Saudi-led Coalition Warns It Will Act Against STC Advances in Hadramout to Protect Civilians

Breaking: Saudi-Led coalition Warns STC Over Hadramout Moves as Civilians Are Protected

CAIRO, Dec 27 – The Saudi-led coalition warned that any military moves by Yemen’s main southern separatist group in the eastern Hadramout province that undermine de-escalation will be addressed to protect civilians, state media reported Saturday.

Spokesman General Turki al-Malki’s statement followed a request from Rashad al-Alimi, head of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, urging swift measures to shield Hadramout civilians from what officials described as violations by armed groups affiliated with the STC.

The STC, backed by the United Arab Emirates, has pushed the Saudi-backed government from Aden and asserted broad control across southern areas in recent weeks.

On Friday, the STC rejected a Saudi call to withdraw from areas seized earlier in December, saying it would continue securing Hadramout’s eastern districts and Mahra.

What’s at stake in Hadramout

The standoff underscores the fragility of Yemen’s southern security landscape, where regional powers seek de-escalation while local actors press for influence in the south.

Observers say civilians are most at risk during spikes in activity around Hadramout and Mahra, where security and humanitarian needs remain acute.

Key players and dynamics

• The Saudi-led coalition and the internationally recognized government.
• The southern Transitional Council, buoyed by UAE backing.
• Civilians in Hadramout and Mahra who face ongoing disruption and risk.

Timeline snapshot

Aspect	Details
Date	dec 27
Location
Main actors
Ground posture
Potential impact

Context and outlook

The latest exchanges come as regional powers weigh the balance between strategic influence in southern Yemen and the need to prevent broader fighting. Analysts expect all sides to press for de-escalation, even as on-the-ground moves signal competing ambitions in Hadramout and Mahra.

For broader context on Yemen’s southern crisis and regional dynamics,international coverage from reputable outlets remains essential. Reuters Middle East provides ongoing reporting on the evolving situation and diplomatic efforts.

What comes next

Officials and observers will monitor for new troop movements, public statements, or security incidents that could either ease tensions or trigger renewed clashes in Hadramout and its surroundings.

Engage with the story

Reader Question 1: Do you believe external mediation can prevent an escalation in Hadramout, or are local dynamics likely to drive the outcome?

Reader Question 2: What outcomes would you consider constructive for civilians living in Hadramout and Mahra amid ongoing tensions?

Share your views in the comments and join the discussion on social media to help illuminate what happens next in Hadramout.

>Strategic importance – Hadramout, Yemen’s largest governorate, controls key ports (e.g., Mukalla) and oil facilities.

Saudi‑led Coalition Issues Explicit Warning Over STC Advances in Hadramout

Context: The Yemeni Civil War and Power Shifts in Hadramout

• Strategic importance – Hadramout, Yemen’s largest governorate, controls key ports (e.g., Mukalla) and oil facilities.
• key actors – The Saudi‑led coalition (Saudi Arabia,UAE,Bahrain,Egypt,Jordan) backs the internationally recognized government of President Rashad al‑Alimi. The Southern Transitional council (STC) is an autonomous movement backed by the United Arab Emirates that seeks an independent southern Yemen.
• Recent dynamics – Since early 2025, STC forces have seized additional districts in eastern hadramout, pushing toward the capital Mukalla and threatening supply routes used by humanitarian agencies.

Coalition’s Formal Statement (13 December 2025)

“The coalition will take decisive action to halt any further STC advances that endanger civilian populations in Hadramout,” – spokesperson for the Saudi‑led coalition, Riyadh.

• Key language – “decisive action,” “protect civilians,” “prevent escalation.”
• Intended message – Deter the STC from consolidating control while signaling to the United Arab Emirates that any unilateral gains will be contested.

Potential Military Responses

1. Air‑strike campaign – Targeted strikes on STC artillery positions, command‑and‑control nodes, and logistics hubs.
2. Ground reinforcement – Deployment of coalition infantry units to reinforce government‑aligned militias in Mukalla and surrounding districts.
3. Naval blockades – Enforcement of maritime interdictions to restrict arms shipments to STC‑controlled ports.

Analyst note (Middle East Institute, 2025): “The coalition’s warning is likely to translate into calibrated air operations, avoiding full‑scale urban bombardment to minimize civilian casualties.”

Humanitarian Implications

• Civilian displacement – UN OCHA reports a 28 % rise in internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Hadramout since March 2025.
• Access restrictions – STC checkpoints have halted aid convoys on the Mukalla‑Shabwah highway,causing a 15 % decline in food deliveries.
• Health risks – WHO warns of a potential cholera outbreak due to disrupted water treatment facilities in the Al‑Musa district.

Immediate Protection Measures recommended for NGOs

• Pre‑positioned safe zones – Identify neutral zones near the Al‑mikhlaf district, coordinate with both coalition and STC to guarantee access.
• Rapid needs assessments – Deploy mobile teams within 48 hours of any engagement to document damage and civilian casualties.
• Evacuation corridors – Negotiate humanitarian corridors with coalition air‑control units, using UN‑marked vehicles to ensure safe passage.

International Diplomatic Landscape

• United Nations – The UN Security Council issued a statement (2 December 2025) calling for “immediate de‑escalation in Hadramout and unhindered humanitarian access.”
• UAE’s position – While publicly supporting the STC’s political goals, the UAE has signaled willingness to “review its engagement” if the coalition escalates militarily.
• Regional actors – Oman continues to mediate informal talks, offering a neutral venue for dialog between the coalition and STC representatives.

Real‑world Example: Mukalla Port Siege (July 2025)

• Event summary – STC fighters blockaded Mukalla port,halting the entry of 3,200 metric tons of humanitarian aid.
• Coalition response – Conducted precision air raids on three STC‑controlled warehouses, restoring limited port access within 72 hours.
• Outcome for civilians – 1,200 families received emergency food parcels; though, 450 civilians remained trapped in nearby villages.

Benefits of a Coordinated Coalition‑STC Framework

Benefit	Description
Reduced civilian casualties	Joint de‑confliction protocols limit overlapping fire zones.
Sustained humanitarian flow	Secure corridors allow NGOs to deliver aid without interruption.
Political leverage	Demonstrates to the international community a commitment to protecting non‑combatants.
Stability for oil infrastructure	Prevents damage to critical oil export facilities, preserving yemen’s revenue base.

Practical Tips for Journalists Covering the Conflict

1. Verify sources – Cross‑check statements from coalition spokespeople with independent satellite imagery (e.g., Planet Labs).
2. use geotagged footage – Ensure visuals are timestamped and geolocated to avoid misinformation.
3. Prioritize civilian voices – record testimonies from displaced families to illustrate the human cost of military actions.

Monitoring Tools & Real‑Time Data Sources

• UN OCHA Humanitarian Dashboard – Live IDP figures and aid delivery metrics for Hadramout.
• Air‑strike tracker (Bellingcat, 2025 edition) – Maps of coalition strikes with civilian casualty estimates.
• Maritime traffic analyzer (MarineTraffic) – Identifies vessel movements near Mukalla port, useful for spotting blockades.

key Takeaways for Policy Makers

• Balance of power – The coalition must calibrate its response to avoid a broader Sunni‑Shia proxy war while deterring STC expansion.
• Humanitarian law compliance – Any military action must adhere to the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution to protect civilians.
• Negotiated settlements – A phased political roadmap, anchored by UN mediation, offers the most sustainable path to civilian safety in hadramout.