HADRAMAUT, Yemen – Tensions are rising in eastern Yemen as the Homeland Shield forces announced the commencement of a military operation in the Hadramaut Governorate. The stated aim of the operation is to secure and assume control of several military installations, a move described as a redeployment and not an act of war.
The Homeland Shield forces declared the launch of the operation earlier today, emphasizing that it is intended to reorganize military presence in the eastern and western regions of the country. Salem al-Khanbashi, the governor of Hadramaut and commander of these forces, asserted that the operation “is not a declaration of war and is not directed against any specific individual or group.”
Since December 4th, the targeted areas have been under the control of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) forces, who have established a presence from the coastal regions deep into the desert, maintaining positions in various locations and military camps within the Hadramaut Governorate.
Governor al-Khanbashi stated the objective is to neutralize weapons and protect the sites from “dangerous scenarios that only serve chaos.”
Field reports indicate that the operation encompasses military bases in Ramah, Thamud, and al-Khashaah, as well as camps in Seiyun and al-Qatn – areas that have witnessed increased military activity in recent hours. Initial reports suggest clashes have erupted, particularly around the al-Khashaah camp, but details remain unconfirmed.
The situation in Hadramaut remains fluid, with Homeland Shield forces maintaining that the operation is limited in scope and does not target any specific faction. Developments in the coming hours will be critical in determining the trajectory of the situation. Tensions have been elevated since the STC’s control of Hadramaut and Al-Mahra governorates earlier this December.
