Sentinel Briefing

STC Dissolution Contested as Saudi Consolidates Control

BLUF: The STC dissolution announced 09 January is now actively contested by key figures including Deputy Chairman Hani bin Breik and spokesperson Anwar al-Tamimi, who dismissed the announcement as a "political farce" made under duress. The organization has effectively fractured rather than dissolved, with the Riyadh delegation (pro-dissolution) split from al-Zubaidi loyalists (rejection). Al-Zubaidi's flight to Abu Dhabi via Somaliland is now confirmed by multiple sources despite STC claims he remains in Aden. Government forces have stabilized Aden, lifting the curfew and banning planned pro-STC protests. The Saudi-UAE rift is now explicit, with the coalition publicly accusing the UAE of facilitating al-Zubaidi's escape. Socotra evacuation operations completed today. Houthi drone activity in al-Jawf suggests opportunistic probing while the coalition recalibrates.

Current Status

Situation Update

The Southern Transitional Council's dissolution, announced by Secretary-General Abdulrahman Jalal al-Sebaihi from Riyadh on 09 January, has fractured the organization rather than ending it. According to Al Jazeera, the announcement was made during talks hosted by the Saudi government. However, Deputy Chairman Hani bin Breik dismissed the move as a "political farce" conducted under external pressure, calling on the UN to intervene, as reported by Al Hurra.

STC spokesperson Anwar al-Tamimi stated the delegation in Riyadh had "lost contact" with the outside world and could not communicate freely, asserting that only the full council under its president could authorize dissolution (Deutsche Welle). Reports from Channel News Asia indicate the 50-member STC delegation may have been held incommunicado since arriving in Riyadh, raising questions about coercion.

Al-Zubaidi's escape route is now confirmed through coalition and international sources. According to ANSA and RFI, he fled Aden by boat during the night of 07-08 January, traveled to Berbera port in Somaliland, boarded an Ilyushin Il-76 under UAE officer supervision, flew via Mogadishu, and arrived at a military airport in Abu Dhabi. The Saudi-led coalition explicitly accused the UAE of facilitating this escape (Bloomberg), marking a rare public accusation between the Gulf allies.