Saudi Arabia Condemns Unilateral STC Movements In Hadramout And Al-Mahra

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia states that recent military deployments in Hadramout and Al-Mahra by the Southern Transitional Council were unilateral. These actions, taken without the approval of the Presidential Leadership Council or coordination with Coalition leaders, are described as an unjustified escalation that harmed Yemeni interests and complicated efforts to manage the Southern cause.

According to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, these movements undermined the Coalition’s work and affected all segments of Yemeni society. The Kingdom explains that the escalation damaged stability in both governorates and created additional political and security pressures at a time when diplomatic efforts are continuing to seek a comprehensive political solution in Yemen.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reports that it acted with the United Arab Emirates, the President of the Presidential Leadership Council, and the Yemeni government to contain the crisis. A joint Saudi-Emirati military team travelled to Aden to agree on practical steps with the Southern Transitional Council and organise arrangements on the ground.

These agreed measures require Southern Transitional Council forces to pull back to their former locations outside Hadramout and Al-Mahra. The plan includes handing over military camps in both governorates to the Nation Shield Forces and to local authorities. Coalition forces are tasked with supervising these procedures and ensuring they follow organised and recognised security frameworks.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia notes that work is still underway to restore conditions in Hadramout and Al-Mahra to how they were before the latest escalation. The Kingdom expresses hope that the public interest will guide decisions, through halting the escalation and ensuring the prompt and orderly withdrawal of Southern Transitional Council units from the two governorates.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia stresses the importance of calm and cooperation between all Yemeni parties and political components. The Kingdom warns against any further steps that might weaken security or stability, as such actions could lead to undesirable consequences. The Kingdom calls for collective responsibility to avoid widening tensions.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also emphasises that every effort should be directed towards restoring peace and normal social life across Yemeni regions. The Kingdom states that the Southern cause is a just cause with deep historical and social roots, and that it should be addressed through dialogue among all Yemeni parties as part of a comprehensive political settlement.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia renews its backing for the President, the Presidential Leadership Council, and the Yemeni government. The Kingdom underlines that this support aims to help achieve security, stability, development, and peace in the Republic of Yemen, and to reduce the impact of recent military tensions in Hadramout and Al-Mahra.

With inputs from SPA