Seiyun, Yemen – Forces belonging to the ‘Nation Shield’, aligned with the Yemeni government and the Saudi-led coalition, entered the city of Seiyun in the Wadi Hadramaut region of eastern Yemen on Saturday. Videos circulating online depict the deployment.
Footage shared by Yemeni activists shows Nation Shield personnel raising the Yemeni flag at the Seiyun Palace gate, reportedly replacing the flag of the Southern Transitional Council (STC). Some residents were seen welcoming the forces.
Salem al-Khambashi, Governor of Hadramaut Governorate and commander of the Nation Shield forces, announced earlier today that his troops had successfully secured military camps throughout the Wadi and Desert directorates. He also stated that Seiyun International Airport and other key infrastructure in Wadi Hadramaut are now under their control.
Al-Khambashi’s announcement followed the launch of a military operation dubbed “Receiving the Camps,” initiated in his capacity as the overall commander of the Nation Shield forces. The stated objective of the operation is to “enhance security and stability in the governorate and protect citizens from any potential chaos.”
The military operation commenced shortly after a decision by Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad al-Alimi on Friday, tasking al-Khambashi with leading the Nation Shield forces in Hadramaut.
The STC, which advocates for the secession of southern Yemen, carried out surprise military movements in early December, claiming control over Hadramaut and Al-Mahra. The group has reportedly rejected local and regional calls to withdraw from the area. The situation remains fluid as various factions vie for control in this strategically important region of Yemen. DZWatch continues to monitor the developments closely.
