STC announcement comes after they barred Hadi officials from returning to visit Aden few days ago as well as a string of military rebellion against Hadi/Islah. Southern separatists believed that Hadi regime has failed to provide basic necessities and hence the need for self-rule.
It must be noted that contrary to some belief, STC doesn't controls all of southern provinces. Hadi/Islah forces currently still controls most of Shabwa (except the coastal part of Belhaf), Wadi Hadramout (northern part of Hadramout province including Seiyun), and Al Mahra.
Prominent leading STC figure Maj-Gen Ahmed Ben Brik is appointed as chairman of Southern Economic Committee. 
Hadi regime denounces the STC declaration, saying that the announcement is part of the military rebellions and holds southern separatist leaders accountable for all its consequences.
almasdaronline.com/articles/181121
almasdaronline.com/articles/181121
Local reports saying that STC forces affiliated to Hazm Brigade led by Awsan al-Anshali have taken control all of major ports, banks, military camps, government institutions, and the international airport in #Aden City.
This also includes Central Bank and all of major oil refineries where Saudi-led coalition forces have reportedly withdrawn and handed over to pro-STC forces control, essentially putting STC forces de facto complete control of #Aden City.
Governor of #Shabwa and its Supreme Security Committee issued statement rejecting STC self-rule declaration & affirms loyalty to Hadi regime, saying they are ready to combat southern separatist elements in the central province.
#Mahra governor says local authorities in the province are rejecting STC rebellion and that they're still on Hadi/Islah side.
#Abyan province position is divided. The pro-Islah's deputy governor (left) says they're still on Hadi/Islah side, but Security Belt forces in Abyan (right) on other hand said they are pledging support for STC authority.
Governor of #Dhale declares loyalty to STC authority. Dhale province is a southern separatist stronghold and their leadership are pro-STC.
Deputy governor of #Lahj says local authorities in the province are on STC side. These leaders are also pro-separatist.
Now this seems interesting. Maj-Gen Thabet Jawas, the killer of Ansarullah founder Hussein al-Houthi, declares support for STC authority.
Jawas was long seen to be supportive of Hadi/Islah before this statement happening. Still unknown if he’s really switching side or not.
Jawas was long seen to be supportive of Hadi/Islah before this statement happening. Still unknown if he’s really switching side or not.
Hadi’s chief of staff Saghir Bin Aziz apparently tweets in support of Hadi regime. Interesting that since he’s a GPC tribal leader backed by UAE.
Southern activists disputed the authenticity of his tweet in claiming that his account is run by Islahi journalist Anis Mansour.
Southern activists disputed the authenticity of his tweet in claiming that his account is run by Islahi journalist Anis Mansour.
Some anti-aggression activists also share similar doubt about Saghir Bin Aziz tweet since he was wounded after hit by Houthi Ansarullah rocket in Sirwah front, and that he’s flying to Aden presumably for medical treatment.
Mohamed Ali al-Houthi hits hard on Hadi regime for hindering the so-called "Riyadh Agreement". Don't think that this automatically means he's endorsing STC separatists.
One thing needs to realize is the situation in the south might not turn out to be black and white as many reported. A leading official endorsing either Hadi/Islah or STC separatists doesn't mean the area or province is entirely under their control.
Some separatist activists alleged that these documents supporting Hadi regime might be fake. While this isn't ruled out, uncertainly should also apply to bold claims that places like Aden Central Bank is under STC control when clips show its under Saudis.
Seems like Riyadh-backed "Parliament" and Shura Council are on Hadi/Islah side.
saudi24.news/2020/04/yemen-…
saudi24.news/2020/04/yemen-…
