The Saudi position in Yemen: Widespread praise for controlling the situation in Hadramawt
A group of prominent Yemeni journalists and writers affirmed that the decisive actions and stances recently taken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia regarding the rapidly evolving situation in Yemen's eastern and southern governorates, particularly Hadramawt and Al-Mahra, represent a pivotal turning point in the Yemeni crisis. In their remarks to Al-Youm newspaper, they indicated that these steps reflect a firm Saudi commitment to protecting Yemeni sovereignty, supporting constitutional legitimacy, and thwarting any attempts to drag these secure areas into chaos and peripheral conflicts.
Strategic context and importance of Hadramawt and Al-Mahra
The governorates of Hadramawt and Al-Mahra hold immense geopolitical importance, not only for Yemen but for regional security as a whole. Hadramawt, the largest governorate in Yemen, and Al-Mahra, the country's eastern gateway, constitute a strategic depth and a long border strip with Saudi Arabia and Oman. These areas have historically remained relatively untouched by direct military conflict, making any attempt to militarize them or subject them to armed groups outside the framework of the state a red line that threatens the national security of both Saudi Arabia and Yemen. The recent Saudi intervention reaffirms that the security of these regions is an integral part of the security of the Arabian Peninsula.
A careful reading of security risks
In this context, Sam al-Ghabari, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Al-Thawra Foundation for Press, explained that Saudi Arabia's handling of recent events reflects a calculated approach to a highly complex situation. Al-Ghabari pointed out that Riyadh recognized early on that the flow of weapons outside the framework of legitimacy and official institutions poses an existential threat to the stability of southern Yemen, and its danger extends to Saudi national security.
Al-Ghabari added, "The Saudi message was clear and precise: no to imposing new realities by force of arms, and no to turning Yemeni ports into conduits for smuggling weapons to non-state actors." He considered this approach a shift from a policy of appeasement to one of "calculated deterrence" to protect stability, emphasizing that tribal leaders in the border regions view the Saudi position as a necessary safeguard to prevent their areas from descending into destructive tribal and regional conflicts.
Warnings of a "Sudan scenario" and the fragmentation of the region
For his part, Yemeni writer and researcher Ahmed Nasher warned of the dangers of what he described as "dangerous games" being played in Hadramawt, comparing the situation to the catastrophic scenarios witnessed in other countries such as Sudan. Nasher emphasized that attempts to destabilize this peaceful province, known for its commercial culture and openness, serve the interests of those seeking to fragment the region and incite strife.
The publisher praised the courageous stance of His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Salman, the Saudi Minister of Defense, considering it to be rooted in the principles of Arabism and the rights of neighborliness, and aimed at thwarting foreign ambitions that seek to exploit crises to tear apart the social fabric of Yemen. He stressed that the priority should be unifying ranks to restore the state and liberate the capital, Sana'a, instead of dissipating efforts in peripheral battles.
Supporting legitimacy and rejecting militias
In a related context, Numan al-Hajri, head of the media committee for the Yemeni community in the Eastern Province, expressed his deep appreciation for the Saudi position, which he described as "honorable and responsible." Al-Hajri noted that Saudi Arabia's calls for restraint and adherence to legitimacy, along with its categorical rejection of any military presence not under the command of the Yemeni state, strengthen the prospects for genuine peace.
Al-Hajri emphasized that supporting armed groups outside the framework of the state constitutes a violation of Yemeni sovereignty and hinders efforts to restore stability. He commended the Kingdom's firm stance against any practices that could prolong the war or lead to the country's division. He concluded by affirming that the Yemeni people see the Kingdom as the true supporter and the greatest guarantor of Yemen's unity and territorial integrity during these difficult times.
