RIYADH/MOSCOW - The spokesperson of the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen, Turki Al Maliki, announced Saturday that any military movements undermining de-escalation efforts would be dealt with to protect civilians, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Al Maliki said the measures were taken in response to a request from Rashad Al-Alimi, chairman of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), for immediate action to protect civilians in Hadramout Governorate following humanitarian violations by armed elements affiliated with the Southern Transitional Council (STC).
ALSO READ: Yemeni presidency warns against STC's secession moves
He said that coalition forces would respond directly and promptly to any military movements that violate deescalation efforts, with the aim of safeguarding civilian lives.
Al Maliki added that the actions form part of ongoing joint efforts by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to reduce tensions, ensure the withdrawal of STC forces, hand over military camps to the Nation's Shield Forces, a Saudi-backed Yemeni force, and enable local authorities to carry out their duties.
He reaffirmed the coalition's continued support for Yemen's legitimate government and urged all parties to uphold their national responsibilities, exercise restraint, and engage with peaceful settlement efforts to maintain security and stability.
ALSO READ: Saudi Arabia suspends ship permits for Yemen's Aden port amid rising tensions
Tensions in Yemen escalated on Dec 3, when STC forces took control of Hadramout following clashes with pro-government units. The STC also criticized the PLC for failing to launch what it described as a serious campaign against the Houthi group.
Russia urges restraint
On Friday, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Moscow is concerned about the escalation of the military and political situation in Yemen and calls on all parties involved to exercise restraint.
She said that Russia calls on all parties involved to seek mutually acceptable compromise solutions to the existing problems and contradictions through constructive intra-Yemeni dialogue.
Russia welcomes the joint efforts by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates aimed at de-escalating tensions as soon as possible and stabilizing the situation in southern Yemen, Zakharova said.
READ MORE: Saudi Arabia grants fresh economic support to Yemen
"We reaffirm our readiness to continue constructive engagement in pursuit of these goals with Yemen's official authorities and all influential political forces of this friendly country, as well as with Russia's partners in the region," she added.
Saudi warplanes on Friday carried out airstrikes on military sites affiliated with the STC in Yemen's southeastern oil-rich province of Hadramout. Residents said that loud explosions were heard in parts of the province, while videos circulated on social media showed plumes of smoke rising from targeted areas following the air raids.
