The Yemen Standoff
Status Report: December 28, 2025
Riyadh's Red Lines
Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman has characterized the STC's recent gains as an "unjustified escalation." Riyadh's core objective is to prevent the total economic collapse of the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC).
The Southern Manifesto
The STC justifies "Operation Promising Future" as a defensive measure against "economic marginalization." They argue that southern oil revenue has been siphoned to northern elites while southern cities suffer blackouts and famine.
The Territorial Leverage
Why the STC is refusing to withdraw: They now control the "Economic Engine" of Yemen.
Saudi Military Posture
Riyadh has deployed the National Shield Forces (Deraa al-Watan) to the border. These units are specifically trained to replace STC militias in captured camps, should a withdrawal occur.
STC Strategic Counter
The STC has warned that any attempt to forcibly remove them from the oil fields will result in the "Total destruction of production infrastructure," a scorched-earth threat meant to deter Saudi airstrikes.
| Conflict Point | Saudi Demand | Yemen (STC) Position |
|---|---|---|
| Military Camps | Immediate handover to National Shield | Only Hadhrami Elite Forces allowed |
| Oil Revenue | Remit to Central Bank (Aden) | Establishment of Southern Sovereign Fund |
| Governance | Restore PLC-appointed Governors | Self-rule under STC Local Councils |
