation facing his forces near the city of al-Fakhr: 'What's happening is skirmishes, sometimes sniper fire, drones. Sometimes the enemy tries to infiltrate behind our lines, but he doesn't succeed. 'We and the US are in the same boat – against Iran,' Abdallah said. 'And the Houthis are an arm of Iran. The Iranian project succeeded in Lebanon, Syria and Iraq, but it can be stopped here, in this area. If you want to ensure maritime security at Bab el Mandeb and the Red Sea, you need to support us.' The central issue facing both the STC and the various other forces aligned with the internationally recognized government, appears to be a chronic lack of equipment. The list of their needs, as related to us in Aden, included: drones for reconnaissance (they appear to lack any capacity in this area), night vision equipment, light and heavy machine guns, and medium range artillery. Political and military will, and manpower, are not lacking in southern Yemen. But the STC's regional patrons, and their Western allies, at the moment appear to see no reason to convert their allies on the ground in Yemen into a force that could pose a genuine challenge to the Houthis. The result is that, for now, the Iran-supported militia looks set to remain free to commit piracy and murder on the Gulf of Aden-Red Sea route whenever it chooses to do so. Its opponents will continue to hold the line against them with the meager resources available to them. But real change is likely to come only when the Western and regional enemies of the Houthis decide that the situation is intolerable, and begin to build and equip a force capable, with air support from outside, of pushing the Iran-supported militia back from the coast – hopefully soon. Solve the daily Crossword
Hadramout Net
25-07-2025
- Politics
- Hadramout Net
Al-Muharrami Holds Video Meeting with Acting U.S. Ambassador
Friday, July 25, 2025 Mr. Abdul Rahman Abu Zara'a Al-Muharrami, Deputy President of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) and Vice Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), held a virtual meeting on Thursday with Mr. Jonathan Peccia, Deputy Chief of the U.S. Mission and Acting U.S. Ambassador to Yemen, to discuss the latest local developments and enhance cooperation in various fields. إقرأ ايضا President Zubaidi Discusses with UK Ambassador and WB Officials Recent Political Progress and Urgent Solutions to Power Crisis Houthis Threaten to Target U.S. Ships in the Red Sea if America Attacks Iran The meeting reviewed the repercussions of the ongoing Houthi escalation on international maritime navigation in the Red Sea and its implications for the de-escalation efforts and the UN and international efforts aimed at reaching a peaceful and lasting settlement, focusing on the worsening economic and humanitarian crises, particularly in the capital, Aden, and the efforts made to address them and alleviate the suffering of citizens. Mr. Al-Muharrami stressed the need for a victory over terrorism and defeating the Houthi terrorist militia, both militarily and politically, to realize security and stability, highlighting the importance of strengthening the bilateral partnership and expanding the prospects of cooperation in the security, economic, and humanitarian aspects, which contributes to confronting the threats posed by the Houthi militia. For his part, the acting US ambassador reiterated his country's full support for efforts to improve public services, achieve stability, and alleviate the suffering of citizens, affirming Washington's commitment to maintaining its active partnership in various tracks. ملحوظة: مضمون هذا الخبر تم كتابته بواسطة صوت الشعب , ولا يعبر عن وجهة نظر حضرموت نت وانما تم نقله بمحتواه كما هو من صوت الشعب ونحن غير مسئولين عن محتوى الخبر والعهدة على المصدر السابق ذكرة.
Fox News
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Trump urged to aid Yemen's anti-Houthi forces as terror group escalates attacks on shipping
The State Department on Sunday blasted Yemen's Iran-sponsored Houthi terrorist movement for lethal attacks on cargo ships in the Red Sea and on Israel as new calls emerged for President Donald Trump to support Yemen's legitimate government to topple the Houthi regime. Walid Phares, a leading American expert on the Middle East, told Fox News Digital that regarding "negotiations with Hamas and the regime in Tehran, in my view, Iran is simply buying time to rearm and resume its regional expansion." Phares said if the talks fail, there is a need "to reassemble a ground force comprised of units loyal to the legitimate Yemeni government (now in exile in Aden), and—crucially—the Southern Transitional Council (STC), whose forces are based in the Aden region and maintain frontlines adjacent to Houthi-controlled territory. Notably, STC forces have achieved the most significant victories against the Khomeinist militias in past years." Phares, who advised Trump when he was a candidate for president in 2016, continued, saying that "The United States should back, fund, and train these southern forces for renewed ground operations along the Red Sea coast, particularly to retake the vital port city of Hodeidah. Simultaneously, northern units loyal to the Yemeni government could advance toward the capital, Sanaa. Allied airpower would provide the necessary cover to enable a southern-northern pincer movement that could collapse the Houthi hold on Yemen and eliminate the threat entirely." He argued that "This would pave the way for future negotiations—not with Tehran's proxies—but with a federated, pro-Western Yemeni government independent of Iranian influence. " In May, Trump announced that after a military air campaign against the Houthi movement, saying the Houthis "just don't want to fight…and we will honor that. We will stop the bombings." The Houthi terrorists, however, appear to have violated their pledge to Trump to stop attacks in the Red Sea. Department of Defense spokesman Sean Parnell told Fox News Digital, "The DOD remains prepared to respond to any state or non-state actor seeking to broaden or escalate conflict in the region. Secretary Hegseth continues to make clear that, should Iran or its proxies threaten American personnel in the region, the United States will take decisive action to defend our people. We will not discuss future operations." Fox News Digital reported on July 7 that Israel exchanged missile fire with Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen on Monday, targeting the group's ports and other facilities. Israel's initial strikes came in reaction to a suspected Houthi attack on a Liberian-flagged ship in the Red Sea. The vessel was targeted with