Riyadh: The Saudi-led Arab coalition in Yemen announced its commitment to take direct action against any military maneuvers by Yemen's Southern Transitional Council (STC) that could undermine ongoing de-escalation efforts. The coalition emphasized that such violations pose threats to civilian safety and regional stability.

According to Anadolu Agency, coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki relayed that this warning came in response to a request from Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad al-Alimi. Al-Alimi had urged immediate measures to protect civilians in Hadramout, eastern Yemen, following reports of 'serious and shocking humanitarian violations against civilians by armed elements affiliated with the Southern Transitional Council.'

The coalition's position aligns with the joint efforts by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to reduce tensions, ensure the withdrawal of STC forces, and facilitate the transfer of authority to National Shield Forces and local authorities. Al-Maliki stated, "Any military movements (by STC) that contravene these efforts will be dealt with directly and immediately," underscoring the coalition's aim to protect civilians and ensure the success of de-escalation initiatives.

In a statement broadcast by Yemen's state television, Al-Alimi had previously called on Arab coalition forces to deploy necessary military measures to safeguard civilians in Hadramout and support the Yemeni army's de-escalation efforts. Yemen's state news agency Saba reported that Al-Alimi and other council members were informed about STC's hostile military operations and civilian violations in Hadramout.

The recent escalation by the STC, which began earlier this month, is seen as a breach of the transitional framework, including the Riyadh Agreement. This agreement, signed in 2019, aimed to resolve internal conflicts within Yemen's recognized government post-clashes in Aden between government and STC forces. It sought to integrate the STC into government structures and unify decision-making processes.

Since December 3, the STC has taken control over parts of Hadramout and later expanded to Mahra, challenging government authority. The STC claims political and economic marginalization of southern regions, a stance the Yemeni government disputes, emphasizing national unity. Following these developments, unidentified airstrikes targeted STC positions in Hadramout, marking the first such strikes since the recent deployments.

Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman has urged the STC to withdraw from Hadramout and Mahra, stating, "It is time for the Southern Transitional Council to respond to efforts to end the escalation." This position has received support from Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council and other political entities.

The Arab coalition, led by Saudi Arabia since 2015, was established to counter the Houthis and restore Yemeni state authority at the behest of the country's internationally recognized government.