Southern Movement

After the union between South Yemen and North Yemen on May 22, 1990, a civil war broke out in 1994. This came after leaders of the former independent southern state declared an end to the unity deal amidst an alleged power-grabbing usurp by their northern counterparts. The result was a swift defeat of the weakened southern forces and the expulsion of most of its leaders out of Yemen, including the former Secretary-General of the Yemeni Socialist Party and the Vice-President of unified Yemen, Ali Salim al-Beidh.[4]

After the 1994 civil war, calls for southern independence were successfully put down and national unity was maintained. Grievances however remained high amongst many residents of the south. Accusations of corruption, nepotism, and electoral fraud were leveled against the new ruling party based in Sana'a, led by President Ali Abdullah Saleh, as well as a mishandling of the power-sharing arrangement agreed to by both parties in the 1990 unity deal.

Many in the south also felt that their land, home to much of the country's oil reserves and wealth resources,[5] was being exploited after the unity deal. Privately owned land was seized and distributed amongst people affiliated with the Sana'a government. Several hundred thousand militaries and civil employees from the south were forced into early retirement and compensated with pensions below the subsistence level. Although equally, low living standards were prevalent throughout the whole of Yemen, many in the south felt that they were being intentionally targeted and dismissed from important posts,[6] and being replaced with northern officials affiliated with the new government. The city of Aden, the former capital city of South Yemen, also witnessed neglect both socially and economically, whilst new investments appeared to be focussed instead on northern Sana'a, the new capital.

Beyond the economic grievances were also cultural and social ones too. Many in the south long believed their history was distinct from that of their northern neighbours. This became more evident after the 1990 unity. After 128 years of British rule, South Yemen was an independent state for 23 years. Despite the economic difficulty in its later years with the collapse of its main backer the Soviet Union, the socialist state prided itself on its free healthcare, education and welfare system. Many in Aden today speak foreign languages or have technical skills as a result of their state-sponsored education abroad enjoyed in the days of pre-unity South Yemen. Unlike the north, tribalism was looked upon with disdain and generally stamped out of everyday life in the south, which instead preferred the law and order of civil society passed onto them from British rule. Post-1994 unity saw a gradual return of tribalism into southern society. It is not uncommon for residents of the south to even refer to those from the north as being "mutikhalifeen" or backward.[7]

In May 2007, grieving pensioners who had not been paid for years began to organise small demonstrations demanding better rights and an end to the economic and political marginalization of the south. As the protests spread throughout Aden and grew more popular, so too did the demands of those protesting. Eventually, calls were being made once again for the secession of the south and the re-establishment of South Yemen as an independent state. The government's response to these peaceful protests was heavy-handed, labeling them as 'apostates of the state' and using live ammunition to disperse the crowds.[8]

This eventually gave birth to the Southern Movement, which grew to consist of a loose coalition of groups seeking a complete secession from the north.[9] Their presence in the south was restricted, and their actions were limited to the organising of protests and marches across the south which were often met with deadly violence. To raise the former flag of South Yemen was considered a crime in Aden, although a common practice outside of the city where government control was limited.

Multiple protests by the Southern Movement took place between 2007–09, during which 100 were killed.

In 2015, the Southern Movement rose to prominence after entering into a loose alliance with the exiled President Hadi and proving to be a vital force in the pushback against Houthi forces from the southern city of Aden,[10] receiving both financial and military assistance from members of the Gulf coalition as a result.

Today, the Southern Movement through its political branch the Southern Transitional Council has a significant presence in all areas of the former southern territories. Flags of the former southern republic are flown from Aden to Hadramout, often alongside those of the Arab coalition as a gesture of gratitude for their ongoing support.

Logo of the STC

In January 2018, schisms became evident between the STC and Hadi government after clashes in the city of Aden following the dismissal of STC leader Aidarus al-Zoubaidi by the Hadi leadership.

On 1 August 2019, the Houthi movement based in Sana’a launched an attack on a southern military ceremony in the city of Aden. A medium-range ballistic missile was used to kill dozens in the camp, including a well-known and senior commander of the southern movement known as Muneer al-Yafee or Abu al-Yamama.[11]

The attack triggered widespread anger in the south, with the Southern Transitional Council leveling blame at the Hadi-affiliated Islamist Islah party, accusing them of complicity in the attack. In response, a four-day battle took place between UAE-backed forces belonging to the southern movement and those loyal to the Saudi-backed Hadi government. This was the first major time a rift had been so visible between both partners of the Saudi coalition that had previously been united, at least ostensibly, in their opposition to the Houthi movement.[12]

Dozens were killed in the infighting, which came to an end with the southern forces taking control of all government buildings and military camps within the city including the symbolic presidential palace.[13]

In response, Saudi Arabia launched an air strike in the city as a warning to the southern forces.[14]

On 26 April 2020, after reaching a peace deal in November 2019, the Southern Transitional Council (STC) broke the terms of the agreement and said that it would rule Aden and other southern regions. However, the move infuriated Saudi-backed Yemeni government, who warned of "dangerous and catastrophic consequences".[15]

In August 2022, forces of the Southern Movement launched an offensive in the Abyan and Shabwah provinces. On 7 August 2022, heavy clashes erupted in Ataq between Southern and government troops. On 8 August, missiles struck Ataq Airport, hitting Southern forces. Tanks and soldiers were deployed in the city and dozens of families fled.[16]

