Yemen's legitimate government restored on Sunday control over the Hadhramaut and al-Mahra governorates. The National Shield forces, led by Hadhramaut Governor Salem al-Khanbashi, took control of the regions after the withdrawal of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) forces.
Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) and commander of the armed forces Dr. Rashad al-Alimi congratulated the residents of the two governorates and the local authorities on the success of the National Shield operations.
The record time in which they completed the handover will help consolidate security and stability, he added.
The success of the operation reflects the support enjoyed by the state and its institutions and paves the way for a new phase in coexistence and improved services, he added.
He praised the joint forces of the Saudi-led coalition to restore legitimacy in Yemen, saying they played a decisive role in securing the governorates, easing the tensions and protecting civilians.
On the ground, the National Shield forces were welcomed by civilians as they deployed in Hadhramaut and Mahra.
In Mukalla in Hadhramaut, the forces secured vital institutions, including the central bank, presidential palace and local authority building.
Khanbashi said the process was completed with high efficiency, a short time and with very limited losses.
"We had hoped to resolve the issue through political means, but we had to use force to get them out in record time," he said in televised remarks upon his arrival in Seiyun city.
Sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that the National Shield secured most of the vital institutions in Mukalla.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, they confirmed that the forces had deployed in the city at around 11:30 on Sunday morning.
