ADEN – 3 January 2026: Egypt expressed concern over the risks of potential escalation in Yemen and its implications for the country’s security and stability, as well as the broader consequences for regional security.
Cairo’s remarks come amid escalating tensions in Yemen between the Saudi-backed, internationally recognized government, and the UAE-backed southern separatists, after the latter seized Mukalla, the capital of Hadramout province near the Saudi border in December.
The Yemeni government announced on Saturday that it had retaken Mukalla.
A day earlier, the Southern Transitional Council (STC) accused Saudi Arabia of carrying out airstrikes against its forces and declared plans to hold a referendum on independence from the north within two years.
Amid the escalation in the south, Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry urged Yemen’s southern political forces to take part in “a comprehensive conference” in Riyadh to discuss “just solutions to the southern cause.”
Tensions sharply intensified after the Saudi-led coalition said that two vessels had entered Mukalla port over the weekend from the UAE, allegedly carrying large quantities of weapons without authorization from the coalition’s command.
On Tuesday, the Saudi-led coalition launched what it described as a limited airstrike targeting “large quantities of weapons” and “combat vehicles” that it said were destined for the STC.
The UAE strongly denied the allegations, saying the shipments did not include any weapons and that the vehicles unloaded at the port were intended solely for Emirati forces operating in Yemen.
The incident prompted Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council to call for the withdrawal of Emirati forces from the country, a request that Saudi Arabia supported in a foreign ministry statement.
Shortly afterward, the UAE agreed to withdraw from Yemen and announced on Friday that all of its forces had completed their departure from Yemeni territory.
Call for Restraint
In a foreign ministry statement on Saturday, Egypt called for calm and restraint, stressing the need to avoid unilateral actions that threaten security and stability.
Egypt reaffirmed its support for Yemen’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the preservation of state institutions and the Yemeni people’s resources.
The ministry emphasized that comprehensive solutions addressing the root causes of the crisis are essential to ending the conflict and achieving the Yemeni people’s aspirations for security, stability, and development.
Egypt highlighted the importance of dialogue and logic, urging all parties to pursue de-escalation measures and support initiatives aimed at lowering tensions.
Egypt pledged to continue engaging with all relevant parties to facilitate a comprehensive and sustainable political settlement based on national dialogue among Yemen’s diverse components and respect for the country’s national principles.
The statement underscored the need for strengthening unity, protecting Arab national security, and consolidating stability in the region.
Be Social
Comments
Leave a Comment