Saudi Arabia warns: The Southern Transitional Council's moves, backed by the UAE, are a threat to national security
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expressed its deep regret and profound concern regarding the recent developments in the Yemeni arena, namely the United Arab Emirates’ exertion of pressure on the Southern Transitional Council forces, pushing them to carry out military operations near the Kingdom’s southern borders, specifically in the governorates of Hadramawt and Al-Mahra.
Threat to national security and regional stability
The Kingdom described these actions as a direct threat to Saudi national security, as well as undermining security and stability in Yemen and the entire region. Riyadh indicated that these steps are extremely dangerous and inconsistent with the principles and foundations upon which the Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen was established in 2015, whose primary objective was to restore the state and achieve security for Yemenis and neighboring countries, not to create new hotspots of tension.
The governorates of Hadramawt and Al-Mahra hold paramount strategic importance due to their geographical location bordering the Kingdom, making them vital to the national security of both Saudi Arabia and Yemen. The Kingdom has consistently sought to spare these areas from military conflicts in order to preserve a vital lifeline for Yemenis and ensure the stability of the long border that connects the two countries.
The security of the Kingdom is a red line
In a related context, the Kingdom categorically affirmed that any infringement upon or threat to its national security is a red line that cannot be crossed. It emphasized that it will not hesitate to take all necessary and decisive steps and measures to confront and neutralize any threat, ensuring the safety of its territory and citizens, and preserving the security gains achieved.
The Southern Issue and the Political Solution
On the political front, the Kingdom reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to Yemen’s security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, emphasizing its full support for the Presidential Leadership Council and the internationally recognized legitimate government. Regarding the Southern issue, Riyadh affirmed that it is a just cause with historical and social dimensions, but that the only solution lies in constructive political dialogue.
She explained that addressing this issue should be done through dialogue within the framework of a comprehensive political solution, with the participation of all Yemeni factions, including the Southern Transitional Council, away from the language of weapons and military imposition, which complicates the Yemeni scene and prolongs the crisis.
A call to prioritize wisdom
Based on the current situation, the Kingdom stressed the necessity for the United Arab Emirates to respond to the Yemeni government's request to end its military presence and withdraw its forces within 24 hours, and to cease all military or financial support to any party outside the framework of legitimacy. The Kingdom expressed its hope that wisdom would prevail and that the principles of brotherhood and good neighborliness, which have always characterized relations among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, would be upheld, calling for joint action to promote the prosperity and well-being of the region instead of fueling conflicts.
