Yemen Crisis Deepens: US Urges Restraint as STC Expands Control; Saudi-Emirati Mediation Begins

• US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged "restraint" and "diplomacy" in Yemen amid escalating violence, thanking Saudi Arabia and UAE for "diplomatic leadership."
• The Southern Transitional Council (STC) expanded control, taking parts of Hadramout province since December 3 and Mahra province four days later.
• A joint Saudi-Emirati military team was dispatched to Aden to coordinate arrangements for the STC to withdraw its forces.
• Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman called on the STC to "peacefully hand over" the two governorates and prioritize unity.
• Tensions rose after the STC claimed Saudi Arabia carried out warning airstrikes, a claim supported by the UAE with video evidence.

Why It Matters: Yemen faces escalating conflict as STC expands control, prompting US calls for restraint and Saudi-Emirati mediation.