The Southern Transitional Council condemns in the strongest terms of condemnation and disapproval the treacherous terrorist abduction and kidnapping of a number of United Nations employees in Abyan governorate.

 The Southern Transitional Council notes its previous assertions that the forces operating under the umbrella of legitimacy in Abyan governorate are infiltrated by terrorist organizations, and their survival represents a serious security gap that threatens the security and stability of Abyan and the region and provides a fertile environment for the spread of terrorist elements, their increase in their activity, and the implementation of new terrorist operations.

 He stressed that the Security Belt Forces were and still represent a mainstay for establishing security, stability and combating terrorism in Abyan Governorate.

  Blaming the other party to the Riyadh Agreement to obstruct its return to its previous positions and tasks, as stipulated in the agreement.

 Ali Abdullah Al Kathiri.

 The official spokesman for the Southern Transitional Council.

 Presidency member.