Saudi-led Coalition in Yemen Urges Separatists to Withdraw or Face Consequences
A coalition led by Saudi Arabia in Yemen declared on Saturday that it would take action to support the internationally recognized government if a group of separatists does not withdraw peacefully from regions of the country they have occupied in recent weeks. Major General Turki al-Malki, a high-ranking Saudi military official and spokesperson for the coalition, which backs the official Yemeni government, emphasized the need for de-escalation and the return of territories. He stated, “Any military actions that undermine these efforts will be dealt with directly and immediately,” in comments made to Saudi state media. The separatist faction, known as the Southern Transitional Council, utilized military force earlier this month to capture sections of the oil-rich Hadramaut province in southern Yemen and al-Mahra province in the east. Established in 2017, the group has received financial and military backing from the United Arab Emirates, a Saudi ally.
On Friday, Amr al-Bidh, a prominent figure within the separatist movement, reported that two “Saudi airstrikes” had targeted forces connected to the council in Hadramaut. There were no reported casualties, and Saudi Arabia did not publicly confirm any strikes or respond to a request for comment at that time. The Emirati foreign ministry also remained silent following inquiries for comment. These two influential Gulf nations are allies and once spearheaded a military coalition in Yemen aimed at defeating the Houthis, a militia that took control of the capital Sanaa in 2014 with backing from Iran, leading to a civil conflict in Yemen. However, in recent years, the Emirates and Saudi Arabia have deviated in their foreign policy directions, supporting competing factions in Yemen and, to a lesser extent, in Sudan. The recent developments highlighted the intricate web of alliances that have plagued Yemen since the onset of the civil war.
Earlier in the week, the Saudi foreign ministry released a statement urging the separatists to pull back their forces. Hisham al-Omeisy, a political analyst from Yemen, interpreted the reported strikes on Friday as a “shot across the bow” from the Saudis in response to the group’s actions in Hadramaut. In a statement released overnight, the U.S. State Department voiced concern regarding the evolving situation in southeastern Yemen. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called for “restraint” and expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia and the Emirates for their “diplomatic leadership.” On Saturday, Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman remarked that the unfolding events have “led to a rift in the united front against the enemy,” alluding to divisions among Yemenis, despite the ongoing conflict with the Houthis. He added it was “squandering what our sons and the sons of Yemen sacrificed for.”
The Houthis continue to hold power in the northern regions, while the south is under the governance of the internationally recognized administration, which receives support from Saudi Arabia. The Emirati-supported Southern Transitional Council is formally part of the government framework. Nonetheless, the group has consistently advocated for an independent nation in southern Yemen. On Friday, the separatists issued a statement claiming that their recent military actions in Yemen were in response to “the calls of our southern people.” The group asserted it aimed to protect the area from terrorist threats and to disrupt supply and smuggling routes used by the Houthis. Saeed Al-Batati contributed reporting from al-Mukalla, Yemen.
Published: 2025-12-27 14:17:00
source: www.nytimes.com
