Saudi Coalition Issues Warning to Yemen Separatists Amid Rising Tensions

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

On Saturday, the Saudi-led coalition engaged in Yemen issued a stern warning, indicating it would swiftly respond to any military maneuvers by southern separatist forces jeopardizing efforts to ease tensions in the southern region of the country.

Brigadier General Turki al-Maliki, the coalition's spokesperson, stressed that any actions threatening de-escalation would be met with decisive consequences to protect civilian lives and maintain stability. His statements were relayed through the Saudi Press Agency.

Al-Maliki accused the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a separatist group supported by the UAE, of significant human rights violations against civilians. However, he did not provide specific proof to substantiate these assertions.

Escalating Tensions Following Alleged Attacks

This warning came in the wake of STC claims that Saudi Arabia had conducted airstrikes on its forces, a charge Riyadh has not formally acknowledged. Recently, ties between Saudi Arabia and the UAE appear strained due to the STC's expanding influence and territorial actions in southern Yemen.

Concurrently, the United States called for calm and dialogue. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed concerns over the evolving situation in southeastern Yemen, urging all involved parties to seek diplomatic solutions for lasting peace. He also acknowledged the diplomatic initiatives by both Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Power Struggles in Southern Yemen

Civil war has ravaged Yemen for over a decade. The Iran-backed Houthi forces hold sway over much of the north, while a coalition backed by both Saudi Arabia and the UAE supports the internationally recognized government in the south. Simultaneously, the UAE backs the STC, which aims to re-establish an independent South Yemen.

Earlier this month, STC forces advanced into Hadramout and Mahra, taking control of an oil-rich area and displacing units aligned with the Saudi-backed National Shield Forces, another faction opposing the Houthis.

The coalition has urged STC fighters to withdraw from both governorates, return control to local authorities, and dismantle their military camps.

Following an emergency meeting on Friday, Rashad al-Alimi, the head of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, cautioned that the actions of the separatists represent severe violations of civilian safety. Coalition officials noted that Saturday’s warning was issued at al-Alimi’s request, aiming to safeguard civilians in Hadramout and prevent further conflict escalation.