Fri Jan 02 10:31:40 UTC 2026: Summary:

Fighting has erupted in Yemen’s Hadramout province between forces loyal to the Saudi-backed governor and the separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC). The governor claims the move to reclaim military sites from the STC is peaceful and aimed at preventing chaos, while the STC accuses Saudi Arabia of bombing its forces. These tensions arise after the Yemeni government appointed a new commander in the province and accused the UAE of supporting the STC’s attempts to seize territory. The UAE has denied the allegations. The Saudi ambassador to Yemen accused the STC leader of disrupting peace efforts. The fighting also coincides with a halt in flights at Aden International Airport, with both sides blaming each other for the shutdown.

News Article:

Fighting Erupts in Hadramout as Saudi-Backed Governor Moves to Reclaim Territory from Separatist STC

HADRAMOUT PROVINCE, YEMEN – Clashes have broken out in Yemen’s Hadramout province between forces loyal to the Saudi-backed governor and the separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC), escalating tensions in the already fragile region.

Hadramout’s Governor Salem al-Khanbashi stated that the operation to take back military sites from the STC was intended to be a “peaceful and systematic” process to restore security and prevent chaos. However, the STC has accused Saudi Arabia of bombing its forces near the border, raising concerns about potential Saudi involvement in the conflict.

The fighting follows the Yemeni government’s decision to appoint al-Khanbashi as the overall commander of forces in the province, granting him broad authority in an effort to restore order. This move, coupled with accusations that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is supporting the STC’s expansionist ambitions in southern Yemen, has fueled further discord within the coalition that is fighting the Houthi rebels. The UAE has denied the claims.

The conflict also coincides with a halt in flights at Aden International Airport, with the STC and Saudi Arabia trading accusations over who is responsible for the shutdown.

Saudi Arabia has warned that it views the STC’s presence in Hadramout and al-Mahra provinces as a threat to its national security. Saudi Ambassador to Yemen Mohammed Al-Jaber blamed STC leader Aidarus al-Zubaidi for “stubbornness” and for refusing to allow a Saudi delegation to land in Aden.

The ongoing fighting and political tensions threaten to further destabilize Yemen, a country already ravaged by years of war and humanitarian crisis.

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