Post by : Saif Rahman

The United Arab Emirates has voiced robust support for Saudi Arabia’s initiatives aimed at reestablishing security and stability in Yemen, especially amid rising tensions in the southern regions of the country. An official statement from the UAE’s foreign ministry, released on Friday, affirmed its commitment to all efforts that enhance peace, development, and stability in Yemen.

This statement arrives during a crucial time, as the Southern Transitional Council (STC), Yemen’s main separatist group, has broadened its influence across parts of the south. Earlier this month, the STC ousted the Saudi-backed Yemeni government from its headquarters in Aden and asserted control over many southern areas, heightening fears of renewed conflict.

Backed by the UAE, the STC has long sought increased autonomy or independence for southern Yemen. Originally part of the Saudi-led coalition fighting the Iran-aligned Houthi movement, the STC has since turned against the central government in its push for self-rule.

Saudi Arabia, leading the coalition backing Yemen's internationally recognized government, expressed hopes on Thursday for the STC to de-escalate tensions. Riyadh urged the group to withdraw its forces from the key eastern provinces of Hadramout and Mahra, which are essential for Yemen’s unity and stability.

In efforts to quell rising tensions, a joint Saudi-Emirati military delegation landed in Aden on December 12. This team is collaborating with local parties to mitigate conflict risks and pursue peaceful solutions. According to Saudi officials, these teams are working to arrange for STC forces to revert to previous positions outside the contested provinces, with ongoing progress reported.

Yemen has endured a protracted and devastating civil war since 2014, instigated by the Houthi movement's takeover of the capital, Sanaa, which forced the Saudi-backed government southward. The country remains fractured, with the Houthis dominating the north and the government and its allies holding parts of the south.

This conflict has led to one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, leaving millions facing food shortages, displacement, and restricted access to essential services. The combination of political divisions, foreign intervention, and continuous fighting has hindered efforts to achieve lasting peace.

Positioned between Saudi Arabia and a strategic shipping route in the Red Sea, Yemen’s stability is crucial for regional security and global trade. Historically, Yemen was divided into separate northern and southern states before unification in 1990, a history that still shapes contemporary political tensions.

By endorsing Saudi Arabia’s efforts, the UAE has indicated its support for coordinated regional measures to stabilize the situation. Both nations aim to prevent further violence, foster dialogue among Yemeni factions, and guide the country towards enduring stability.

Despite persistent challenges, the collaborative Saudi-Emirati strategy underscores the vital role of cooperation in resolving Yemen’s complex conflict. The success of these initiatives hinges on the willingness of all parties to de-escalate and seek a political resolution that can restore peace to this war-torn nation.

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