The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen issued a stern warning Saturday that it would respond instantly to any military moves by UAE-backed separatists that threaten the region’s fragile de-escalation, while the United States called for restraint and diplomacy.
Coalition’s Immediate Response
Brig. Gen. Turki al-Maliki, a coalition spokesman, said the coalition would act directly and immediately on any military movements that violate the de-escalation efforts. “Any military movements that violate these efforts will be dealt with directly and immediately in order to protect civilian lives and ensure the success of restoring calm,” he said, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Separatists’ Recent Actions
Earlier this month, the Southern Transitional Council (STC) moved into the governorates of Hadramout and Mahra and seized an oil-rich region, pushing out forces affiliated with the Saudi-supported National Shield Forces. The coalition now demands that STC troops withdraw from the two governorates, that local authorities resume control, and that the separatists hand over their military camps.
International Reactions
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio released a statement Saturday expressing concern over recent events in southeastern Yemen and urging restraint and diplomacy to achieve a lasting solution. He also thanked the diplomatic leadership of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Rashad al-Alimi, head of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, said after an emergency meeting that STC movements constituted “serious violations against civilians.” The U.N. Office of the Special Envoy for Yemen noted that it is closely following developments in Hadramout and Mahra, calling for restraint, de-escalation, dialogue and for all parties to avoid further escalation.
Key Takeaways
- Saudi-led coalition warns of immediate action against UAE-backed separatists.
- STC seized oil-rich region in Hadramout and Mahra, pushing out National Shield Forces.
- U.S. urges restraint and diplomacy, while the UN calls for de-escalation and dialogue.
The coalition’s warning comes amid growing tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE over the STC’s actions, and after separatists accused Saudi forces of airstrikes-claims the kingdom has not formally acknowledged.
