Aden, Yemen — December 28, 2025In a striking symbol of Yemen's chaotic civil war, fighters from UAE-backed forces—many aligned with conservative Salafi ideologies—have been photographed wearing patches featuring the flag of the former People's Democratic Republic of Yemen (PDRY), a Marxist-Leninist state that ruled South Yemen from 1967 to 1990.
The PDRY flag, characterized by a red-white-black tricolor with a light blue chevron and red star, represented a socialist regime ideologically opposed to the religious conservatism espoused by many modern Salafi militants. Yet, as the Southern Transitional Council (STC)—a UAE-supported separatist group—consolidates control over southern territories, its forces, including elements of the Security Belt Forces, increasingly display this historic emblem as a banner of southern identity and independence.
This ideological mashup highlights the pragmatic alliances driving Yemen's fragmentation. The STC, which includes Salafi leaders and fighters, prioritizes secession from the north over strict doctrinal purity, reviving symbols of pre-unification South Yemen to rally support.The trend gained attention amid the STC's rapid December 2025 offensive, dubbed "Operation Promising Future." Launching on December 2, STC forces seized key oil facilities and territories in Shabwa, Hadhramaut, and Al-Mahra provinces, bringing most of the former South Yemen under its control by mid-month.These advances have strained relations within the anti-Houthi coalition. Saudi Arabia, backing the internationally recognized government, demanded STC withdrawal from seized eastern provinces, labeling the moves an "unjustified escalation." Reports of Saudi airstrikes on STC positions emerged, though unconfirmed officially, underscoring Riyadh's commitment to a unified Yemen.
Meanwhile, rumors persist of STC outreach to Israel for recognition and potential normalization under the Abraham Accords, in exchange for countering Iran-backed Houthis. STC leaders have framed their push as securing southern stability and maritime routes, positioning themselves as a pragmatic partner against shared threats.
As Yemen remains de facto divided—Houthis in the north, STC dominating the south—the irony of Salafi warriors under a communist-era flag underscores how survival and power trump ideology in one of the world's most protracted conflicts. Analysts warn escalating Saudi-UAE rivalries risk reigniting broader violence, complicating peace efforts.
The PDRY flag, characterized by a red-white-black tricolor with a light blue chevron and red star, represented a socialist regime ideologically opposed to the religious conservatism espoused by many modern Salafi militants. Yet, as the Southern Transitional Council (STC)—a UAE-supported separatist group—consolidates control over southern territories, its forces, including elements of the Security Belt Forces, increasingly display this historic emblem as a banner of southern identity and independence.
Meanwhile, rumors persist of STC outreach to Israel for recognition and potential normalization under the Abraham Accords, in exchange for countering Iran-backed Houthis. STC leaders have framed their push as securing southern stability and maritime routes, positioning themselves as a pragmatic partner against shared threats.
As Yemen remains de facto divided—Houthis in the north, STC dominating the south—the irony of Salafi warriors under a communist-era flag underscores how survival and power trump ideology in one of the world's most protracted conflicts. Analysts warn escalating Saudi-UAE rivalries risk reigniting broader violence, complicating peace efforts.
