UAE welcomes Saudi efforts to support security in Yemen amid STC advance

United Arab Emirates Reiterates Support for Stability in Yemen Amid Saudi Efforts

The United Arab Emirates has issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to supporting stability in Yemen, following recent developments in the country. The Emirati Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that it welcomes Saudi Arabian efforts to promote security and stability in Yemen.

On Thursday, Saudi Arabia urged Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council (STC) to withdraw its forces from the eastern provinces of Hadramout and al-Mahra, which were seized by the STC earlier this month. The STC had previously received military and financial backing from the UAE before turning against the government and seeking self-rule in the south.

A joint Saudi-Emirati military delegation arrived in Aden on December 12 to discuss measures aimed at defusing tensions in Yemen. The teams are working to make “the necessary arrangements” for the STC forces to return to their previous positions outside the two provinces, according to Saudi Arabia.

The situation in Yemen has been fragile for years, with a civil war that began in 2014 and ongoing conflict between the government and Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The STC’s advance has raised concerns about potential confrontation within the coalition fighting against the Houthis.

Yemen was previously divided into northern and southern states until 1990. The country has been plagued by instability, with the Houthis controlling the northern part of the country since 2014.

Source: Al Jazeera