On 10 August 2022, after three days heavy clashes, Southern forces took control of Shabwah's capital Ataq, forcing government troops to withdraw to other districts.[17] On the same day after heavy clashes Southern forces captured base of 2nd Mountain Infantry Brigade in Azzan.[18] Government forces also reportedly withdrew from military sites in Nisab, Radhum, Habban and Mayfa'a districts.[19] According to unnamed officials cited by AP at least 35 people were killed in clashes.[20] Unconfirmed reports alleged that the STC forces in Shabwah were supported by drone strikes carried out by the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces.[21]

On 12 August 2022, a suspected U.A.E. drone struck position of armed forces in Hadramawt governorate.[22] On 13 August dispute over military building resulted in clashes between Giant Forces and Shabwah Defense Forces (SDF) in Ataq during which SDF commander was killed.[23] On 15 August, U.A.E. drone struck military position in Shabwah allowing southern forces to advance towards Marib and Hadramawt. One civilian was killed in strike on Jardan District.[24] Clashes reportedly continued on 17 August with Southern forces using heavy artillery and drones.[25]

A few days later separatist forces captured important oil fields in the Shwabwah province.[26] On 21 August it was reported that government forces decided to hand control over Shuqra and the areas of Qarn al-Kalasi and Al-Arqub to separatist forces. Also Ayaz area, the Alam base and the Ayaz oil field were reported to be under Southern control, with heavy clashes ongoing around the Al-Uqla oil fields and along the Ataq-Abar road.[27] Later that day Southern forces took control of Al-Uqlah oil field and moved towards the district of Arma.[28]

On 22 August 2022, Southern forces launched an operation called "Arrows of the East" in the Abyan governorate, entering Shuqrah early the next day. The separatists officially claimed that they were clearing the area of "terrorists" such as al-Qaeda (and its local branch AQAP). Later on 22 August, they took control of Shuqrah–Ahwar road, with the separatists claiming to control 90% of the Abyan province. PLC President Rashad al-Alimi ordred the STC to stop its attacks, but his commands were ignored.[21][29] They also captured Khobar al-Maraqisha area and finally Ahwar District.[30] Dozens of people were reportedly killed and wounded.[31] On 27 August, police forces led by Brigadier General Ali Nasser Al-Kazmi were deployed in Zinjibar with agreement of STC forces.[32] Meanwhile, heavy fighting continued at several locations across Shabwa.[21]

On 31 August 2022, Southern forces entered Lawdar in Abyan without a fight.[33] They had negotiated a takeover with local officials who had previously been loyal to ex-President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi, but had been "cast adrift by his ouster" due to the formation of the PLC.[34] On 6 September, al-Qaeda launched attack on Southern forces in Ahwar. Twenty members of the Southern Security Belt's Anti-Terror Brigade and six attackers were killed.[35] Two days later, Saudi Arabia invited "army and security leaders" from Shabwah and Abyan for "consultations", possibly in relation to the Southern offensive.[36]

On 10 September 2022, Southern forces announced offensive against al-Qaeda in Khaber Al-Marakesha area in Abyan and Al-Musainah region in Shabwah governatore. AQAP troops reportedly fled to mountainous area between Shabwah, Abyan and Bayda provinces.[37][38]

On 11 September 2022, Southern forces entered Al-Wadea and Mudiyah districts in Abyan.[39] On 12 September three Southern Yemeni soldiers were killed and six wounded in clashes with Al-Qaeda east of Moudia.[40] On 13 September Southern forces reportedly arrived on the outskirts of Mahfad district.[41] On 14 September, Southern forces entered Wadi Omaran east of Mudiyah, clashing with Al-Qaeda.[42] One soldier was killed and nine injured in two attacks by Al-Qaeda.[43] Southern forces claimed to have killed dozens of Al-Qaeda militiamen using drones and capturing parts of the valley. The next day they reportedly started dismantling explosive devices inside the valley.[44] On 18 September, Southern forces announced full control over Wadi Omaran.[45] The battle for Wadi Omaran had resulted in the death of at least 32 soldiers and 24 militants.[46] On 20 September after clearing Wadi Omaran from explosive devices Southern forces moved to "Rabeez" area, while Al-Qaeda retreated to "Al-Hanka".[47]

On early 8 October 2022, Southern forces were deployed in Mahfad district. Al-Qaeda forces reportedly fled to mountainous areas afterwards.[48] On 11 October, Southern forces cleared "Wadi Daiyqa" on the western outskirs of Mahfad district.[49] On 2 November, separatist authorities stated that they had eliminated a terrorist cell allegedly loyal to the Houthi movement in Shabwa; this group had reportedly planned to kill Shabwa's governor Awadh Al-Wazer as well as military officers.[50] By 5 November, Southern troops spearheaded by the STC fighters had advanced into al-Khealah valley, south of Mahfad district, dislodging its al-Qaeda garrison. The local jihadists offered little resistance, but two Southern fighters were killed by a roadside bomb.[51] On 19 November, an al-Qaeda bomb killed three Southern fighters and wounded two in Wadi Omaran.[52]