Saudi Defense Minister Warns UAE-Backed Mercenaries in Yemen Amid Escalating Tensions
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman issued a stern warning to the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) in Yemen, urging it to heed mediation efforts and de-escalate tensions. Bin Salman stressed that the STC must withdraw its forces from Hadramout and Al Mahra provinces, warning that reckless actions only serve the common enemy.
The minister reiterated that the southern Yemen issue remains integral to any comprehensive political solution and will not be sidelined. His remarks followed the STC’s rejection of Saudi Arabia’s recent demand to pull its forces from the contested regions. Yemeni sources reported that Saudi airstrikes have targeted STC positions in response.
Tensions between Saudi and UAE-backed factions have intensified, with coalition spokesman Turki Al-Maliki reaffirming Riyadh’s support for the Aden-based government and threatening a strong response to any military moves undermining de-escalation efforts. The U.S. has expressed concern over the widening rift between the two allies.
Hadramout and Al Mahra, home to key oil-rich areas, have become focal points of the Saudi-UAE rivalry. The STC, formed in 2017 with Emirati support, has clashed repeatedly with the Saudi-backed Yemeni government, with recent years seeing its dominance grow as Saudi Arabia reduced its direct role in the conflict.
