Yemen’s Hadramout Plans Peaceful Move to Take Back Military Sites Amid Gulf Tensions

Post by : Saif Nasser

Yemen’s long-running crisis took another serious turn on Friday after the governor of Hadramout province announced plans for a “peaceful operation” to reclaim military positions from rival forces. The move highlights growing tensions inside Yemen and a widening split between two powerful regional backers, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Hadramout’s governor, Salem Ahmed Saeed al-Khunbashi, who is backed by Saudi Arabia, said the operation would focus only on military sites and should not be seen as a declaration of war. His statement came as Yemen’s internationally recognised government gave him full control over military, security, and administrative forces in the province. The goal, officials said, is to restore order and stability.

The operation is aimed at forces loyal to the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a UAE-backed group that supports southern independence. The STC recently took control of large parts of southern Yemen, including key military areas. Saudi Arabia sees this as a direct threat to Yemen’s unity and to its own influence in the country.

This situation reflects a deeper problem. Saudi Arabia and the UAE once worked closely together in Yemen, but their relationship has become strained. Both countries now support different sides, and their disagreement has become more visible since December. Last week, the UAE announced it would withdraw its remaining troops from Yemen, following Saudi-backed calls for them to leave.

So far, the STC has not responded publicly to the Hadramout governor’s announcement. However, tensions have already affected daily life. Flights at Aden International Airport were halted after a dispute between Saudi Arabia and the STC. Saudi officials said a plane carrying a Saudi delegation was denied permission to land. The STC-controlled transport authorities accused Saudi Arabia of blocking flights by imposing extra checks.

Aden airport is a vital link for parts of Yemen not controlled by the Houthi movement. The shutdown has raised concerns about travel, aid delivery, and access to the outside world for millions of people.

Yemen has suffered years of war, hunger, and division. Many Yemenis fear that new power struggles, even if described as “peaceful,” could lead to more instability. As regional rivals compete for influence, ordinary people continue to pay the highest price.

The coming days will show whether dialogue can calm the situation or whether Yemen’s fragile peace will face yet another setback.