A senior advisor to the Yemeni Presidential Council has accused the Southern Transitional Council (STC) of pursuing regional agendas and providing a “free service” to the Houthi group. Thabet al-Ahmadi stated that recent decisions by Presidential Leadership Council head Rashad al-Alimi represent a “decisive turning point” in confronting what he described as the STC’s “militia-like behavior.” He warned that these actions ultimately benefit the Houthis.
In statements to DZWatch, al-Ahmadi explained that the legitimate Yemeni government had granted the STC numerous opportunities for dialogue and de-escalation in recent months. However, these efforts were allegedly met with a persistent attempt to impose a fait accompli by force within the Hadramaut and al-Mahra governorates.
The presidential advisor’s remarks follow al-Alimi’s announcement of the cancellation of the joint defense agreement with the United Arab Emirates and the demand for the withdrawal of Emirati forces from Yemeni territory within 24 hours. Al-Alimi also declared a state of emergency and a temporary air and land blockade on ports and border crossings.
Al-Ahmadi asserted that these decisions were based on widespread public rejection within Hadramaut and al-Mahra. He emphasized that the Supreme Defense Council, the government, and the Presidential Leadership Council had discussed the recent developments and concluded that decisive action was necessary to protect the state and civilians.
He further argued that the STC’s actions do not serve the southern cause or represent the people of the south. Instead, he claimed they deepen internal divisions and mirror the Houthi group’s behavior in Sana’a by imposing control through force and fracturing national unity. Al-Ahmadi downplayed objections from four members of the Presidential Leadership Council, asserting that only one faction, among many, opposed al-Alimi’s decisions. He claimed that the majority of political forces, along with the Saudi-led coalition, support these measures, citing constitutional legitimacy, political references, and growing public anger in the eastern governorates.
Al-Ahmadi also alleged that the STC forces committed “gross violations,” including the confiscation of public and private funds and attacks on civilians. He stated that human rights organizations have documented these violations and that a comprehensive legal file exists to hold perpetrators accountable.
