The Saudi-led Arab coalition in Yemen said Saturday it would take immediate action against any military activity by the Southern Transitional Council that disrupts ongoing de-escalation efforts, warning such moves endanger civilians and stability.
In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki said the warning came in response to a request from Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad al-Alimi to take immediate measures to protect civilians in Hadramout in eastern Yemen.
Al-Maliki said the request followed "serious and shocking humanitarian violations against civilians by armed elements affiliated with the Southern Transitional Council."
The coalition's position comes as part of continued joint efforts by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to reduce tensions, secure the withdrawal of STC forces, hand over camps to National Shield Forces, and enable local authorities to carry out their responsibilities, he added.
"Any military movements (by STC) that contravene these efforts will be dealt with directly and immediately," Maliki said, adding that the objective is to protect civilians' lives and ensure the success of Saudi-Emirati de-escalation efforts.
