Hadramout: Governor Salem al-Khanbashi has stated that the Southern Transitional Council's (STC) response to governmental calls for troop withdrawal from the eastern Yemeni province remains 'limited.' In an interview with Al Jazeera, al-Khanbashi noted minor withdrawals in areas such as eastern Wadi Hadramout, Al-Mukalla Airport, and the Dhabba area, while large STC forces continue to be stationed in Wadi Hadramout and the city of Shibam.
According to Anadolu Agency, Yemeni Minister of Information Moammar al-Eryani confirmed the partial withdrawal of STC forces from Hadramaut but refrained from providing specific details. Speaking on Yemen TV, Eryani emphasized the government's responsible handling of the situation in coordination with the Arab Coalition to prevent further escalation, highlighting regional and international backing for the government's withdrawal appeals.
Tensions in southern Yemen have escalated since last month when STC forces seized the Hadramaut and Al-Mahra provinces following clashes with government forces. These regions cover nearly half of Yemen's land area. STC spokesman Mohammed al-Naqeeb announced that the council's forces are redeploying in coordination with the Saudi-led Arab coalition, with units repositioned near the Saudi border.
The situation intensified after a dispute between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) over an Arab coalition airstrike at Mukalla port. This led to the Yemeni presidential council canceling a joint defense agreement with the UAE and ordering Emirati forces' withdrawal from Yemen. The Saudi Foreign Ministry accused the UAE of inciting STC military operations along its southern border, a claim the UAE denied while reiterating its commitment to Saudi security.
The STC continues to advocate for the separation of southern regions, citing political and economic marginalization, claims the Yemeni authorities reject in favor of maintaining national unity.