Yemen’s Saudi-backed Vice Foreign Minister Ambassador Mustapha Noman, speaking from Riyadh, delivered his strongest warning yet regarding the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC), while making clear from the outset that he supports the southern cause and has long defended legitimate southern grievances. His criticism was not aimed at the idea of southern rights, but at what he described as a reckless and dangerous military escalation that threatens Yemen’s future.

He also issued a pointed warning that Saudi Arabia, while known for patience and preference for dialogue, will not tolerate prolonged threats to its security or borders, and that if political options are exhausted, Riyadh has the capacity and the means to contain armed groups that endanger regional stability.

Noman warned that the STC is taking an extremely dangerous path by using force while being part of the government itself. He said this course risks pushing Yemen toward a point of no return marked by internal south-south civil war and national fragmentation that would ultimately destroy the very southern cause the council claims to represent. He stressed that Hadramawt does not require militarization, that unilateral deployments undermine state authority, paralyze economic activity, freeze aid, and hand a strategic advantage to the Houthi movement, which benefits most from divisions inside the anti Houthi camp.

He described the STC’s actions as a rebellion from within the state, noting that the council represents the largest bloc in the cabinet and holds three seats on the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC). He added that the moves were not spontaneous, but had been prepared for months through repeated visits by STC leaders to Hadramawt. Noman rejected claims that Hadramawt was a hub for extremist groups, and emphasized that security there already falls under Defense Ministry units led by southern commanders.

Noman stressed that not all southerners support separation and accused the STC of falsely presenting itself as the sole representative of the south while sidelining other southern voices. He also made clear that the STC has no sovereign standing, noting that its international activities took place only as part of Yemen’s official delegation and that attempts to act independently were rejected.

He criticized STC justifications related to terrorism, arms smuggling, and supply routes, arguing that these issues fall under state institutions, not a single faction acting alone. He called for the withdrawal of all forces operating outside the Defense Ministry and warned that continued escalation risks renewed conflict in the south, deeper fragmentation, and shifting alliances that would leave separatist forces isolated.

Noman concluded by warning that the human cost is already severe. Institutions are paralyzed, aid is frozen, donors are withdrawing, and ordinary Yemenis are struggling simply to survive.