Web Desk (MNN); Yemen’s Saudi-backed government on Friday launched a military operation to reclaim positions from southern separatists, announcing that it had regained control of one of the largest military camps in Hadramout province, marking a fresh escalation in the conflict.
Hadramout Governor Salem Ahmed Saeed al-Khunbashi said in a statement that government forces had taken over the al-Khasha’a military camp, describing it as the most important and largest base in the province. Earlier, the governor had termed the operation a “peaceful” move aimed at restoring order.
However, a senior official of the Southern Transitional Council said the operation was not peaceful, contradicting the government’s claim.
The Yemeni government also announced that it had placed the Hadramout governor in overall command of the “Homeland Shield” forces in the eastern province, granting him full military, security and administrative powers to ensure stability.
Addressing the nation on state television, Governor Khunbashi said the move was not a declaration of war but an effort to prevent military camps from being used to threaten security and to stop Hadramout from descending into chaos.
The oil-rich Hadramout province borders Saudi Arabia and holds cultural and historical importance for the kingdom, as many prominent Saudis trace their origins to the region.
Meanwhile, STC spokesperson Mohammed al-Naqeeb said its forces were on high alert across the region and warned of a strong response. The STC also claimed that three airstrikes had targeted the al-Khasha’a camp.
According to three Yemeni sources, armoured vehicles belonging to government forces were seen moving towards the camp, which can accommodate thousands of troops and had been taken over by the STC in December.
The STC had seized large areas of southern Yemen last month from the internationally recognised government, a move viewed by authorities as a serious threat.
Separately, the UAE announced last week that it would withdraw its remaining forces from Yemen after Saudi Arabia supported a call for their departure within 24 hours.
Aden Airport Closure
Tensions further escalated as flights at Aden International Airport remained suspended on Friday. Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Yemen accused STC leader Aidarus al-Zubaidi of refusing permission for a plane carrying a Saudi delegation to land in Aden.
Saudi Ambassador Mohammed al-Jaber said the Kingdom had made repeated efforts to de-escalate the situation through dialogue with the STC but faced persistent rejection. He claimed that al-Zubaidi ordered the closure of air traffic at Aden airport on Thursday, preventing a Saudi delegation seeking to mediate the crisis from landing.
Aden International Airport serves as the main entry point to areas of Yemen outside Houthi control.
