Arab coalition repositioned in Yemen

Arab coalition soldier patrolling the Saudi border in Yemen. (AFP/File photo)

• Saudi Arabia has played a true-blue mediating role, analyst says 
• Al-Shehri said that Saudi Arabia is overseeing the political solution in Yemen, with its humanitarian efforts continuing

JEDDAH: As part of its ongoing efforts to coordinate military and security operation plans in Yemen, the Arab coalition announced on Sunday that its forces had been repositioned in the southern Yemeni port city of Aden to fall under Saudi command. The repositioning aims to enhance humanitarian missions and strengthen efforts to secure waterways adjacent to the Yemeni coast. Moreover, it aims to combat terrorism in the country.
The coalition commended the efforts exerted by all forces, especially from the UAE.
The coalition concluded its statement stressing that the forces would continue their efforts to bring security and stability to Yemen. The command also assured that its efforts to support all segments of the Yemeni people and its legitimate government.
Saudi political analyst and international relations scholar Dr. Hamdan Al-Shehri told Arab News that the agreement is so important in that it “would bring security and stability back to Yemen, the country where mishaps have unexpectedly occurred.”
Al-Shehri added that the agreement between the legitimate government of Yemen and the Southern Transitional Council is a promising chance for the Yemenis to reunite and corner the Houthis.
Commenting on the importance of the return of the Yemeni government to Aden, Al-Shehri said that the move gives a clear indication that both parties are in agreement that their country is safe.
“The return of the legitimate government to Aden also means that the Yemenis are in full harmony, and that proves both sides are accepting one another. Then they can end any conflict and start to develop their country,” he said.
He noted that a government of 24 ministers would equally give the Yemeni southern and northern governorates the rights to contribute to the development of their country.
Al-Shehri added that the Saudi go-between role has significantly converged the views through many serious attempts to put an end to the Yemeni conflict.
“Saudi Arabia has played a true-blue mediating role. It has worked on decreasing tension between the component groups of the Yemeni people,” the analyst said.
Al-Shehri said that Saudi Arabia is overseeing the political solution in Yemen, with its humanitarian efforts continuing.
“Through its King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, the Kingdom is supervising the support it provides to the Yemeni people. Saudi Arabia is doing all it can to help its brothers in Yemen, not only politically, but also when it comes to development and aid,” he added.