explosives and small arms fire, causing it to take on water and forcing the crew to abandon ship. The Houthis have not yet claimed responsibility for the attack. Israel's military issued a warning prior to its attack, which targeted ports at Hodeida, Ras Isa and Salif. "These ports are used by the Houthi terrorist regime to transfer weapons from the Iranian regime, which are employed to carry out terrorist operations against the state of Israel and its allies," the Israeli military said. The Houthi attacks last week resulted in the sinking of the bulk carrier Magic Seas, resulting in the presumed killings of four people and 11 others who are missing, according to an AP report. The announcement came as satellite photos show long, trailing oil slicks from where the bulk carrier Eternity C went down, and another when the Houthis sank the bulk carrier Magic Seas. The Times of Israel reported that both ships were attacked over a week ago by the rebels as part of their campaign targeting vessels over the war in Gaza. The Houthi campaign has upended shipping in the Red Sea, through which $1 trillion of goods usually passes a year. A spokesperson for the State Department told Fox News Digital, "The United States condemns these attacks. These recent attacks have led to the loss of life, injury to sailors, and the sinking of cargo attacks continue to endanger the lives of seafarers, harm economies across the region, and risk environmental disaster." The spokesperson added, "Global freedom of navigation and Israel have been under attack by the Houthi rebels for too long. The U.S. supports Israel's ability to exercise its right to self-defense." After the Biden administration de-listed the Houthi movement as a foreign terrorist organization, the Trump administration swiftly restored the terrorist designation in March. The official slogan of the Houthi movement (Ansar Allah) reads, "Allah is Greater. Death to America. Death to Israel. Curse on the Jews. Victory to Islam."
Yemen Online
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Yemen Online
US Analysts Urge Washington to Engage South Yemen to Counter Houthi Threat
Aden — A growing chorus of American defense analysts and foreign policy experts is calling on the Biden administration to recalibrate its strategy in Yemen by engaging directly with southern Yemeni factions, particularly the Southern Transitional Council (STC), to help resolve the enduring Houthi insurgency. According to a recent report published by Stars and Stripes, the failure of past military campaigns to decisively weaken the Iran-backed Houthi movement has prompted calls for a regional realignment. Advocates argue that southern forces possess territorial control, military discipline, and popular legitimacy that could be leveraged to contain Houthi expansion and restore stability. The STC, controls key areas including Aden, Mukalla, and strategic ports along the Gulf of Aden. Experts suggest that bolstering these forces could create a counterbalance to Houthi dominance in the north, especially as the Houthis continue to launch drone and missile attacks on Red Sea shipping and Israeli targets. The proposal remains controversial, given the STC's separatist ambitions and the complex web of alliances in Yemen. However, proponents argue that realpolitik demands a shift from idealistic unity frameworks to pragmatic partnerships that reflect realities on the ground.
Saba Yemen
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Saba Yemen
Saudi-Emirati Occupation deepens crises in Southern and Eastern Governorates
Sana'a – SABA The southern and eastern governorates of Yemen, currently under Saudi-Emirati occupation, are facing catastrophic conditions marked by escalating crises, widespread chaos, security collapse, and total economic disintegration. These conditions are the result of a systematic project executed by the coalition forces through rival mercenary factions under their control and funding. The suffering affects every aspect of life. The security, economic, and living conditions have turned into a nightmare for residents due to the absence of state authority, lack of stability, and the takeover of state institutions by coalition-backed militias, which engage in assassinations, abductions, and executions as part of foreign agendas. The economic capital, Aden—once the first city in the Arabian Peninsula to have electricity in the 1920s—is now experiencing one of the worst crises in its history. Power outages exceed 20 hours per day, basic services are nearly non-existent, and infrastructure continues to deteriorate, rendering life unbearable, especially with soaring temperatures. As the Saudi-Emirati coalition tightens its grip and the so-called 'hotel government' remains absent, the population suffers from worsening services and a record collapse of the local currency. The exchange rate has surpassed 2,800 riyals per U.S. dollar and 760 riyals per Saudi riyal. This reveals a deliberate policy by the coalition to humiliate the population and plunder the country's wealth. Factional infighting among coalition proxies has fueled lawlessness and insecurity. Daily occurrences of murder, armed robbery, assassinations, and arbitrary arrests are now the norm, enforced as a reality on the ground by the occupying forces. This demands a unified stance from the free people of these regions to resist and expel the foreign occupiers and their collaborators. Despite systematic repression by coalition-affiliated militias against any popular movement rejecting foreign domination and division plans, recent months have seen widespread protests across the occupied regions. Among them were prominent women's demonstrations in Aden, which were met with violent crackdowns and arrests by militias loyal to the so-called Southern Transitional Council. Observers affirm that the current chaos, assassinations, and protests are the inevitable consequence of Saudi-Emirati policies aimed at tearing apart the social fabric, entrenching dependency, and advancing a colonial agenda centered on controlling islands, ports, and vital natural resources. In light of this deteriorating situation and the ongoing humiliation, starvation, and repression of people in the occupied territories, there is an urgent need for a united national stance that does not compromise on dignity and sovereignty—especially now that the true ambitions of Saudi Arabia and the UAE have been fully exposed in their relentless pursuit to dominate Yemen's wealth and decision-making, either directly or through their proxy forces of subservience and betrayal. E. Facebook Whatsapp Telegram Email Print more of (Reports)
