Saudi Arabia expressed hope that Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council (STC) will end recent military escalation in the south. The group seized Hadramout and Mahra provinces earlier this month, deepening uncertainties in a country already divided between two administrations. The kingdom called the STC’s operations an “unjustified escalation” and urged an orderly withdrawal.
In a statement, Riyadh emphasized that public interest should prevail and that the STC forces return to their previous positions. The Saudi foreign ministry said the withdrawal should happen urgently and in an organized manner to restore stability. Efforts to achieve this are ongoing.
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A joint Saudi-Emirati military delegation arrived in Aden on December 12 to discuss measures to defuse tensions. The teams aim to implement arrangements ensuring that the STC redeploys outside the two seized provinces. Riyadh highlighted that progress is still underway.
Yemen has faced civil war since 2014, when the Houthis took control of the north, including the capital Sanaa. The southern escalation by the STC complicates the already fragile political situation and threatens ongoing peace efforts.
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Saudi Arabia reiterated its commitment to regional stability and called on all parties in Yemen to prioritize national interest. Officials continue coordinating with local and regional actors to prevent further escalation and restore normalcy.