Post by : Badri Ariffin

On Saturday, the Saudi-led coalition engaged in the Yemen conflict issued a stern warning, indicating it would swiftly respond to any military activities by southern separatist forces that risk disrupting the ongoing de-escalation efforts in the southern region of the country.

Brigadier General Turki al-Maliki, the coalition's spokesperson, emphasized that actions jeopardizing peace efforts would be met with immediate consequences to protect civilian lives and maintain stability. His statements were disseminated through the Saudi Press Agency.

Al-Maliki accused the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a separatist organization receiving support from the United Arab Emirates, of serious human rights violations against civilians. However, he provided no specific evidence to support his allegations.

Heightened Tensions Following Alleged Airstrikes

This warning followed the STC's claims that Saudi Arabia had conducted airstrikes against its forces, a charge that Riyadh has yet to officially confirm. Recent months have seen increased strain in the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, primarily due to the STC's growing influence and territorial ambitions in southern Yemen.

In response, the United States has called for de-escalation. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed concern regarding the situation in southeastern Yemen and urged all involved parties to engage in dialogue and diplomatic efforts for a sustainable political resolution. He acknowledged the diplomatic initiatives by both Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Power Struggles in Southern Yemen

Yemen has been entrenched in civil strife for over a decade. While Houthi forces, backed by Iran, dominate the north, a coalition supported by Saudi Arabia and the UAE backs the government recognized internationally in the south. Furthermore, the UAE aids the STC, which aims to restore South Yemen as an independent entity.

Earlier this month, STC forces advanced into Hadramout and Mahra governorates, capturing an oil-rich region and displacing units aligned with Saudi-supported National Shield Forces, another faction in opposition to the Houthis.

The coalition has insisted that STC fighters retreat from these two governorates, return control to local authorities, and vacate their military positions.

Following an emergency meeting on Friday, Rashad al-Alimi, the head of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, warned that the separatists’ actions constituted grave violations against civilians. The coalition officials stated that the warning delivered on Saturday responded to al-Alimi's plea to safeguard civilians in Hadramout and prevent any further escalation.

#Global News