The Emergence of a New Nation: The Rise of the Southern Transitional Council in Yemen

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Video originally published on December 18, 2025.

The world is on the cusp of welcoming a brand-new nation, as the Southern Transitional Council (STC) has carried out a lightning offensive in Yemen, taking control of the country's oil fields, southern coastline, and vast majority of its territory. The STC's objective is to build a new sovereign state, reminiscent of the Cold War-era communist state of South Yemen, and to remake it in their own image. With the internationally recognized government of Yemen powerless to resist, and the Houthi rebels yet to heavily involve themselves in the fighting, the STC is working to prove that it is a genuine global partner, rather than just another upstart rebel group.

Key Takeaways

The World is About to Welcome a Brand-New Nation.

Introduction.

Look at a map of Yemen from December the first, 2025, and you’ll find that it’s gone horribly out of date.

The Southern Transitional Council's Lightning Offensive

The STC's offensive, which began on December 2, 2025, was not expected to achieve the level of success that it did. Prior to the start of the month, Yemen was divided into thirds, with the STC controlling a large part of the south, the internationally recognized Republic of Yemen controlling the eastern inland region, and the Houthi rebel organization controlling the western coastline on the Red Sea. However, with the support of the United Arab Emirates and the use of Emirati-supplied armored vehicles and artillery, the STC was able to rapidly take over the massive province of Hadhramaut and its oil fields, as well as the entire border with Oman, more than half the border with Saudi Arabia, and all the other territory that used to belong to the nation of South Yemen.

The STC's Claim for Sovereignty

The STC's territorial conquests are undeniably an important part of this story, but the focus is on the distinct possibility that the STC will see its claim for sovereignty recognized on the global stage, and evolve into the so-called State of South Arabia. The STC is working to deliberately court international audiences and sell itself as the next big thing in the Middle East, in an attempt to convince global observers that a sovereign State of South Arabia is in their interests too. The crux of their argument centers on the Houthi rebels, who are seen as a menace by many world nations, and the STC's ability to provide a stabilizing force in the region.

The STC's Leadership and Governance

The STC's leadership is not without its flaws, having engaged in extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, torture, war looting, and other war crimes and atrocities in the past. However, unlike other non-state actors supported by the United Arab Emirates, such as the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan and the forces of Khalifa Haftar in Libya, the STC's actions have not received the same level of attention. The STC has generally been able to provide local stability, ensure access to basic public services, and otherwise do the bare minimum of civilian governance, even in a part of Yemen that has been ravaged by disease and food shortages.

The International Community's Response

The international community's response to the STC's claim for sovereignty will be crucial in determining the outcome of this situation. The STC has the support of the United Arab Emirates and, to some extent, Saudi Arabia, which could help to sway the opinions of other world nations. The STC's ability to present itself as a stabilizing force in the region, and its willingness to work with the international community, may also help to build support for its claim. However, the ultimate decision will depend on a variety of factors, including the STC's ability to demonstrate its commitment to human rights and the rule of law, and its willingness to work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Yemen.

The Implications of a New Nation

The emergence of a new nation in Yemen would have significant implications for the region and the world. It would mark a major shift in the balance of power in the Middle East, and could potentially lead to a more stable and secure region. However, it would also raise questions about the legitimacy of the new nation, and the potential for conflict with neighboring countries. The international community would need to carefully consider the implications of recognizing the STC's claim for sovereignty, and work towards a solution that takes into account the needs and concerns of all parties involved.

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About the Author

Jackson Reed

Jackson Reed creates and presents analysis focused on military doctrine, strategic competition, and conflict dynamics.

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