As tensions in Yemen escalate, the calls for peaceful resolution have gained urgency, reflecting the regional dynamics at play. Saudi Arabia’s defense minister has emphasized the need for a de-escalation of military activity amid concerns over recent territorial gains by the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a group seeking autonomy in southeastern Yemen. This situation sheds light on the complexities of inter-state relationships in the Gulf, particularly between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, as they navigate their strategic interests while advocating for stability in Yemen.
The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen has reiterated its commitment to responding to any military actions that threaten efforts toward peace in the southern region, following recent territorial maneuvers by the Southern Transitional Council (STC). Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman addressed the escalating situation on X, urging STC forces to withdraw “peacefully” from the provinces of Hadramout and al-Mahra, emphasizing that it is time to prioritize reason over conflict.
Brigadier General Turki al-Maliki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition, reiterated the coalition’s stance, stating that any violation of de-escalation measures would be met with immediate action to protect civilian lives and restore calm. He further claimed that the STC had committed egregious human rights violations against civilians, although no evidence was provided to support this assertion.
The remarks came shortly after the STC accused Saudi Arabia of conducting airstrikes on its positions in Hadramout, coinciding with U.S. calls for restraint to address the rising tensions in the region. Earlier this month, STC forces advanced significantly, seizing control of large areas from the Saudi-backed government, a decision that marks a shift in the alliance dynamics aimed at countering Iran-allied Houthi rebels.
Abdullah al-Alimi, a member of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, praised the Saudi defense chief’s emphasis on stability and security for Yemen, interpreting it as a vital expression of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to the region’s peace. Rashad al-Alimi, chair of the Council, echoed concerns regarding actions by the STC, labeling them as serious violations against civilians.
The STC, which has received military and financial support from the United Arab Emirates, aims to restore the independent state of South Yemen. In their statement, the STC expressed their determination to withstand the attacks they attributed to Saudi forces.
As diplomatic efforts continue, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called for ongoing dialogue to achieve a sustainable resolution to the conflict. Azerbaijan commended the initiatives led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE to curb the rising tensions in Yemen, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation.
In the wake of the recent airstrikes, the Yemeni government has appealed to the Saudi-led coalition for support in its struggle against separatists who have taken control of significant parts of Hadramout. The official Yemeni news agency reported that the coalition was urged to take decisive military measures to safeguard civilians and support armed forces in the province.
According to military sources, approximately 15,000 Saudi-backed fighters are positioned near the Saudi border, awaiting orders to move into areas recently overtaken by STC forces. This escalation in the conflict not only strains relations between Saudi Arabia and the UAE—both of whom support opposing factions within Yemen’s government—but also highlights the broader complexities of alliances in the region.
Despite previous hostilities, a recent statement from the UAE lauded Saudi Arabia’s efforts to ensure security in Yemen, as both Gulf nations seek to display unity in their approach to the Yemeni crisis. Yemen’s government, which comprises a diverse coalition of groups inclusive of the STC, remains primarily focused on countering the Houthi influence, which seized control of the capital, Sanaa, in 2014.
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