Saudi Defense Sends Message to the Yemeni People, Coalition Warns Against Escalation

Saudi Defense Reaffirms Political Dialogue and the Riyadh Agreement

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman sent an open message to the Yemeni people, stating that Saudi Arabia’s military and political intervention in Yemen came in response to a request from the Yemeni legitimate government. This was carried out through the leadership of the Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Operations Decisive Storm and Restoring Hope, aiming to restore the Yemeni state and extend its sovereignty across the entire territory.

He emphasized that the liberation of southern provinces, including Aden, was a key milestone in this process, stressing that the Yemeni issue is a political matter that cannot be simplified or exploited in side conflicts.

Riyadh: “Toward Dialogue”

Prince Khalid bin Salman noted that Saudi Arabia brought together various Yemeni factions at the Riyadh Conference to establish a roadmap for a comprehensive political solution, including addressing the southern issue.

He highlighted that the Riyadh Agreement guarantees southern participation in the government and opens the path for resolving their concerns through dialogue and consensus, emphasizing that any solution should occur within an agreed political framework, without using force or imposing a unilateral reality.

Saudi Warning Against Escalation

The Saudi Defense Minister stressed that the coalition would take firm action against any military movements that could threaten de-escalation efforts, noting that stability in the southern provinces should not be affected by factional disputes.

He added that recent events in Hadramout and Al Mahrah since December 2025 have deepened divisions and weakened security restoration efforts, negatively impacting the southern issue itself. He called on the Southern Transitional Council to respond to Saudi-Emirati mediation efforts, cease escalation, withdraw forces from military camps, and hand them over to the Homeland Shield forces and local authorities.

Coalition: Immediate Response to Escalation

The Joint Forces Command of the Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen confirmed that it would directly respond to any military movements violating de-escalation efforts in Hadramout, prioritizing civilian safety and supporting stability.

Colonel Turki Al-Maliki, the coalition’s official spokesperson, stated that this stance follows a request from the Chairman of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi, to take urgent measures to protect civilians. He emphasized continued support for the legitimate Yemeni government and urged all parties to exercise restraint and engage in peaceful solutions.

Related Topics:
Regional Mediation and Saudi Air Operations in Hadramout and Al Mahrah