Overview
- Riyadh labeled the STC’s moves an “unjustified escalation” and called for an urgent, orderly withdrawal to previous positions outside the two provinces.
- The foreign ministry said efforts remain in progress to restore the situation and cautioned against steps that could destabilize security.
- The UAE-backed STC seized Hadramout and al-Mahra earlier in December, taking key oil facilities, government offices and border crossings.
- Yemen’s internationally recognized government welcomed the Saudi statement, while a government-controlled general staff cited by TASS reported at least 32 servicemen killed and 45 wounded in the Hadramout takeover.
- STC leaders have resisted withdrawal calls and advanced a broader southern state-building agenda, intensifying strains within the anti-Houthi coalition.