Saudi Gazette report
RIYADH — Saudi Arabia on Tuesday expressed regret over actions involved pressure by the United Arab Emirates on forces affiliated with Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council, leading to military operations near the Kingdom’s southern border in the governorates of Hadramout and Al-Maharah.
In a statement, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the moves constitute a threat to the Kingdom’s national security, as well as to the security and stability of Yemen and the wider region.
The ministry said the steps taken by the UAE are “highly dangerous” do not align with the principles upon which the Arab Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen was established, and do not serve the coalition’s objective of achieving security and stability in Yemen.
The statement referred to a previous Foreign Ministry announcement issued on Dec. 25, 2025, outlining Saudi efforts, in coordination with the UAE, to contain and resolve escalatory actions taken by the Southern Transitional Council in eastern Yemen.
It also cited statements by Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council and the coalition’s Joint Forces Command regarding the movement of ships carrying weapons and heavy vehicles from Fujairah to the port of Al-Mukalla without obtaining official authorization from coalition leadership.
Saudi Arabia stressed that any threat to its national security constitutes a red line and it would not hesitate to take all necessary measures to confront and neutralize such threats.
The Kingdom reaffirmed its commitment to Yemen’s security, stability and sovereignty, and its full support for the President of the Presidential Leadership Council and the Yemeni government.
Riyadh reiterated that the southern issue in Yemen is a legitimate cause with historical and social dimensions, emphasizing that it can only be resolved through dialogue within a comprehensive political solution involving all Yemeni parties, including the Southern Transitional Council.
Saudi Arabia also underscored the importance of the UAE responding to Yemen’s request for the withdrawal of its military forces from the country within 24 hours, and for halting any military or financial support to any Yemeni party.
The Kingdom expressed hope that wisdom, brotherly relations, good neighborliness and the shared interests of Gulf Cooperation Council states and Yemen would prevail, calling on the UAE to take steps to preserve strong bilateral relations and continue joint efforts aimed at regional stability and prosperity.
