A spokesperson for the Southern Transitional Council (STC) has stated that the forces attacking Hadramout in eastern Yemen originate from other governorates. In an interview, STC representative Anwar al-Tamimi described the operation launched by the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) in Hadramout as a “full-fledged aggression,” vowing to repel the offensive.
Earlier, Hadramout Governor Salem al-Khanbashi announced the launch of an operation to “receive camps” in order to peacefully and systematically take over military sites from STC forces. He emphasized that the operation was not a declaration of war or an escalation but rather a preventive measure to protect security and prevent chaos.
Al-Tamimi clarified that the attacking force is called the Yemeni “Emergency Force,” recently formed from brigades, some of which were affiliated with the First Military Region, and others brought from Taiz Governorate. He claimed that the “Nation Shield Forces” are “neutralized” and that those in charge seemingly “do not trust them,” further alleging that the Nation Shield Forces were initially told their mission was to combat the Houthi group.
He added that STC forces confronted the initial attack launched by forces loyal to the Yemeni government, causing the latter to retreat, with some fleeing. According to al-Tamimi, Saudi aviation intervened to support the advancing forces and boost their morale.
Al-Tamimi asserted that the attacking forces aim to eliminate STC forces, control resources, and reinstate the First Military Region to its previous positions. He linked this to what he called the first invasion of the south in 1994 and the disruption of the “southern project.” The STC spokesperson also stated that the UAE withdrew its forces at the request of Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council head Rashad al-Alimi.
Furthermore, he suggested that Saudi Arabia has made arrangements for a final solution in Yemen and the division of wealth with the Houthis, without the participation of southerners. He said the STC did not participate in the negotiations and rejected them because they are “based on enabling the Houthis to control 70% to 80% of the wealth.” He emphasized their rejection of the Saudi vision for a solution.
Al-Tamimi did not rule out the possibility of the Houthi group providing support to the battle being waged by the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council.
