Saudi Arabia’s defense minister has called on the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a prominent separatist group in Yemen, to withdraw peacefully from the provinces of Hadramout and al-Mahra. This appeal comes amid ongoing efforts by a Saudi-led coalition to de-escalate tensions in the region, which have been exacerbated by the STC’s recent military actions.
The STC, which seeks greater autonomy for southern Yemen, has been a significant player in the country’s complex civil war, which has persisted since 2014. The group has gained control over several southern provinces, including Aden, the temporary capital of the internationally recognized Yemeni government. The coalition, led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, has been involved in the conflict primarily to restore the Yemeni government and counter the influence of Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
In a statement released on Monday, Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman emphasized the importance of unity among Yemeni factions to achieve a lasting peace. He urged the STC to withdraw from the provinces of Hadramout and al-Mahra, where they have recently increased their military presence. The minister’s remarks highlight the coalition’s concerns that the STC’s actions could undermine ongoing peace negotiations and further complicate the already fragile situation in Yemen.
The call for a peaceful withdrawal is part of a broader strategy by the Saudi-led coalition to stabilize the region. The coalition has been working to mediate between various Yemeni factions, including the STC and the internationally recognized government led by President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi. The coalition’s efforts have been complicated by the STC’s aspirations for independence, which have led to clashes with government forces and other armed groups.
The situation in Yemen has been dire, with millions of people facing famine and a humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the ongoing conflict. The United Nations has described Yemen as the world’s worst humanitarian disaster, with over 24 million people in need of assistance. The conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and has displaced millions, further straining the country’s already fragile infrastructure.
The STC’s recent military activities in Hadramout and al-Mahra have raised alarms among coalition leaders, who fear that escalating tensions could derail peace efforts. The provinces are strategically important, with Hadramout being home to significant oil reserves and al-Mahra bordering Oman, which has maintained a neutral stance in the conflict. The coalition’s call for the STC to withdraw is seen as an attempt to prevent further destabilization in these key areas.
The STC’s leadership has responded to the Saudi defense minister’s appeal by reiterating its commitment to the southern cause but has also expressed concerns about the government’s ability to address the needs of southern Yemenis. The group has argued that its military presence is necessary to protect the interests of the southern population and to counter perceived threats from northern factions, particularly the Houthis.
The implications of the STC’s actions extend beyond the immediate conflict. The group’s push for autonomy has the potential to reshape the political landscape in Yemen, complicating efforts to establish a unified government. If the STC continues to assert its control over southern provinces, it could lead to a fragmentation of Yemen, making it even more challenging to achieve a comprehensive peace agreement.
The international community has been closely monitoring the situation, with various stakeholders advocating for a negotiated settlement to the conflict. The United Nations has facilitated peace talks in the past, but progress has been slow, and the situation on the ground remains volatile. The coalition’s recent efforts to engage with the STC and other factions may be a crucial step toward fostering dialogue and reducing tensions.
As the Saudi-led coalition continues to navigate the complexities of the Yemeni conflict, the call for the STC to withdraw from Hadramout and al-Mahra underscores the challenges of achieving lasting peace in a country that has endured years of violence and instability. The outcome of these developments will likely have significant implications for the future of Yemen and the broader region, as various factions vie for power and influence in a landscape marked by deep divisions and competing interests.
