Yemen's internationally recognized government announced this week it regained full control of Hadramout province following a decisive Saudi-backed military operation against Southern Transitional Council (STC) separatists. The strategic southeastern region, home to most of Yemen's remaining oil reserves, saw intense clashes culminating in STC forces withdrawing from key cities including Mukalla and Seiyun.
Presidential Leadership Council head Rashad al-Alimi ordered security forces to secure state institutions after government troops reclaimed military sites across Hadramout. Local sources reported Saudi airstrikes played a pivotal role in the operation, with at least 20 casualties reported during the offensive.
The development comes as tensions escalate between the Saudi-backed government and UAE-supported STC, which declared plans for a southern independence referendum last month. Analysts note the timing coincides with renewed regional efforts to stabilize energy supply routes near Saudi borders.
While STC officials welcomed Saudi mediation proposals for southern dialogue, the group has not formally acknowledged its withdrawal from Hadramout or neighboring Al-Mahrah province. The conflict's latest phase underscores the complex web of regional alliances in Yemen's nine-year civil war, where control of resource-rich territories remains a key battleground.
