ASIATODAY.ID, RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has issued a strong warning to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), expressing deep disappointment over what it described as Emirati pressure on Southern Transitional Council (STC) forces to carry out military operations near the Kingdom’s southern borders in Yemen’s Hadramout and Al-Mahara governorates.
In an official statement released on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the actions constitute a direct threat to Saudi national security, as well as to the stability of Yemen and the wider region.
The statement follows earlier Saudi diplomatic efforts—conducted in coordination with the UAE—to de-escalate tensions involving the STC in eastern Yemen.
Riyadh also referred to recent statements from Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council and the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen regarding the movement of ships carrying weapons and armored vehicles from Al-Fujairah Port to Al-Mukalla, allegedly without authorization from the Coalition’s Joint Forces Command.
Saudi Arabia Draws a Red Line
“The Kingdom expresses its disappointment over the actions taken by the brotherly United Arab Emirates,” the statement said, accusing Abu Dhabi of pressuring STC forces to engage in military activity along Saudi Arabia’s southern frontier.
Saudi Arabia described these steps as “highly dangerous” and inconsistent with the principles upon which the Arab coalition in Yemen was formed. According to Riyadh, such actions undermine the coalition’s core objective of restoring legitimacy and ensuring security and stability in Yemen.
The Kingdom emphasized that any threat to its national security is a red line, warning it “will not hesitate to take all necessary steps and measures to confront and neutralize any such threat.”
Call for UAE Forces to Withdraw from Yemen
In a rare and direct appeal, Saudi Arabia urged the UAE to comply with Yemen’s request for all Emirati forces to leave Yemeni territory within 24 hours, and to halt any military or financial support to armed factions inside the country.
Riyadh reaffirmed its full support for Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council and the internationally recognized Yemeni government, stressing its commitment to Yemen’s sovereignty, unity, and long-term stability.
Southern Issue Must Be Solved Through Dialogue
Despite its sharp tone, Saudi Arabia reiterated that the Southern cause remains a legitimate issue with historical and social roots. However, the Kingdom stressed that the only viable solution lies in dialogue, within a comprehensive political settlement involving all Yemeni parties, including the Southern Transitional Council.
Appeal to Gulf Unity
The statement concluded with a call for restraint and wisdom, urging the UAE to uphold the principles of brotherhood, good neighborliness, and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) solidarity. Saudi Arabia expressed hope that Abu Dhabi would take steps to preserve bilateral relations and continue joint efforts aimed at regional peace, stability, and prosperity. (SPA)
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