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<h2>Yemen's Separatist Movement Declares Constitution for Independent South</h2>
<p>ADEN, Yemen — On Friday, Yemen's separatist movement announced a constitution aimed at establishing an independent nation in the south, urging other factions in the conflict-ridden country to acknowledge this development. This escalation intensifies a confrontation between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, two significant Gulf powers involved in the region.</p>
<p>The Southern Transitional Council (STC), supported by the UAE, framed the announcement as a declaration of independence for southern Yemen. However, it remains uncertain whether this move can be enacted or if it is merely symbolic. Last month, STC-affiliated combatants seized control of two provinces in the south from Saudi-backed forces and occupied the Presidential Palace in the southern capital, Aden, prompting the internationally recognized government to relocate to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.</p>
<p>On the same day, Saudi warplanes targeted camps and military installations held by the STC in Hadramout province as Saudi-backed fighters attempted to reclaim these sites, according to a separatist official. This marks the latest direct action by Saudi Arabia, which has recently bombed STC positions and intercepted what was believed to be a shipment of Emirati weapons intended for the separatists.</p>
<h3>Rising Tensions Among Gulf States</h3>
<p>Typically, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, along with their allies, are part of a coalition fighting the Iranian-supported Houthi rebels who dominate northern Yemen in the country's ongoing civil war. The coalition's stated goal has consistently been the restoration of the internationally recognized government that was displaced by the Houthis. However, increasing tensions between various factions and the Gulf states themselves are unraveling this coalition, risking a direct conflict that could further destabilize Yemen, already the poorest nation in the Arab world.</p>
<h3>STC's Declaration and Future Plans</h3>
<p>Aidarous al-Zubaidi, the leader of the STC, released a video statement asserting that the constitution his group had issued would be valid for two years, after which a referendum will be held to determine the potential for self-determination for southern Yemen. He emphasized the need for dialogue between parties in both northern and southern Yemen during this period to establish a clear path guaranteeing the rights of the southern populace.</p>
<p>The proposed 30-article constitution establishes the "State of South Arabia," reflecting the territory of the former People's Democratic Republic of Yemen, which existed from 1967 to 1990. This signifies the STC's most overt attempt to achieve its long-standing goal of independence. Despite the prevailing chaos in the south, its practical implications remain uncertain and could complicate efforts to prevent a wider conflict within the Saudi-led coalition.</p>
<h3>Saudi Forces Mobilize Amid Continued Hostilities</h3>
<p>The Saudi-led coalition is demanding the withdrawal of STC-affiliated Southern Shield forces from Hadramout and Mahra as part of de-escalation initiatives. Nevertheless, the STC has thus far refused to relinquish its arms and camps. Saudi-backed combatants, known as the National Shield Forces, advanced on STC positions in Hadramout, leading to air strikes from Saudi planes targeting these camps, which reportedly resulted in casualties.</p>
<p>Furthermore, Saudi Ambassador to Yemen, Mohammed al-Jaber, stated that Saudi Arabia had exerted considerable effort to engage the STC in dialogue to de-escalate tensions. Despite this, there has been a continued resistance from STC leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi. Additionally, Yemen's Transportation Ministry, aligned with the STC, denounced recent Saudi-imposed travel restrictions on flights to and from Aden International Airport, emphasizing the ongoing conflict's complexities.</p>
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