Saudi Arabia Expresses Disappointment Over UAE Pressure On Southern Transitional Council Operations

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia states that actions by the United Arab Emirates linked to Yemen have raised serious concern, describing recent moves involving the Southern Transitional Council as a direct threat to Saudi national security and to stability in Yemen and the wider region.

Saudi Arabia refers to reported weapons shipments from the port of Al-Fujairah to Al-Mukalla without Coalition approval, and to military pressure on Southern Transitional Council forces near the Kingdom’s southern borders in Hadramout and Al-Mahara, saying these steps contradict agreed coalition principles.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlights that any threat to Saudi national security is described as a "red line" and confirms readiness to take "all necessary steps and measures" against such risks, while stressing continued backing for Yemen’s sovereignty, the Yemeni government and the Presidential Leadership Council.

"Pursuant to the statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 25/12/2025 corresponding to 5/7/1447 regarding the Kingdom’s concerted efforts, working with the brotherly United Arab Emirates, to end and contain the escalatory steps taken by the Southern Transitional Council in the governorates of Hadramout and Al-Mahara, and in reference to the statement issued by the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, and the statement issued by the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen regarding the movement of ships carrying weapons and armored vehicles from the port of Al-Fujairah to the port of Al-Mukalla, without obtaining official approvals of the Coalition Joint Forces Command. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expresses its disappointment over the actions taken by the brotherly United Arab Emirates, pressuring the Southern Transitional Council’s forces to conduct military operations on the southern borders of the Kingdom in the governorates of Hadramout and Al-Mahara, which is considered a threat to the Kingdom’s national security, and the security and stability of the Republic of Yemen and the region. The steps taken by the UAE are considered highly dangerous, inconsistent with the principles upon which the coalition to restore legitimacy in Yemen was established, and do not serve the coalition’s purpose of achieving security and stability for Yemen. In this context, the Kingdom stresses that any threat to its national security is a red line, and the Kingdom will not hesitate to take all necessary steps and measures to confront and neutralize any such threat. The Kingdom also affirms its commitment to the security, stability, and sovereignty of Yemen, and affirms its full support for the president of the Presidential Leadership Council and the Yemeni government. The Kingdom reaffirms that the Southern cause is a just cause that has historical and social dimensions, and that the only path to resolve it is through dialogue within a comprehensive political solution in Yemen, and among all Yemeni parties, including the Southern Transitional Council. The Kingdom stresses the importance that the brotherly United Arab Emirates accept the Republic of Yemen’s request for all its forces to leave the Republic of Yemen within twenty four hours, and halt any military or financial support to any party within Yemen. With this regard, the Kingdom hopes that wisdom, the principles of brotherhood, good neighborliness, strong ties among countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the interest of brotherly Yemen, will prevail. The Kingdom also hopes that the brotherly United Arab Emirates will take the necessary steps to preserve bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries, which the Kingdom is keen on strengthening, and continue joint efforts towards all that leads to the wellbeing, prosperity and stability of countries in the region."

Saudi Arabia also reiterates that the Southern cause has historical and social roots that should be addressed through inclusive political dialogue, urges the United Arab Emirates to comply with Yemen’s request for a full military withdrawal within twenty four hours, and calls for restraint to protect Gulf Cooperation Council ties.

With inputs from SPA