Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman addressed a message to the Yemeni people, affirming that Saudi Arabia, at the request of the legitimate Yemeni government, led the coalition through Operations “Decisive Storm” and “Restoring Hope” to restore Yemen’s sovereignty over all its territories. He noted that the liberation of the southern governorates marked a pivotal stage in this effort.
Prince Khalid emphasized that Saudi Arabia regards the Yemeni issue as a just political matter that cannot be reduced to personal interests or exploited in conflicts that undermine its future.
The Kingdom’s approach has focused on political, economic, developmental, and humanitarian support to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people while strengthening their resilience.
He highlighted that the Saudi-led coalition convened all Yemeni factions at the Riyadh Conference to chart a clear path toward a comprehensive political solution, including addressing the Southern issue.
The Riyadh Agreement guaranteed the participation of southern representatives in governance and promoted a just, mutually agreed resolution through dialogue, avoiding the use of force.
Prince Khalid underlined that the coalition’s sacrifices were made to restore the Yemeni state and protect the security of all Yemenis, not to create new conflicts or pursue narrow gains.
He expressed concern over recent escalations in Hadramawt and Al-Mahra since December 2025, which have threatened the unity of efforts and harmed the legitimate southern cause.
He praised southern leaders and figures who have contributed to restoring social peace and avoided drawing secure southern governorates into needless conflicts.
Prince Khalid stressed that the Southern issue remains central to any political settlement and must be resolved through consensus, fulfilling commitments, and building trust among all Yemenis.
Concluding his message, he called on the Southern Transitional Council to prioritize wisdom and the public interest, respond to Saudi-Emirati mediation efforts, end escalations, withdraw forces from camps in Hadramawt and Al-Mahra, and peacefully hand them over to Homeland Shield forces and local authorities.
