The coalition led by Saudi Arabia in Yemen announced on Saturday that it will promptly counter any military movements by the United Arab Emirates-supported separatist faction that threaten attempts to reduce hostilities in Yemen’s southern provinces.
Brigadier General Turki al-Maliki, spokesperson for the coalition, stated through the Saudi Press Agency that prompt action would be taken against violations of the de-escalation efforts to safeguard civilian lives and ensure stability restoration in the region.
In addition, al-Maliki accused the Southern Transitional Council (STC), the separatist group, of committing grave human rights abuses against civilians, although he did not provide specific evidence to support these claims.
This assertion came just one day following claims from the separatists accusing Saudi Arabia of conducting airstrikes on their positions, an allegation not officially confirmed by Riyadh. Relations between Saudi Arabia and the UAE have been increasingly strained, particularly because of the actions taken by the STC.
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio released a statement expressing concern over the recent events unfolding in southeastern Yemen. He urged all involved parties to exercise caution and pursue diplomatic efforts in the hopes of achieving a durable resolution to the conflict. Rubio also acknowledged the diplomatic roles of both Saudi Arabia and the UAE in addressing the situation.
Yemen has been engulfed in a protracted civil war for over ten years. Currently, the Iran-affiliated Houthi movement controls much of the northern territory, while the coalition supported by Saudi Arabia and the UAE backs the internationally recognized government in the south. Notably, the UAE also supports the southern separatists who seek to reestablish South Yemen as an independent state.
Earlier this month, the STC expanded its control by advancing into the governorates of Hadramout and Mahra, regions rich in oil resources. This movement displaced forces allied with the Saudi-supported National Shield Forces, a group that is also part of the coalition fighting the Houthis.
The Saudi-led coalition has now demanded that STC troops withdraw from Hadramout and Mahra, restore local authorities’ governance, and relinquish control of their military installations in these areas.
Following an emergency meeting late on Friday, Rashad al-Alimi, chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council and a representative of the internationally recognized government, asserted that the movements of the STC constitute significant violations against civilian populations.
The coalition's public announcement on Saturday was issued at the request of al-Alimi, with the stated intent of protecting civilians in Hadramout.
The United Nations Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen announced on Saturday that it is closely monitoring the situation in Hadramout and Mahra. The UN reiterated its calls for restraint, de-escalation, dialogue among all parties, and to avoid actions that could further intensify the conflict.