Aden (South24 Center)

The United States, the United Kingdom, France, and the European Union on Tuesday (December 9) welcomed all efforts aimed at de-escalation in Hadramout and Al-Mahra governorates, stressing the importance of dialogue, mediation, and strengthening security and stability.

The U.S. Embassy in Yemen said it discussed with Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad Al-Alimi “shared concerns regarding recent developments in Yemen, particularly in Hadramout and Al-Mahra.”

The embassy’s statement added that it “welcomes all efforts aimed at de-escalation,” and that the United States “continues to support the Yemeni government and the Presidential Leadership Council to enhance Yemen’s security and stability.”

In a similar stance, the British Embassy said it held a “very good meeting” with Al-Alimi to discuss “shared concerns about recent developments in Hadramout and Al-Mahra.”

It noted that it “welcomes all efforts aimed at de-escalation,” while reaffirming the United Kingdom’s commitment to supporting the Yemeni government and the Presidential Leadership Council.

The French Embassy said it held “important talks” with Al-Alimi regarding “recent troubling developments in Yemen, especially in Hadramout and Al-Mahra.”

It affirmed its “steadfast support for the unity of the Presidential Leadership Council and the government,” and welcomed “all efforts aimed at calming tensions, to strengthen Yemen’s security, stability, and territorial integrity.”

Meanwhile, the EU Delegation thanked Al-Alimi for “the comprehensive briefing on recent developments in Hadramout and Al-Mahra,” and confirmed its support for the Presidential Leadership Council and the government “in efforts to strengthen security and stability.”

It stressed that “political differences must be resolved through political means and dialogue.” The EU added that it “welcomes all efforts aimed at de-escalation through mediation.”

The statements came after a strongly worded declaration issued by Al-Alimi following his meeting on Monday with ambassadors of countries sponsoring the political process – the US, UK, Saudi Arabia and UAE.

Al-Alimi described the southern forces’ operation in Hadramout and Al-Mahra as “unilateral measures taken by the Southern Transitional Council,” calling them “a blatant violation of the transitional references” and “a direct threat to the unity of security and military decision-making.”

He called for “a unified, clear, and explicit international stance rejecting unilateral measures.”

Al-Alimi also hinted at halting salaries and services for citizens in the South, which observers and southern officials considered a “threat” to punish the population.

Read more at: Al-Alimi Threatens Economic Sanctions Against Millions in South Yemen

Nevertheless, the statements by the Western countries’ ambassadors who met Al-Alimi were calm, indicating their support for resolving disputes through dialogue and avoiding the opening of new escalation that could threaten the de-escalation path in the war-torn country.

Western officials, speaking to South24 on condition of anonymity, said they reiterated the importance of continuing Yemeni Coast Guard operations in light of the new developments in the two governorates, expressing their full support for the Coast Guard chief and his team.

According to these officials, international parties received clear assurances that the Coast Guard will continue its work under the same structure and leadership, following a meeting between Presidential Leadership Council member and STC President Aidrous Al-Zubaidi and the Yemeni Coast Guard chief on Monday (December 8).

A joint statement issued on December 1 by the Steering Committee of the Yemen Maritime Security Partnership (YMSP)—which includes the EU, Germany, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the UK, and the United States, affirmed its commitment to supporting Yemeni maritime security and enhancing the operational capacities of the Yemeni Coast Guard.

The statement stressed “the importance of intercepting and preventing the flow of weapons, drugs, and illicit goods that threaten the security of Yemen and the region.”

Al-Mahra governorate and the Wadi and deserts of Hadramout have long been major routes for smuggling weapons to the Houthis in Yemen, as well as drug trafficking. The deployment of Southern forces is expected to contribute to curbing these activities.