WASHINGTON: The United States has voiced concern over recent developments in southeastern Yemen, calling for restraint and ongoing diplomatic efforts as Southern Transitional Council (STC) forces extend their control.
“The United States is concerned by recent events in southeastern Yemen,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.
“We urge restraint and continued diplomacy, with a view to reaching a lasting solution.”
Rubio thanked Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates for their diplomatic leadership, saying Washington remains supportive of efforts aimed at advancing shared security interests in Yemen.
Earlier, Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman called on the Southern Transitional Council (STC) to respond to Saudi-Emirati mediation efforts and de-escalate tensions in eastern Yemen, urging the group to withdraw its forces from camps in Hadramout and Al-Mahra and hand them over peacefully to local authorities.
In a statement addressed “to our people in Yemen” and published on X, Prince Khalid said Saudi Arabia’s intervention came at the request of Yemen’s internationally recognized government and aimed to restore state authority across the country through the Decisive Storm and Restoring Hope operations.
Arab Coalition warns against escalation in Yemen
The Arab coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognised government has also reaffirmed its commitment to de-escalation and the protection of civilians, warning that any military movements undermining stability would be addressed immediately.
The coalition’s spokesperson, Major General Turki Al-Maliki, said the warning follows a request from Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council to take urgent measures to protect civilians in Hadramout Governorate amid what he described as serious humanitarian violations by groups affiliated with the Southern Transitional Council.
Situation in Eastern Yemen
Since December 3, Southern Transitional Council (STC) forces have seized control of parts of Hadramout province following clashes with the Hadramout Tribes Alliance and government-aligned First Military Region units.
Four days later, STC fighters expanded their presence into the neighboring Mahra province, which had previously remained under government control.
The recent takeover has sparked growing local and regional calls for the STC to withdraw from the two provinces, which together cover nearly half of Yemen’s territory, totaling approximately 555,000 square kilometers.
