The separatists in southern Yemen, supported by the United Arab Emirates, are escalating tensions with Saudi Arabia, announcing their intention to organize a referendum on independence from the north.

The situation in Yemen is becoming increasingly tense, after the Southern Transitional Council (STC), supported by the United Arab Emirates, announced its intention to organize a referendum on independence from the north. This escalation of the conflict comes in the context where the Emirates and Saudi Arabia, which support the internationally recognized government, are in opposition. The STC recently took control of two provinces in the south and forced the government to take refuge in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia responded with bombings on STC positions, accusing the separatists of receiving weapons from the Emirates. The civil war in Yemen, which has lasted for a decade, has devastated the country, and the Saudi-led coalition is facing internal tensions. Aidarous al Zoubeidi, the leader of the STC, announced that a constitution will be in effect for two years, followed by a referendum for the self-determination of southern Yemen.