Aden (South24 Center)

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Southern Transitional Council (STC) President Aidarous al-Zubaidi on Tuesday called on Saudi Arabia and the regional and international communities to recognize the Constitutional Declaration and Political Statement issued on January 2, 2026, describing them as “a gateway to restoring stability to our country and the region.”

#BREAKING 

South24 Photos: Large crowd gathers at Al-Aroud Square in the capital, Aden, on the eve of the general mobilization "Million-Man March" called by the STC

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— South24 | English (@South24E) October 13, 2026

In a televised address marking the 63rd anniversary of the October 14 Revolution, his first televised address since the beginning of 2026, al-Zubaidi announced a general popular mobilization to defend the South and its national project, and to continue what he called the “National Defence Struggle” against the Houthis and extremist groups.

He said the rapidly unfolding developments required people to rally behind the Southern Armed Forces and security forces and strengthen social cohesion.

Al-Zubaidi called on people across the South, from Al-Mahra to Bab al-Mandab and from Socotra to Mayyun, to report to mobilization centers across the governorates in accordance with procedures set by the authorities he had appointed.

He also urged people to turn out in large numbers for a mass mobilization rally scheduled for Wednesday in Aden, Hadramout, Shabwa, Al-Mahra and Socotra. He called on Southern tribes to declare a state of popular alert and stand ready to defend the South alongside its forces.

Al-Zubaidi reaffirmed the STC’s commitment to a political path based on the Constitutional Declaration and Political Statement issued on January 2 and the Southern National Charter. He said the Council would continue its regional and international efforts to secure the South’s right to self-determination and restore its fully sovereign, independent state.

#BREAKING 

South24 Video: Celebrations and fireworks in Seiyun following Aidrous al-Zubaidi's speech and his first TV appearance since early 2026

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— South24 | English (@South24E) October 13, 2026

Al-Zubaidi announced a two-year transitional phase on January 2, calling for dialogue with parties in northern Yemen under UN auspices, followed by a referendum on self-determination.

The STC linked the plan to restoring the “State of South Arabia” within the borders that existed before May 22, 1990, with Aden as its capital. The declaration did not set out details on the structure of a transitional authority or a timetable for the dialogue and referendum. No international endorsement of the plan was announced at the time.

The declaration came amid an escalation that began in late 2025, when Southern Armed Forces affiliated with the STC deployed in Hadramout and Al-Mahra as part of an operation the Council called “Promising Future.” The operation culminated in the expulsion of northern forces that had been stationed in Wadi Hadramout for years.

On December 30, Saudi Arabia struck the port of Mukalla, saying the attack targeted an Emirati-linked weapons shipment. Abu Dhabi denied that the shipment contained weapons. Saudi Arabia also carried out airstrikes against Southern forces in Hadramout and Shabwa, killing and wounding dozens. Southern forces later withdrew from the two governorates, and local forces aligned with Riyadh advanced in their place.

#BREAKING 

South24 Video: Motorcycle and vehicle rally in Seiyun as part of preparations for the mobilization "Million-Man March" called by the STC for tomorrow, Wednesday

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https://t.co/PsLGNhnw6w

— South24 | English (@South24E) October 13, 2026

On January 7, al-Zubaidi did not travel to Riyadh for talks on the crisis, as Saudi officials had said he would. Saudi military spokesperson Turki al-Maliki said al-Zubaidi had left Aden by sea for Berbera in Somaliland, then travelled by plane via Mogadishu to Abu Dhabi. His whereabouts were not independently confirmed.

After al-Zubaidi’s absence, Rashad al-Alimi, president of the Presidential Leadership Council, who is based in Riyadh, announced his removal from the Council and referral to prosecutors on charges including high treason. On January 9, members of an STC delegation in Riyadh announced the Council’s dissolution. STC institutions in the South rejected the announcement, saying it had been issued under coercion and pressure.

In May, Aden Independent Channel broadcast an audio address by al-Zubaidi marking the anniversary of the Aden Historic Declaration on May 4 and the STC’s formation in 2017. The recording did not identify where he was or whether he was inside or outside the South.

In Tuesday’s address, al-Zubaidi renewed his commitment to protecting international maritime navigation, maintaining regional stability and combating terrorism. He described the Southern Armed Forces as a trusted partner in promoting international peace and security. He also condemned Houthi attacks on civilian facilities in Saudi Arabia and called for a firm international stance against the Houthis.

Al-Zubaidi greeted Southern forces on the fronts in Al-Subayha, Bab al-Mandab, Karsh, Al-Musaymir, Yafa, Abyan, Al-Dhalea and Bayhan. He also praised the people of Al-Subayha for their role in confronting what he described as aggression along the South’s borders. He wished the wounded a speedy recovery, called for the release of prisoners and paid tribute to those killed.