Saudi Arabia Calls for Immediate De-escalation
Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman has urged Yemen's Southern Transitional Council (STC) to de-escalate military tensions in the eastern provinces of Hadramout and Al-Mahra and to withdraw its forces. The call, made around December 27, 2025, emphasizes the need for the STC to respond to ongoing Saudi-Emirati mediation efforts, prioritizing reason and the public interest. This development follows recent military maneuvers by the STC in the region, which have heightened concerns about stability in Yemen.
Rising Tensions in Eastern Yemen
The appeal from Riyadh comes amidst a period of escalating military activity in eastern Yemen. STC forces reportedly took control of Hadramout on December 3, 2025, and subsequently expanded their presence into Al-Mahra. These advancements have been met with apprehension by the Saudi-led coalition, which has been involved in Yemen since 2015 to support the internationally recognized government. On December 26, 2025, Saudi warplanes conducted warning airstrikes on STC-affiliated military sites in Hadramout, signaling Riyadh's growing concern over the situation.
Riyadh's Stance and Mediation Efforts
In his message, delivered via social media platform X, Prince Khalid bin Salman reiterated Saudi Arabia's commitment to a comprehensive political solution in Yemen. He highlighted that the Kingdom's initial intervention in 2015 was at the request of Yemen's legitimate government, aimed at restoring state authority. The Saudi Defense Minister stressed that the 'southern issue' is a legitimate political cause that should be resolved through dialogue and consensus, not through the use of force. He referenced the Riyadh Conference and Riyadh Agreement as frameworks designed to ensure southern participation in governance and facilitate a fair political settlement.
STC's Response and Future Outlook
Despite the calls for de-escalation, the Southern Transitional Council has reportedly rejected demands for withdrawal from Hadramout and Al-Mahra. The STC, which is backed by the United Arab Emirates and advocates for southern self-determination, has indicated that it is nearing a 'declaration of statehood' in the south. The Saudi-led coalition has issued a stern warning, stating it would take 'direct and immediate military action' against any STC movements that undermine de-escalation efforts. Reports suggest a 72-hour ultimatum was given to the STC to withdraw its forces and hand over military camps to the National Shield Forces, a Saudi-backed Yemeni unit, with the deadline set to expire on Monday, December 29, 2025. This critical juncture underscores the complex and evolving dynamics within the Yemeni conflict, as regional and international actors strive to prevent further fragmentation and instability.
5 Comments
Habibi
The involvement of both Saudi Arabia and the UAE, despite their supposed mediation, complicates the situation immensely, as they back different factions. While de-escalation is critical, true stability requires these external powers to align on a genuinely inclusive and Yemeni-led peace process.
Coccinella
While Saudi Arabia's call for de-escalation is understandable to prevent wider conflict, the STC's pursuit of southern self-determination stems from long-standing grievances. A true political solution needs to address these root causes, not just enforce Riyadh's preferred order.
Bermudez
Finally, Saudi Arabia is pushing for stability. De-escalation is vital.
Fuerza
The STC must respect the mediation efforts. Dialogue is the only way forward.
Manolo Noriega
It's clear both sides are playing a dangerous game, with Saudi Arabia trying to assert control while the STC pushes its territorial gains. The risk of direct military confrontation is alarmingly high, and the real victims will be the Yemeni people caught in the middle.