Saudi Arabia has called for Yemeni separatists to withdraw from territories they recently captured in the southern governorates of Yemen, labeling the seizure of these oil-rich provinces as an “unjustified escalation.” This development comes amid growing tensions within the fragile coalition formed to counter the Houthi movement, which has controlled significant portions of Yemen since 2014.
The separatists, primarily represented by the Southern Transitional Council (STC), have made significant territorial gains in recent weeks, particularly in the provinces of Shabwa and Abyan. These areas are not only strategically important but also rich in oil resources, which are vital for Yemen’s economy. The STC, which seeks greater autonomy for southern Yemen, has been supported by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a key player in the Saudi-led coalition fighting against the Iran-aligned Houthi rebels.
Saudi Arabia’s call for withdrawal reflects concerns over the potential fragmentation of the anti-Houthi alliance. The coalition, which includes various Yemeni factions, has been under strain as differing agendas and rivalries surface. The STC’s recent actions have raised alarms in Riyadh, which fears that the separatists’ ambitions could undermine the broader goal of restoring a unified Yemeni government and defeating the Houthis.
The conflict in Yemen began in 2014 when the Houthis, a group from the north of the country, seized the capital, Sanaa, and later expanded their control to other regions. In response, a coalition led by Saudi Arabia intervened militarily in 2015 to restore the internationally recognized government of President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi. The war has since devolved into a complex multi-faceted conflict involving various local and regional actors, leading to one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
The STC’s recent advances in Shabwa and Abyan have been met with mixed reactions. While some factions within the coalition view the STC’s actions as a necessary step towards asserting southern interests, others see it as a threat to the unity of the anti-Houthi front. The Saudi government has emphasized the need for a cohesive strategy to address the Houthi threat, which continues to launch missile and drone attacks against Saudi territory.
In a statement released by the Saudi Foreign Ministry, the kingdom expressed its disapproval of the STC’s actions, urging all parties to adhere to the Riyadh Agreement, a deal brokered in late 2019 aimed at unifying the various factions in southern Yemen. The agreement sought to establish a power-sharing arrangement between the Hadi government and the STC, but implementation has faced numerous challenges, including disputes over military control and governance.
The implications of the STC’s territorial gains are significant. Control over oil-rich regions could provide the separatists with increased resources and leverage in negotiations, potentially complicating efforts to reach a lasting peace agreement. Furthermore, the STC’s actions could embolden other factions within Yemen, leading to further fragmentation and conflict.
International observers have expressed concern that the ongoing instability could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, where millions are already facing food insecurity and lack access to basic services. The United Nations has warned that the situation could deteriorate further if hostilities continue, with the potential for increased civilian casualties and displacement.
As the situation unfolds, the Saudi government faces the challenge of balancing its support for the STC while maintaining the integrity of the anti-Houthi coalition. The kingdom’s ability to mediate between competing factions will be crucial in determining the future of Yemen and the prospects for peace.
In conclusion, Saudi Arabia’s call for the withdrawal of Yemeni separatists from captured governorates underscores the complexities of the ongoing conflict in Yemen. The fragile coalition against the Houthis is at a critical juncture, and the actions of the STC could have far-reaching consequences for the stability of the region and the humanitarian situation on the ground. The international community continues to watch closely as developments unfold, with hopes for a resolution to a conflict that has persisted for nearly a decade.
