Aden (South24 Center)

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The Southern Transitional Council (STC) called on Monday for calm and urged people to avoid any escalation or offense toward Saudi Arabia, ahead of rallies scheduled for October 14 in Aden and several southern governorates.

STC Secretary-General Waddah al-Halimi said participation should be peaceful and organized, reflecting unity among southerners and their commitment to the rights of the South and its national project. The rallies are scheduled to coincide with the anniversary of the October 14 Revolution.

Al-Halimi said avoiding escalation toward Saudi Arabia would help support dialogue, understanding and confidence-building. He said the current priority was to unite efforts against the Houthis and “terrorism,” and to protect the security of the South, the region and maritime routes.

The STC said it remained open to dialogue and negotiations with Saudi Arabia, regional parties and the international community on the basis of mutual respect, partnership and parity. It described the South as a key party and active partner in promoting security and stability, rather than a subordinate or an arena for settling conflicts.

The call comes amid tensions between the STC and Riyadh. In January, Saudi-backed forces deployed to Hadramout and Al-Mahra, governorates in South Yemen that had been controlled by Southern forces affiliated with the STC. A council delegation then travelled to Riyadh for talks.

Members of the delegation announced the STC’s dissolution on January 9, but the council’s leadership rejected the announcement, saying it had been made under pressure. Saudi Arabia subsequently backed a broader dialogue on the future of the South.

The arrangements and expected outcomes of the Saudi-sponsored dialogue remain unclear in public reporting. Consultations have continued, but no final political agreement or binding arrangements on southern representation have been announced.

Tensions escalated again in June, when the STC held rallies in Aden and Hadramout under the slogan “Rejecting Tutelage and Opposing Occupation.”

The rallies followed moves by the Yemeni government, whose leaders are largely based in Riyadh, including a call at the United Nations to update Yemen’s sanctions framework to target the STC president, and a Public Prosecution order for a precautionary freeze on funds and accounts under investigation. The STC described the measures as political targeting.

The call also comes as fighting continues on several fronts, including along the Lahj–Taiz border and around Bab al-Mandab. The STC says Southern forces are fighting the Iran-backed Houthi militia to protect the South’s territory and maritime routes.