Quick Read
- Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces retook Hadramout and al-Mahra provinces from the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC).
- The offensive, launched on Friday, resulted in the recapture of key cities like Mukalla and all districts in both provinces.
- At least 80 STC fighters were killed, 152 wounded, and 130 captured; 14 Saudi-backed fighters also died.
- The operation highlights simmering tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, who back opposing factions within Yemen.
- The STC has welcomed dialogue with Saudi Arabia despite ongoing clashes and restrictions in Aden.
A dramatic shift has unfolded in southern Yemen, as Saudi-backed government forces announced the successful recapture of the strategically vital Hadramout and al-Mahra governorates. This offensive, targeting the United Arab Emirates-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC), represents a significant turning point in Yemen’s protracted conflict, exposing the intricate web of regional rivalries that continue to shape the war-torn nation’s destiny.
The operation, launched just days ago, saw the internationally recognized government, led by the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), assert its authority over vast swathes of territory. Rashad al-Alimi, head of the PLC, lauded the ‘record success’ of the Homeland Shield forces, proclaiming the retaking of ‘all military and security positions’ in the provinces bordering Saudi Arabia. This swift advance signifies not just a military victory, but a powerful reassertion of sovereignty over regions that had fallen under the control of the STC just last month.
Reclaiming Key Territories: A Swift Offensive
The offensive’s primary objective was the reclamation of Hadramout and al-Mahra, two provinces that collectively constitute nearly half of Yemen’s landmass and share a crucial border with Saudi Arabia. Government sources, speaking to Al Jazeera Arabic, confirmed that Yemeni government forces had secured all districts within Hadramout, Yemen’s largest governorate. Crucially, the key eastern port city of Mukalla, the capital of Hadramout province, which the STC had seized last month, is now back under government control following intense clashes and Saudi air support.
Adding to the government’s gains, Mohammed Omar Suwailam, the Director General of the Youth Office for al-Mahra governorate, informed the Anadolu news agency that Homeland Shield forces had taken command of all nine districts in al-Mahra. This comprehensive sweep followed the withdrawal of STC forces, signaling a decisive victory for the Saudi-backed coalition. The speed and effectiveness of the operation underscore a well-coordinated effort, combining ground forces with crucial aerial support to dislodge the separatists.
Casualties Mount Amidst Regional Fissures
The recent escalation has not come without a heavy cost. Since Friday, the fighting has resulted in significant casualties on both sides. An official from the STC reported to AFP news agency that at least 80 of their fighters had been killed, with 152 wounded and 130 taken captive. These figures paint a stark picture of the intensity of the clashes, particularly around Mukalla, where Saudi warplanes reportedly carried out ‘intense’ air raids on STC camps, including one at Barshid, west of the city.
Conversely, Saudi-backed forces also incurred losses, with an official telling AFP that at least 14 of their fighters were killed and over 30 wounded during the offensive. These casualties highlight the brutal reality of a conflict where local factions are often proxies in a larger geopolitical struggle. The underlying tension between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, who have historically backed rival groups within Yemen’s fractured government, continues to simmer. The STC’s December offensive into Hadramout and al-Mahra had particularly angered Riyadh, exposing the fissures in the ties between the two oil-rich Gulf powers.
The Complex Dance of Politics and Humanitarian Concerns
Despite the ongoing military operations, a political dimension remains active. The STC, surprisingly, welcomed an offer of dialogue from Saudi Arabia, describing it as a ‘genuine opportunity’ to safeguard ‘the aspirations of the southern people.’ This willingness to engage suggests a recognition of the shifting power dynamics and perhaps a desire to negotiate a more favorable position rather than continue a losing fight.
Meanwhile, in areas recently brought back under government control, efforts are underway to restore normalcy. Local sources told Al Jazeera that life was gradually returning to Seiyun, a city in Hadramout, with state institutions resuming work and services being restored. The arrival of Hadramout Governor Salem Ahmed Said al-Khanbashi at Seiyun airport further symbolized the return of government authority.
However, tensions persist elsewhere, particularly in the port city of Aden, an STC stronghold. Yemen’s internationally recognized government released a statement accusing the STC of imposing restrictions on movement, preventing travelers, including families and sick individuals, from entering the city. The government condemned these actions as a ‘grave violation of the constitution and a breach of the Riyadh Agreement,’ calling for an immediate end to all restrictions. A government official told Reuters that Yemeni government forces intend to press on from Hadramout towards Aden, indicating that the current offensive might not be the final chapter in this particular struggle.
Adding to the humanitarian concerns, Aden International Airport experienced closures, with both the government and the STC exchanging blame. The US embassy in Yemen also reported similar issues with flights to and from Socotra, a Yemeni island in the Indian Ocean. These restrictions underscore the human cost of the conflict, where ordinary citizens often bear the brunt of political and military maneuvering.
Yemen’s Enduring Struggle: A Patchwork of Powers
Yemen’s government remains a complex patchwork of groups, including the very separatists it has just fought, united primarily by a shared opposition to the Iran-backed Houthi movement. The Houthis, who pushed the government out of Sanaa in 2014, still control much of northern Yemen. This recent offensive in the south, while significant, is but one facet of a multi-layered conflict that has drawn in regional and international players, each with their own objectives and allegiances.
The retaking of Hadramout and al-Mahra marks a substantial tactical victory for the Saudi-backed Yemeni government, bolstering its territorial claims and potentially strengthening its hand in future negotiations. Yet, it also underscores the fragility of alliances and the complex, often contradictory, interests at play among regional powers. While the immediate focus is on consolidating gains and restoring stability, the deeper challenge lies in navigating the fragmented political landscape and addressing the fundamental aspirations of a populace weary of war, all while the shadow of the Houthi threat looms large in the north.