Post by : Saif Rahman

The ongoing conflict in Yemen has reached a critical juncture as the Saudi-led coalition formally cautioned the Southern Transitional Council (STC). The coalition emphasized its readiness to respond decisively to any military maneuvers in Hadramout that could jeopardize peace efforts and endanger civilians.

This stern warning follows the heightened concerns expressed by Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council regarding the security landscape in Hadramout. Rashad al-Alimi, who leads the Council, has urged coalition intervention to ensure civilian safety from alleged violations orchestrated by armed factions associated with the STC. This plea underscores escalating anxieties that the power struggles in southern Yemen may spiral into renewed violence.

The STC, recognized as the leading separatist group in southern Yemen and supported by the UAE, has been intensifying its territorial claims recently. Over the last month, it has expanded its influence in southern regions, effectively ousting the internationally recognized government from its stronghold in Aden. This swift expansion has raised alarms among regional stakeholders concerned about the potential derailment of fragile peace initiatives.

Recently, STC forces have advanced into new territories, including parts of Hadramout and Mahra. Despite Saudi Arabia's pleas for withdrawal, the STC has dismissed the request, vowing to persist with what it refers to as security operations in these eastern provinces. This defiance has aggravated the already strained relations among former allies in the anti-Houthi coalition.

In a direct outreach to the STC leadership, Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman emphasized the importance of engaging in Saudi-Emirati mediation to resolve disputes amicably. He urged STC forces to vacate the camps they had occupied and return them peacefully to local governance.

The minister reiterated that the resolution of Yemen's southern issues requires mutual agreement and trust among its people. He warned that resorting to armed conflict would exacerbate vulnerabilities and aid external adversaries while deepening internal fractures. His remarks reflect an increasing awareness that internal discord could undermine efforts towards a comprehensive political resolution.

As Yemen enters its eleventh year of war, countless individuals find themselves in dire need of humanitarian assistance, with the nation precariously teetering on the brink of collapse. Renewed conflict, particularly in relatively stable regions like Hadramout, threatens to worsen the humanitarian crisis and impede pathways to peace.

For the time being, the Saudi-led coalition has reaffirmed its commitment to calming hostilities while highlighting that the protection of civilian lives remains non-negotiable. The choice between dialogue and force by the STC could significantly influence the trajectory of Yemen's tumultuous path towards stability.

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