Arab Coalition Prepares If STC Rebels Don't Step Down from South Yemen

JAKARTA - The Arab coalition supporting the internationally recognized Government of Yemen warns that any military action that undermines de-escalation efforts in Yemen will be immediately taken to protect civilians.

The Saudi News Agency, SPA, reported on Saturday, December 27, that the spokesman for the Arab Coalition, Major General Turki Al-Maliki, said the warning followed a request from the Presidential Leadership Council of Yemen to take urgent action to protect civilians in Hadramout Province.

The Arab coalition said the measures would include reducing tensions, facilitating the withdrawal of troops, handing over military camps, and allowing local authorities to carry out their duties in Yemen.

Al-Maliki then called on all parties to refrain and engage in a peaceful solution.

Hadramout in southern Yemen is controlled by the Southern Transitional Council (STC) rebels and is considered by many to have been the alleged murder, kidnapping, or unlawful acts in the area.

The STC rebels have also ousted the internationally recognized government in Aden, while claiming wide control over all of southern Yemen this month.

This month, Saudi Arabia has also asked the STC forces to withdraw from the areas they seized in Hadramout and Mahra. However, the STC has confirmed its refusal of the Yemeni government's request to withdraw its forces from the two oil-rich regions.