The Southern Armed Forces: A Genuine Coalition Ally—Effective Action vs. The Failure of “Legitimacy”
By:Abduljaleel Naji Alhumaidi*
A Trusted Force on the Ground: The Pillar of Regional Security
Amidst the complexities of the Yemeni conflict, the Southern Armed Forces (SAF) stand out as a military force that has not merely endured, but has advanced to a stage of strategic effectiveness that directly serves the interests of the Arab Coalition and the broader regional security agenda.
These forces, under the umbrella of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), have proven to be a sincere and reliable partner on the ground, transforming the areas under their control into pockets of relative stability within a turbulent environment.
This efficacy has manifested across three crucial fronts for both the Coalition and the international community:
Securing Stability and Combating Terrorism:
The SAF’s field successes in clearing Southern provinces (particularly Abyan, Shabwa, and Hadramout) of Al-Qaeda (AQAP) and ISIS strongholds are testament to their unwavering commitment.
These were decisive, qualitative military campaigns aimed at destroying the infrastructure of extremism—a vital service to the security of international navigation and regional interests.
Confronting the Houthi Advance:
The Southern Armed Forces serve as the actual vanguard in repelling Houthi attacks on the Southern and Western fronts, offering a model of organized resistance and effective deterrence.
This active engagement significantly alleviates military pressure on Saudi Arabia’s borders and critical regional infrastructure.
Protecting Vital Resources:
They play an invaluable role in securing globally significant ports, straits, and oil and gas facilities, such as the ports of Aden and Mukalla, and oil export terminals. This is crucial for maintaining the flow of energy and the smooth operation of global trade.
The “Legitimacy” Forces: Disunity and Incapacity Undermining Peace
In sharp contrast, the remaining forces operating under the official name of “Legitimacy” (aligned with the Presidential Leadership Council) have failed to achieve the necessary cohesion or effectiveness.
These forces, often characterized by fragmented loyalties and dispersed command structures, have become a burden on regional peace efforts rather than a facilitator.
The ineffectiveness of these forces harms the cause of peace on multiple levels:
Failure to Unify: The “Legitimacy” has been unable to integrate and unify its various military factions under a single command, leading at times to internal conflicts
Serving Divergent Agendas: Many factions are frequently accused of serving narrow partisan or ideological agendas (such as segments linked to the Muslim Brotherhood), which obstructs any unified military or political effort.
Lack of Counter-Terrorism Seriousness: Unlike the Southern Forces, there is a historical record of laxity or even indirect complicity in certain areas formerly controlled by “Legitimacy” forces with extremist groups. This critically weakens the Coalition’s credibility.
The Conclusion: When a force lacks sincere resolve and unified command, it becomes an instrument of obstruction.
The disarray within the “Legitimacy” forces only serves the state of “no war, no peace” from which the Houthis benefit, thus undermining any serious regional effort to achieve security.
The Demands of the Stage: The Coalition’s Bet on a Sincere Force
Given this stark divergence between the efficacy of the Southern Armed Forces and the incapacity of the forces loyal to the “Legitimacy,” the reality on the ground dictates a clear course for Coalition leaders:
To achieve a lasting peace, negotiations must be built on the foundation of credible power on the ground.
The Southern Forces, having proven themselves to be the most committed partner to the Coalition’s goals of securing stability and confronting threats, are the force that must receive robust support and full political representation in any future arrangements.
Continuing to rely on entities that do not serve the Coalition’s objectives with sincerity and competence prolongs the war and squanders opportunities for peace.
Regional security requires a partner with competence, unified decision-making, and sincerity in its purpose—qualities exemplified by the Southern Armed Forces.