Saudi-Led Coalition Warns Yemen’s Southern Separatists Against Escalation in Hadramout

Post by : Saif Nasser

Yemen’s long and fragile conflict entered another tense phase as the Saudi-led coalition issued a strong warning to the Southern Transitional Council, also known as the STC. The coalition said it would respond firmly to any military actions in the eastern province of Hadramout that threaten calm efforts and put civilians at risk.

The warning came after Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council raised serious concerns about security in Hadramout. Its head, Rashad al-Alimi, asked the coalition to step in and protect civilians from what he described as violations by armed groups linked to the STC. The request shows growing fear that recent power struggles in southern Yemen could turn violent again.

The STC is Yemen’s main southern separatist group and is backed by the United Arab Emirates. Over the past month, it has expanded its control across much of southern Yemen. It has already pushed out the Saudi-backed, internationally recognised government from its base in Aden. This rapid takeover has raised alarm among regional players who worry it could undo fragile efforts to reduce fighting.

Earlier this month, STC forces moved into new areas, including parts of Hadramout and Mahra. Saudi Arabia urged the group to withdraw from these positions, but the STC rejected that call. Instead, it said it would continue what it called security operations in the eastern provinces. This refusal added to tensions between former allies in the anti-Houthi camp.

Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman later appealed directly to the STC leadership. In a public message, he urged the group to accept Saudi-Emirati mediation and settle disputes through dialogue. He called on STC forces to pull back from camps they had taken and hand them over peacefully to local authorities.

The minister also stressed that Yemen’s “southern issue” must be solved through agreement and trust among Yemenis. He warned that using force would only help Yemen’s enemies and deepen divisions inside the country. His message reflected growing concern that internal fighting could weaken efforts to reach a broader political settlement.

Yemen has been at war for more than a decade, leaving millions in need of aid and pushing the country to the edge of collapse. Any new clashes, especially in relatively stable areas like Hadramout, could worsen the humanitarian situation and delay hopes for peace.

For now, the Saudi-led coalition says it remains committed to de-escalation. But it has made clear that protecting civilians is a red line. Whether the STC chooses talks over force may shape the next chapter of Yemen’s troubled journey toward stability.