Saudi Arabia has expressed deep disappointment over actions taken by the United Arab Emirates that allegedly pressured forces of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) to carry out military operations along the Kingdom’s southern borders in Yemen’s Hadramout and Al-Mahara governorates, describing these moves as a direct threat to its national security.
In an official statement issued today, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs referred to its earlier statement dated December 25, 2025, outlining the Kingdom’s efforts—undertaken in coordination with the UAE—to contain and halt the recent escalatory steps by the STC in Hadramout and Al-Mahara. The statement also cited announcements by the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council and the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen regarding the movement of ships transporting weapons and armored vehicles from Fujairah Port to Al-Mukalla Port without obtaining the required approvals from the Coalition’s Joint Forces Command.
The Ministry stated that Saudi Arabia views the UAE’s actions, particularly pressuring STC forces to engage in military activities near the Kingdom’s southern borders, as a serious threat not only to Saudi national security but also to the security and stability of Yemen and the wider region. Riyadh emphasized that these steps are highly dangerous, contradict the principles upon which the Arab Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen was founded, and undermine its core objective of achieving security and stability in Yemen.
The Kingdom underscored that any threat to its national security constitutes a red line, affirming that it will not hesitate to take all necessary measures and actions to confront and neutralize such threats.
Saudi Arabia also reiterated its firm commitment to Yemen’s security, stability, and sovereignty, stressing its full support for the Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council and the Yemeni government. The statement further acknowledged that the Southern cause is a legitimate issue with historical and social dimensions, asserting that its resolution can only be achieved through dialogue within a comprehensive political settlement involving all Yemeni parties, including the Southern Transitional Council.
Additionally, the Kingdom stressed the importance of the United Arab Emirates responding positively to the Yemeni government’s request for all foreign forces to withdraw from Yemen within 24 hours and to cease any military or financial support to Yemeni parties. In this context, Saudi Arabia expressed hope that wisdom, brotherly relations, good neighborliness, strong ties among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, and the best interests of Yemen would prevail.
The statement concluded by expressing Riyadh’s hope that the UAE would take the necessary steps to preserve and strengthen bilateral relations between the two brotherly nations, reaffirming the Kingdom’s commitment to continued joint efforts aimed at promoting security, stability, prosperity, and development across the region.
