Saudi Arabia’s response to Yemeni developments in Hadramaut and Al-Mahra.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry announced in a statement that the movements in the provinces of Hadramaut and Al-Mahra were carried out unilaterally by the Southern Transitional Council and without the consent of the Yemeni Presidential Council or the Arab Coalition Command.
According to the statement, these actions have harmed the interests of the Yemeni people, the southern issue, and the efforts of the Arab Coalition.
Stressing the importance of cooperation between all Yemeni forces and movements, Riyadh called for restraint and avoidance of any action that undermines security and stability.
Saudi Arabia also announced that it has worked with the UAE, the head of the Presidential Council, and the resigned Yemeni government to contain tensions in the south of the country, and that these consultations are still ongoing.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry noted that efforts to restore the situation in Hadramaut and Al-Mahra to previous conditions are ongoing, and that the southern Yemeni issue has historical dimensions, and its resolution will only be possible through comprehensive dialogue between the various parties.
In the statement, Saudi Arabia reiterated its support for the Yemeni government and called on all parties to refrain from escalating tensions.
Riyadh also reiterated its support for efforts to reach peaceful solutions to address the developments in Hadramawt and Al-Mahra.
In recent days, the Southern Transitional Council forces have been able to take control of large parts of Yemen’s southern provinces. The council has stated that the goal of its military operation is to “expel extremists and prevent smuggling operations.”
According to reports, the Transitional Council forces have recently advanced in Hadramawt province and, in addition to seizing the city of Sion, have taken control of some oil fields in the desert areas bordering Saudi Arabia. Also, in Al-Mahra province, bordering Oman, the Transitional Council has announced that a number of local leaders have joined its coalition.
The rebel advance in large parts of Hadramaut, Yemen’s largest province, has pushed back Saudi-backed forces, who are now moving towards Marib province.
These developments have raised concerns about the possibility of new clashes between the Southern Transitional Council and other Saudi-backed groups, while also fueling speculation that the council is trying to move towards secession and the restoration of the “South Yemen” state that existed before unification in 1990.