Iraq
Image of a supporter of UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) waving the old South Yemen flag. AFP file photo
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraq on Friday urged de-escalation in Yemen, stressing the need to protect the country’s security and stability amid rising tensions.
"Regional and international efforts will contribute to supporting the path toward stability in Yemen, in a manner that enhances opportunities for de-escalation and creates conducive conditions for reaching sustainable solutions," Iraq's foreign ministry said.
Instability has intensified in recent days due to escalating disputes between the Southern Transitional Council (STC) and Yemen’s Saudi-backed, internationally recognised government.
Although the STC is part of the Saudi-led coalition fighting the Iran-aligned Houthis since 2015, it also seeks an independent southern state. Earlier this week, the group expanded military operations in Hadramout and al-Mahra, border provinces with Saudi Arabia, triggering a sharp escalation.
Saudi Arabia has accused the United Arab Emirates, another coalition member, of backing and arming the STC, claims Abu Dhabi denies.
While the UAE has agreed to withdraw its troops following demands from Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, the STC has refused to retreat from the two provinces.
The foreign ministry of Iraq also stressed the importance of regional and international efforts to support stability in Yemen, promote de-escalation, and create conditions for sustainable solutions.
Tensions have already disrupted daily life, with flights from Aden International Airport suspended on Thursday.
Despite Saudi-brokered power-sharing deals and the STC’s inclusion in the leadership council in 2022, clashes over territory and resources persist, raising concerns that the latest escalation could further undermine prospects for a political settlement.
Comments
Rudaw moderates all comments submitted on our website. We welcome comments which are relevant to the article and encourage further discussion about the issues that matter to you. We also welcome constructive criticism about Rudaw.
To be approved for publication, however, your comments must meet our community guidelines.
We will not tolerate the following: profanity, threats, personal attacks, vulgarity, abuse (such as sexism, racism, homophobia or xenophobia), or commercial or personal promotion.
Comments that do not meet our guidelines will be rejected. Comments are not edited – they are either approved or rejected.
Post a comment