A separatist group in southern Yemen called the Southern Transitional Council (STC) claims Saudi Arabia fired warning airstrikes near its forces in Hadramaut province. Videos released by media linked to the UAE-backed STC show strikes close to their positions in Wadi Nahab, Hadramaut. These strikes have not been independently confirmed. This would mark Saudi Arabia’s first military action after it urged the STC to give up control of Hadramaut and al-Mahra provinces. Amr al-Bidh, a top STC official, told the Associated Press that the airstrikes came after STC fighters in eastern Hadramaut were ambushed, resulting in two deaths. Saudi officials have not commented so far. Two weeks ago, the STC took control of Hadramaut and al-Mahra without much resistance as local forces retreated. The STC, known for wanting southern Yemen to separate from the north, now controls two large, oil-rich southern provinces. Meanwhile, Riyadh and the international community back Yemen’s unity and oppose the STC’s moves. They warn that dividing the south could weaken efforts against Houthi rebels controlling northern Yemen. The Saudi Foreign Ministry called on the STC to withdraw peacefully and reopen talks with the Yemeni government. It stressed the importance of unity and stability for Yemen's future. The UAE praised Saudi Arabia’s role but did not call for the STC’s withdrawal. The STC relies heavily on UAE support, and any change in UAE backing could trigger a serious conflict between Qatar’s allies Saudi Arabia and the UAE over Yemen.