Saudi-led coalition to counter Yemen separatist groups efforts to undermine peace talks

Saudi Defence Minister Calls for STC Withdrawal from Seized Provinces

Saudi Arabia’s Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman has urged the Southern Transitional Council (STC) to withdraw peacefully from the provinces of Hadramout and al-Mahra, which were recently seized by the group. The call comes amid escalating tensions in Yemen.

According to a statement on X, bin Salman stated that “it’s time” for STC troops to withdraw from the two provinces. Brigadier General Turki al-Maliki, spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition, said that any military movements violating de-escalation efforts will be addressed directly and immediately to protect civilian lives.

The STC had previously accused Saudi Arabia of launching air strikes on separatist positions in Hadramout province. Washington has also called for restraint in the conflict, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging “continued diplomacy” to reach a lasting solution.

Azerbaijan welcomed efforts by both Saudi Arabia and the UAE to de-escalate tensions in Yemen. The Yemeni government has urged the coalition to support its forces in Hadramout province, after separatists seized most of the country’s largest province.

The STC is seeking to revive the formerly independent state of South Yemen. The group has received military and financial backing from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A Yemeni military official reported that about 15,000 Saudi-backed fighters were amassed near the Saudi border but had not been given orders to advance on separatist-held territory.

The situation in Yemen remains complex, with multiple factions vying for control. The STC and the government have been allies in the fight against the Iran-allied Houthi rebels.

Source: Al Jazeera