Yemen Monitor / Newsroom:
The Office of the United Nations Special Envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, confirmed that it is closely following the ongoing developments in Hadramawt and Al Mahra provinces amid escalating security and political tensions in some areas of eastern Yemen.
The UN envoy reiterated the call of the UN Secretary-General to all parties to exercise restraint, de-escalate, and resort to dialogue, warning against any actions or movements that could complicate the situation and heighten tensions.
The Special Envoy emphasized the importance of ongoing regional mediation efforts, affirming that he continues his communication and engagement with relevant Yemeni and regional parties to support de-escalation efforts and create favorable conditions for progress toward a comprehensive and inclusive political solution to the conflict in Yemen.
This UN call comes at a time when Yemen’s eastern provinces, particularly Hadramawt, are experiencing tension following the Southern Transitional Council (STC) forces’ incursion into the two provinces, leading to violent clashes resulting in deaths and injuries. This has raised concerns about repercussions on security and stability in one of the relatively more stable regions in recent years.
In recent days, tribal and official positions have also emerged, rejecting any movements outside state institutions, emphasizing support for local authorities, and stressing the need to preserve the eastern provinces’ distinctiveness and shield them from new conflicts. This is amid increasing calls to prioritize political solutions and dialogue.
Earlier today, the spokesperson for the Arab Coalition, Turki Al-Maliki, announced that the Coalition would respond to any military movements violating the de-escalation efforts led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE in Hadramawt, based on the request of the Presidential Leadership Council Chairman.
On Thursday, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the Southern Transitional Council’s movements in Hadramawt and Al Mahra were unilateral, without approval from the Presidential Leadership Council or coordination with the Coalition leadership. This led to unjustified escalation that harmed the interests of the Yemeni people across all segments, the southern cause, and the Coalition’s efforts.
