### Saudi Arabia Urges Yemen Separatists to Withdraw from Key Governorates Amid Coalition Strain - Saudi Arabia has called for the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a key separatist group in Yemen, to withdraw its forces from the governorates of Hadramout and Mahra. This request comes amid rising tensions within the coalition fighting the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, which has been exacerbated by the STC's recent military actions that have expanded its control in southern Yemen. The STC is backed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), while Saudi Arabia supports the National Shield Forces, leading to a complex power dynamic in the region. The Saudi Foreign Ministry emphasized the need for cooperation among Yemeni factions to avoid destabilizing actions that could further complicate the ongoing conflict [https://apnews.com/article/yemen-separatists-houthis-war-saudi-arabia-uae-2e25b990a91b5eae67a47ded687d1d65][https://www.whec.com/ap-top-news/saudi-arabia-calls-on-yemen-separatists-to-leave-2-governorates-as-anti-houthi-coalition-strains]. ### Breakdown of the Current Situation and Implications 1. **Saudi Arabia's Position**: The Saudi government has expressed hope that the STC will de-escalate its military actions and return to a cooperative stance within the coalition. The recent unilateral military movements by the STC have raised concerns about the stability of the coalition and the broader Yemeni political landscape [https://www.straitstimes.com/world/saudi-arabia-says-yemen-group-should-withdraw-its-forces-from-seized-provinces][https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20251225-saudi-arabia-urges-yemens-southern-transitional-council-to-withdraw-forces-from-hadramout-mahra]. 2. **Impact on Coalition Dynamics**: The STC's actions have strained relations between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, both of which have vested interests in Yemen. The STC's recent territorial gains have led to fears of potential secession and further fragmentation of Yemen, complicating the already divided political landscape [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/3741407-saudi-arabia-urges-yemeni-separatists-to-withdraw-amid-coalition-strain][https://24newshd.tv/25-dec-2025/saudi-arabia-urges-yemen-separatists-cede-seized-territory]. 3. **Call for Unity**: Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry has reiterated the importance of unity among Yemeni factions, urging the STC to act in the interest of the Yemeni people and to coordinate with the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) to avoid further escalation [https://ifpnews.com/saudi-arabia-calls-on-yemen-separatists-to-cede-seized-territory][https://english.aawsat.com/gulf/5222990-saudi-arabia-urges-yemen’s-stc-urgently’-withdraw-hadhramaut-and-al-mahra]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Recent Military Movements**: The STC has conducted military operations in Hadramout and Mahra without the approval of the PLC, leading to accusations of unilateral actions that threaten the coalition's stability [https://www.anews.com.tr/middle-east/2025/12/25/saudi-arabia-urges-yemens-southern-transitional-council-to-withdraw-forces-from-hadramout-mahra]. - **Coalition Composition**: The coalition against the Houthis includes various factions, with the STC representing southern interests and the National Shield Forces aligned with Saudi Arabia. This division complicates efforts to present a united front against the Houthi rebels [https://www.thefinance360.com/saudi-arabia-calls-for-restraint-after-stc-military-movements-in-hadramout-and-al-mahra]. ### Conclusion: Urgent Need for De-escalation and Cooperation - **Major Findings**: The situation in Yemen remains precarious, with Saudi Arabia's call for the STC to withdraw from Hadramout and Mahra highlighting the urgent need for de-escalation within the coalition. The STC's unilateral actions have not only strained relations between Saudi Arabia and the UAE but also threaten the fragile unity of the Yemeni government. 1. Saudi Arabia is advocating for the STC to cease military operations and withdraw from recently seized territories. 2. The coalition's internal tensions could lead to further instability in Yemen, complicating the ongoing conflict with the Houthis. 3. A unified approach among Yemeni factions is essential to address the humanitarian crisis and restore stability in the region [https://apnews.com/article/yemen-separatists-houthis-war-saudi-arabia-uae-2e25b990a91b5eae67a47ded687d1d65][https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/3741407-saudi-arabia-urges-yemeni-separatists-to-withdraw-amid-coalition-strain].