Pakistan, Dec. 25 -- Saudi Arabia expressed hope that Yemen's Southern Transitional Council (STC) will end recent military escalation in the south. The group seized Hadramout and Mahra provinces earlier this month, deepening uncertainties in a country already divided between two administrations. The kingdom called the STC's operations an "unjustified escalation" and urged an orderly withdrawal.

In a statement, Riyadh emphasized that public interest should prevail and that the STC forces return to their previous positions. The Saudi foreign ministry said the withdrawal should happen urgently and in an organized manner to restore stability. Efforts to achieve this are ongoing.

A joint Saudi-Emirati military delegation arrived in Aden on D...