The Saudi position in Yemen: Protecting sovereignty and ending chaos
A group of prominent Yemeni journalists and writers agreed that the recent actions and stances of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia regarding the rapidly evolving situation in Yemen's eastern and southern provinces represent a strategic turning point in the Yemeni crisis. Speaking to Al-Youm newspaper, they emphasized that these positions reflect a firm resolve to recalibrate the situation, reaffirm the priority of supporting constitutional legitimacy, and protect Yemeni sovereignty from fragmentation projects or a descent into militia chaos.
Dimensions of the Saudi position and the regional context
These developments come at a time of sensitive geopolitical complexities in the region, as the governorates of Hadramawt and Al-Mahra represent a strategic depth not only for Yemen but also for Saudi and Gulf national security. Historically, these areas have remained relatively untouched by direct conflict, but attempts to draw them into the cycle of violence have prompted decisive Saudi intervention. Observers believe that Riyadh understands that any security vacuum or multiple military allegiances along this vital border strip constitutes a direct and unacceptable threat, especially given the continued Houthi threat in the north.
A careful reading of security risks
In this context, Sam al-Ghabari, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Al-Thawra Foundation for Press, explained that Saudi Arabia's handling of the recent events in eastern Yemen falls under the umbrella of "risk management," conducted wisely and effectively. He pointed out that Riyadh sent a clear message that the Kingdom's national security is a red line, and that southern Yemen is not an open arena for individual interpretations or agendas that contradict the goal of restoring the state.
Al-Ghabari added: “The Saudi move was not just a reaction, but a precautionary measure to prevent ports and vital areas from being turned into transit points for weapons outside the control of the state. The demands to end any military presence that does not take orders from the legitimate authority reflect a desire to unify military and security decision-making, which is a fundamental condition for any future stability.”.
Warnings of fragmentation scenarios
For his part, writer and political analyst Ahmed Nasser warned of the dangers of what he described as "dangerous games" being played in Hadramawt and Al-Mahra, comparing the situation to attempts to replicate the chaos witnessed in other countries such as Sudan and Somalia. Nasser emphasized that targeting the social fabric of these peaceful regions serves foreign agendas aimed at fragmenting the Arab region and weakening its central states.
The publisher stressed that the top priority must remain the liberation of Sana'a and the restoration of state institutions, rather than wasting efforts on peripheral conflicts that fragment the national ranks. He also praised the courageous stance of His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Salman, considering it a safeguard preventing Yemen from descending into a full-blown civil war in the liberated areas.
Supporting legitimacy as the only option
In a related context, Noman al-Hajri, head of the media committee for the Yemeni community in the Eastern Province, affirmed that Saudi Arabia's supportive stance on the legitimate government's decisions regarding military and security arrangements embodies the Kingdom's respect for international law and the sovereignty of nations. Al-Hajri pointed out that calls for unity and the disbanding of all armed groups operating outside the framework of the state are the only way to salvage Yemen's collapsing economy and provide services to its citizens.
The speakers concluded by emphasizing that the current stage requires broad Yemeni support for the state project and full support for Saudi efforts to impose stability, noting that the alternative to the state is chaos, the price of which will be paid by everyone without exception.
