Saudi Arabia Warns Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council Against Moves That Could Destabilise Region
Riyadh urges STC withdrawal from recently seized provinces and signals readiness to take action to preserve coalition unity and regional stability
Saudi Arabia has intensified its warnings to the United Arab Emirates-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) in Yemen, expressing deep concern that the separatist group’s recent military advances could destabilise the fragile anti-Houthi coalition and undermine efforts to secure long-term stability in the war-torn country.
Riyadh has publicly condemned the STC’s unilateral seizure of the eastern governorates of Hadramout and al-Mahra, which the separatists captured earlier this month without coordination with Yemen’s internationally recognised Presidential Leadership Council or the Saudi-led coalition.
Saudi officials described these actions as an unjustified escalation that threatens both the interests of the Yemeni people and the broader southern cause, urging the STC to withdraw its forces to their former positions and hand control back to Yemen’s recognised authorities.
The kingdom’s defence minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman, reiterated calls for de-escalation and peaceful resolution through dialogue and consensus rather than unilateral military moves that could spark wider conflict.
In parallel, the Saudi-led coalition has warned that any further military activity by the STC that undermines ongoing efforts to calm the situation will be met with a direct response to protect civilians and ensure stability in the region.
Tensions have been heightened by reports from the separatists that Saudi air strikes targeted their positions in Hadramout, an allegation Riyadh has not formally confirmed but which underscores the risk of miscalculation amid the crisis.
The developments have also revealed strains within the anti-Houthi coalition, particularly between Riyadh and the UAE, which supports the STC, even as both Gulf allies maintain their commitment to Yemen’s security.
Saudi authorities have worked with Emirati counterparts and Yemeni government figures in mediation efforts aimed at ending the escalation, deploying joint teams to negotiate a peaceful rollback of STC advances and reaffirming the principle that Yemen’s future should be shaped through inclusive political processes.
The situation presents a complex challenge for regional stability, with Riyadh emphasising the need for unity in confronting persistent threats from Iran-aligned Houthi forces in the north and avoiding further fragmentation of Yemen’s social and political fabric.
Riyadh has publicly condemned the STC’s unilateral seizure of the eastern governorates of Hadramout and al-Mahra, which the separatists captured earlier this month without coordination with Yemen’s internationally recognised Presidential Leadership Council or the Saudi-led coalition.
Saudi officials described these actions as an unjustified escalation that threatens both the interests of the Yemeni people and the broader southern cause, urging the STC to withdraw its forces to their former positions and hand control back to Yemen’s recognised authorities.
The kingdom’s defence minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman, reiterated calls for de-escalation and peaceful resolution through dialogue and consensus rather than unilateral military moves that could spark wider conflict.
In parallel, the Saudi-led coalition has warned that any further military activity by the STC that undermines ongoing efforts to calm the situation will be met with a direct response to protect civilians and ensure stability in the region.
Tensions have been heightened by reports from the separatists that Saudi air strikes targeted their positions in Hadramout, an allegation Riyadh has not formally confirmed but which underscores the risk of miscalculation amid the crisis.
The developments have also revealed strains within the anti-Houthi coalition, particularly between Riyadh and the UAE, which supports the STC, even as both Gulf allies maintain their commitment to Yemen’s security.
Saudi authorities have worked with Emirati counterparts and Yemeni government figures in mediation efforts aimed at ending the escalation, deploying joint teams to negotiate a peaceful rollback of STC advances and reaffirming the principle that Yemen’s future should be shaped through inclusive political processes.
The situation presents a complex challenge for regional stability, with Riyadh emphasising the need for unity in confronting persistent threats from Iran-aligned Houthi forces in the north and avoiding further fragmentation of Yemen’s social and political fabric.
