Live Update 
From the Liveblog of
Friday, January 2, 2026
From the Liveblog of
Friday, January 2, 2026
UAE-backed separatists in Yemen seek independence referendum in two years
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleYemen’s southern separatist movement says it aims to hold a referendum on independence from the north in two years following its seizure of swathes of the country last month in a move that triggered a major feud between Gulf powers.
The Southern Transitional Council (STC) is backed by the United Arab Emirates and has for years been part of Yemen’s internationally recognized government, which is supported by Saudi Arabia and has led the fight against the Houthi movement.
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