Saudi Gazette report
HADRAMAWT — The head of the Saudi delegation to Hadramawt Maj. Gen. Mohammed Al-Qahtani affirmed that Saudi Arabia's position regarding the unrest in Hadramawt governorate in southern Yemen remains steadfast with all support for de-escalation and a cessation of hostilities.

The Saudi delegation arrived here in its bid to calm down the situation amid heightened tensions. Hadhramaut is currently experiencing significant unrest as the Southern Transitional Council (STC) launched a major offensive in early December, largely displacing the Hadhramaut Tribal Alliance (HTA) and other government forces in key areas.

During a meeting with a group of tribal leaders from the Yemeni governorate on Wednesday, Al-Qahtani said that Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are exerting every effort to achieve comprehensive peace in Yemen. Al-Qahtani emphasized that the cause of the South is a just cause that cannot be ignored or bypassed, adding that Saudi Arabia’s position is to demand the withdrawal of all forces affiliated with the Southern Transitional Council from Hadramawt and Al-Mahra. “We reject dragging Hadramawt into new conflicts that the governorate cannot bear,” he said while pointing out that Hadrami society is peaceful, and the governorate is not an arena for conflict.

Al-Qahtani affirmed that the leadership of the Arab Coalition, led by Saudi Arabia, is making efforts to end the crisis, resolve the conflict, and restore conditions to their previous state. He emphasized the importance of maintaining calm, supporting security and stability. He also affirmed support for the Homeland Shield Forces to assume responsibility for and protect the camps in Hadramawt and Al-Mahra.

Tensions escalated in recent weeks between the Hadramawt Tribal Alliance, the Hadrami Elite Forces, and other security units, following the deployment of Southern Transitional Council (STC) forces from outside the province to positions previously held by local forces.

The Tribal Alliance announced its control over the PetroMasila oil fields to protect local resources. Meanwhile, local officials and military leaders warned that these moves could unleash chaos and threaten the social fabric of one of the country's most important oil-producing provinces, amid calls for de-escalation and avoidance of any actions that could lead to internal conflict.