Saudi Arabia Warns STC Over “Dangerous Escalation” in Hadramout and Al-Mahra, Calls for Withdrawal and an End to Unilateral Military Actions

Yeni Yemen - Political Editor
2025-12-11 05:08 م
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The Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadh reported that the Kingdom has urged the Southern Transitional Council (STC) to withdraw its forces from Hadramout and Al-Mahra and halt unilateral military movements described as an attempt to “impose a new reality by force” in two of Yemen’s most stable regions.

According to the report, Riyadh informed Yemeni parties that any military expansion outside the framework of legitimate state institutions constitutes “a serious threat to civil peace.” The recent STC deployments were deemed a “violation of the transitional phase references” and a test of the parties’ commitment to political dialogue.

Saudi Arabia also warned that these unilateral steps undermine the authority of the internationally recognized government and resemble the methods used by the Houthi group to seize state institutions. The Kingdom cautioned that ongoing escalation could lead to “competing zones of control” and expose civilians to additional risks.

Field reports cited by Al-Riyadh documented violations allegedly committed by STC forces after entering areas of Hadramout, including “extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, looting incidents, and restrictions on civilian movement.” Riyadh described these abuses as “dangerous indicators” threatening the governorate’s social fabric.

The Kingdom reiterated its call for restoring conditions to the pre-escalation status, empowering state institutions to fulfill their duties, and preventing the use of force to advance political agendas.

While affirming that the southern issue is “a just cause,” Saudi Arabia stressed that its resolution must occur “within an inclusive political framework that represents all southern actors,” rather than through coercive measures imposed by a single party.

The newspaper added that Saudi Arabia is working to de-escalate tensions by reopening channels of communication among Yemeni factions and strengthening the role of the Presidential Leadership Council during the pre-settlement stage. Riyadh maintains that Yemen’s stability is an integral part of the region’s security.

Al-Riyadh also highlighted Saudi development efforts in Hadramout and Al-Mahra, reporting that the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen has implemented more than 240 projects across sectors such as health, education, energy, water, transportation, and agriculture. These initiatives aim to support local economies and strengthen essential public services.

The Kingdom emphasized that its parallel diplomatic and development tracks seek to prevent further escalation and create suitable conditions for the return of a political process, stressing that Yemenis can shape their future only “in an environment free from unregulated weapons and unilateral military actions.”

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