Yemen’s government has endorsed Saudi Arabia’s plea to reduce tensions in the southern regions amid ongoing military movements by the Southern Transitional Council (STC). The government praised Saudi Arabia’s stance on recent developments in Hadramout and Al-Mahrah provinces, emphasizing the need for actions within state authority and coordination with relevant bodies to prevent further strain on the country. Saudi Arabia, in response to STC troop deployments, labeled the moves as an unwarranted escalation that hampers coalition efforts and undermines Yemeni interests.
Tensions escalated when STC forces seized control of Hadramout and Al-Mahrah, accusing pro-government units of ties to the Muslim Brotherhood and criticizing the Presidential Leadership Council’s inaction against the Houthi group. Despite calls for de-escalation, STC forces expanded into Al-Mahrah and Abyan, recruiting local support and gaining allegiance from central government ministers. Saudi Arabia, in response to the STC’s growing influence, halted permits for ships entering the STC-controlled port of Aden.
Yemen has faced conflict since 2014, leading to a Saudi-led intervention in 2015 to support the government. The STC, formed in 2017, advocates for southern Yemen’s self-determination and independence, despite being part of the PLC. The group’s pursuit of sovereignty has sparked disputes over power-sharing and resource control, with accusations of southern marginalization countered by calls for national unity.
