Southern Yemeni Separatists Dismiss Saudi Call to Withdraw From Eastern Provinces

A drone view shows people attending a rally organized by Yemen’s main separatist group, the Southern Transitional Council (STC), in Aden, Yemen, Dec. 21, 2025. Photo: REUTERS/Fawaz Salman

Yemen’s main southern separatist group rejected on Friday a Saudi call for its forces to withdraw from areas it seized earlier in December, saying it will continue securing the eastern provinces of Hadramout and Mahra.

Saudi Arabia said on Thursday it remains hopeful the Southern Transitional Council...