Aden (South24 Center)

On April 13, Amr Al-Bidh, the Special Representative of the President of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) for Foreign Affairs, arrived in the U.S. capital, Washington, D.C.

Al-Bidh said he discussed Houthi threats in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, along with the repercussions of the January events that affected STC forces.

In remarks to the British newspaper The Telegraph, Al-Bidh said that the weakening of the Southern Ground Forces — which had previously constrained Houthi coastal operations — would likely embolden threats to international navigation.

He added that current conditions are more conducive than ever for a resumption of Houthi attacks on maritime shipping.

Al-Bidh further noted that recent regional developments, including tensions related to the Strait of Hormuz, underscore the growing importance of the Bab al-Mandab as an escalating flashpoint, amid rising threats and the declining capabilities of Southern forces following the January events.

In the same context, the STC's General Directorate of Foreign Affairs said in statements issued on April 15 and 16 that the Council’s delegation continues its meetings in Washington with U.S. congressional offices, think tanks, and media outlets to present security developments in South Yemen.

The Directorate added that American research institutions, including the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) and the Middle East Forum, have assessed that the STC represents the most effective force in combating terrorism in South Yemen.

It also noted that Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula has expanded its activities in areas from which Southern forces have withdrawn since January.

The Directorate emphasized that the delegation is working to convey these assessments to U.S. decision-makers as part of efforts to mobilize international support, stressing that Southern representation is a fundamental pillar of any sustainable political settlement in Yemen.

Al-Bidh had previously conducted diplomatic tours that included the European Union and the United Kingdom.

These movements come amid an internal crisis in South Yemen and ongoing efforts by Saudi Arabia to undermine the Southern Transitional Council.