Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad al-Alimi on Thursday urged political, tribal and social forces in the eastern provinces of Hadramawt and Al-Mahra to close ranks behind state efforts and local authorities to contain the fallout from the recent security and military escalation.
While praising Saudi Arabia’s role in easing tensions, al-Alimi warned of the repercussions of continued unrest on Yemen’s economic and living conditions, noting early warning signs, including the International Monetary Fund’s announcement that it has suspended key activities in the country due to the deteriorating security environment.
A source in the presidential office said al-Alimi, during two phone calls with Hadramawt Governor Salem al-Khanbashi and Al-Mahra Governor Mohammed Ali Yasser, stressed the need for all forces brought in from outside the two provinces to withdraw, and for local authorities to be fully empowered to carry out their security and service responsibilities in line with the constitution and the law.
He also reiterated earlier directives to conduct a comprehensive investigation into all human rights violations linked to what he described as the Southern Transitional Council’s “unilateral measures,” including arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and attacks on public and private property, emphasizing accountability and an end to impunity.
Al-Alimi cautioned against any further escalation that could lead to more bloodshed and deepen the economic and humanitarian crisis, stressing that the national priority must remain confronting the Iran-backed Houthi militia, which he described as the greatest threat to security and stability.
He commended Saudi efforts to de-escalate tensions and support stability in Hadramawt and Al-Mahra, affirming the state’s full backing for these initiatives and its commitment to strengthening the role of local authorities in safeguarding social peace and citizens’ interests.
According to the presidential source, al-Alimi underscored the need to restore conditions in the two provinces to their pre-escalation state, respect the frameworks governing the transitional period, and enable the government and local authorities to fulfill their constitutional duties.
He warned that the severe living conditions facing Yemenis “cannot withstand the opening of additional internal fronts,” calling on all parties to prioritize the public interest and preserve national gains, ensuring focus remains on the main battle against the Houthis and allied terrorist groups.
The appeal comes amid broader rejection of unilateral actions in the east. Parliament issued a statement condemning any military moves outside national consensus, describing recent developments as a “clear violation of constitutional legitimacy” and the powers of the Presidential Leadership Council.
Lt. Gen. Mohammed al-Qahtani, who headed a Saudi delegation that visited Hadramawt, stressed that Riyadh rejects “any attempts to impose a fait accompli by force” in the two provinces and supports restoring conditions to what they were prior to the escalation.
Al-Qahtani said Saudi Arabia, as leader of the Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen, is working to resolve the crisis through a series of measures agreed upon with all parties, including the Southern Transitional Council.
