Forces aligned with Saudi Arabia have re-established control in Yemen's port city of Mukalla, the capital of Hadramout province, following a series of Saudi airstrikes targeting positions of the United Arab Emirates-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC). The recapture occurred after several days of aerial operations and ground advances, reflecting increased tensions within the anti-Houthi coalition in southern Yemen. The events unfold amidst a broader civil conflict that has affected Yemen for over a decade.
Overview of Operations in Hadramout
On Saturday, Saudi warplanes conducted airstrikes on military camps in Mukalla, including the Barshid Brigade camp west of the city, and other locations where STC forces were positioned. These strikes coincided with an advance by Saudi-backed forces, which included the Hadramout Tribes Confederacy and the National Shield forces, aimed at reclaiming the city.
An STC official, speaking anonymously, reported over 100 Saudi airstrikes across Hadramout within a 24-hour period on Saturday, alleging fatalities and injuries. The STC-aligned Yemen’s Transportation Ministry also condemned Saudi airstrikes late Friday that it reported targeted Seiyun International Airport, citing risks to infrastructure and operations.
By Sunday, forces aligned with Saudi Arabia had established control in Mukalla. Video footage depicted National Shield Forces, supported by Saudi Arabia, being greeted by residents as their vehicles traversed the streets. Troops were also observed operating at al-Rayyan Airport. Residents in the Hadramout towns of al-Qatn and Seiyun reported that Emirati-backed STC forces had withdrawn from military camps in those areas.
Rashad al-Alimi, head of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council (the governing body of the internationally recognized government), stated on Saturday that the National Shield Forces had secured all military and security sites in Hadramout. Salem al-Khanbashi, the governor of Hadramout, appointed by the government on Friday to command the Saudi-led forces in the governorate, described the operation as "peaceful" and a "responsible pre-emptive measure to remove weapons and prevent chaos." He also refuted the STC's claims of airstrikes as "ridiculous" and indicative of escalation intentions.
Background of the Yemeni Conflict
Yemen has been engaged in a civil conflict for over a decade. The Iran-backed Houthi rebels maintain control over a significant portion of northern Yemen. In the south, a Saudi-led coalition supports the internationally recognized government. A complicating factor within this coalition is the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which also supports the STC. The STC is a coalition of separatist groups advocating for the restoration of the state of South Yemen, which existed as an independent nation from 1967 to 1990.
Escalating Regional Dynamics and Conflicting Reports
Tensions escalated last month after the STC expanded its control into the Hadramout and Mahra governorates, securing an oil-rich region and displacing elements of the Saudi-supported National Shield forces. Prior to the recent airstrikes, Saudi Arabia had reportedly conducted bombings against STC positions and targeted what it identified as a shipment of Emirati weapons intended for the group. The STC had announced a proposed constitution for an independent southern nation a day before the reported strikes.
The UAE announced early Saturday that it had withdrawn all its forces from Yemen. This decision reportedly followed pressure from Saudi Arabia and an ultimatum from anti-Houthi forces for their withdrawal.
Ahmed bin Breik, STC deputy, stated that Saudi-backed National Shield Forces advanced toward camps, and the separatists' refusal to withdraw reportedly led to the airstrikes. Mohamed al-Nakib, spokesperson for the STC-backed Southern Shield Forces, claimed Saudi airstrikes resulted in fatalities, a claim that could not be independently verified. Al-Nakib further alleged in a video on X that Saudi Arabia utilized "Muslim Brotherhood and al-Qaeda militias" in a "large-scale attack" early Friday, which he claimed separatists repelled "under the cover of Saudi aviation operations." The Saudi-led coalition had previously demanded the withdrawal of STC forces from the two governorates as part of de-escalation efforts, which the STC had declined.
Reported Casualties
An anonymous STC official reported fatalities and injuries from airstrikes in Hadramout. Additionally, clashes on Friday between National Shield forces and southern forces in Hadramout reportedly resulted in at least eight fatalities, according to paramedic Ahmed al-Ketheri.
Diplomatic Initiatives and Coalition Divisions
The recent events have contributed to increased strain in relations between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, two neighboring nations on the Arabian Peninsula that have competed in economic and regional political spheres. Both nations have publicly stated a shared objective of restoring Yemen’s internationally recognized government.
Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry announced plans to host a conference in Riyadh, inviting all southern factions in Yemen to discuss "just solutions to the southern cause." This initiative was in response to a dialogue request from Rashad al-Alimi. The STC welcomed the invitation, characterizing it as a "rational means to address political issues, foremost among them the issue of the people of the south." Specific details regarding the conference were not immediately available.
Saudi Ambassador to Yemen, Mohammed al-Jaber, stated that Saudi efforts for weeks to stop the escalation and urge separatists to leave Hadramout and Mahra were met with "continued intransigence and rejection" from Aidarous al-Zubaidi, the STC head. Al-Jaber also highlighted that a Saudi delegation's jet was not permitted to land in Aden despite prior agreement.
Yemen’s transport ministry, which aligns with the STC, reported on Thursday that Saudi Arabia had imposed requirements mandating that flights to and from Aden International Airport undergo inspection in Jeddah. The ministry expressed "shock" and denounced the decision, also stating that all flights to and from the UAE were suspended until these reported measures were reversed. Saudi authorities have not confirmed these claims.
Expert Observation
Hilal Khashan, a political science professor at the American University of Beirut, indicated that Saudi Arabia's initial interest in the anti-Houthi military operation focused on controlling the mountains of Saada, while the UAE aimed to secure Aden due to its strategic importance for Red Sea access. Khashan further stated that the situation escalated when the UAE-backed STC began capturing areas in Hadramout that border Saudi Arabia, which he characterized as a "red line" for Saudi Arabia, suggesting the kingdom felt constrained between Houthi forces in the north and UAE influence in the south.