Eastern Yemen’s Hadhramaut province entered a critical phase on Friday as government-backed National Shield forces began deploying against an insurgency by the Southern Transitional Council (STC), seeking to regain control of military camps and restore the state’s grip over security and military institutions under the leadership of Governor Salem al-Khanbashi.
Field sources said National Shield forces advanced toward the al-Khasha area in Wadi Seiyun, where units affiliated with the STC are stationed.
The forces encountered ambushes and armed clashes during their advance, prompting direct intervention by aircraft from the Arab Coalition backing Yemen’s internationally recognized government.
The sources said National Shield forces succeeded in the early hours in seizing the headquarters of the 37th Strategic Brigade Camp in al-Khasha, while continuing their advance to tighten control over Seiyun, the largest city in Wadi Hadhramaut and home to the First Military Region command, ahead of moving toward other valley cities still under Transitional Council influence.
As ground operations unfolded, Arab Coalition spokesperson Brig. Gen. Turki al-Maliki stated that Saudi Arabia’s Royal Naval Forces had completed their deployment in the Arabian Sea, a move aimed at conducting inspection operations and combating smuggling.
The developments followed a decision by Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council Chairman, Rashad al-Alimi, to appoint al-Khanbashi as the overall commander of the National Shield forces in the province, granting him full military, security, and administrative authority to restore security and order.
The decision stated that the mandate would end once its causes cease or upon the issuance of a subsequent presidential decision revoking the authorization. The last clause confirmed the decision would take effect from the date of issuance and publication in the official gazette and military bulletins.
The decision is widely seen as a decisive sovereign step reflecting al-Alimi’s approach to unifying military and security command in Hadhramaut and reinforcing state authority in one of Yemen’s most strategically and economically important provinces.
Observers said the decision provides legal and political cover for the “handover of camps” operation, placing it within a clear institutional framework and away from factional conflict, a point the governor emphasized in his address.
Saudi ambassador blames al-Zubaidi
Leaders of the Southern Transitional Council rejected handing over the camps or avoiding confrontation, with several figures calling for general mobilization. Field assessments indicate their forces’ capabilities have declined and may collapse, potentially forcing their withdrawal from Hadhramaut and al-Mahra by force.
In a clear Saudi stance, Saudi Ambassador to Yemen Mohammed Al-Jaber held the Transitional Council and its leader, Aidrous al-Zubaidi, directly responsible for the escalation, stating that the exploitation of the southern cause for personal gain had harmed it and stripped it of many of its political achievements.
In a series of posts on X, Al-Jaber stated that Saudi Arabia has supported and continues to support the southern cause as a just issue with historical and social dimensions, emphasizing that a genuine solution can only be achieved through political dialogue that meets the aspirations of all southern governorates.
He said al-Zubaidi had taken dangerous unilateral decisions, most notably leading a military attack on Hadhramaut and al-Mahra, resulting in security breakdowns, the intimidation of civilians, and the killing and wounding of Hadhramaut residents.
Al-Jaber stated that the Kingdom had exerted intensive efforts in recent weeks to persuade the STC to end the escalation and hand over the camps to National Shield forces, but faced continued rejection and intransigence.
This included refusing to issue clearance for a Saudi aircraft carrying an official delegation on Jan. 1, 2026, and shutting down air traffic at Aden airport, which he described as irresponsible behavior that harms Yemenis and undermines de-escalation efforts.
A peaceful operation
Al-Khanbashi confirmed the launch of the “camp handover” operation, stating that it is a peaceful and organized process targeting only military sites, without harming any political or social component, and without affecting civilians or their interests.
He stressed that the operation was not a declaration of war or a push for escalation, but a preventive measure aimed at neutralizing weapons and stopping chaos, thereby preventing the use of camps to threaten Hadhramaut’s security and protecting the province from dangerous scenarios.
Al-Khanbashi said Hadhramaut is going through a sensitive phase that requires courageous and responsible decisions.
He noted that local authorities, backed by the state and Saudi Arabia, had made significant efforts to open dialogue channels, but faced deliberate obstruction and systematic preparations to create chaos that could spiral out of control.
He stated that the operation is limited in scope, clear in its objectives, and guided by constitutional and national responsibilities to protect citizens’ lives and preserve civil peace.
Calls for calm and accountability
The governor called on Hadhramaut’s tribal leaders, elders, and social figures to play their national role during this critical phase and help shield society from being drawn into chaos or polarization, stating that Hadhramaut has always been and will remain a land of peace, wisdom, and statehood.
Al-Khanbashi held the United Arab Emirates responsible for what he described as chaos and looting targeting weapons and ammunition facilities at Riyan airport, due to their failure to hand the site over to local authorities upon withdrawal.
He rejected any attempt by forces or entities from outside the province to exploit the developments.
Al-Khanbashi stated that protecting Hadhramaut is a collective responsibility, warning that anyone attempting to undermine security or engage in looting will be held legally and judicially accountable.
He stressed that the state will remain aligned with citizens, peace, and the future.
