Yemeni governor launches operation to secure military sites in Hadramaut

The governor of Yemen's eastern Hadramaut province has announced the launch of a military operation aimed at securing control of military installations within the strategically vital region. Governor Salem Al-Khanbashi, whose administration is part of Yemen's internationally recognized government, stated on Friday that the operation, named "Taking Over the Camps," seeks the peaceful and orderly handover of these sites to government authority.

A 'Preventive Measure' Against Chaos

In a statement carried by the Yemeni state news agency SABA, Al-Khanbashi framed the move as a defensive and preventive action. He emphasized that the operation "does not target any political or social component, does not target civilians, and does not affect the lives or interests of citizens in any way." Instead, he described it as a necessary step to "neutralize weapons" and prevent military camps from being exploited by actors seeking to create chaos or threaten local security.

Rejecting Claims of Escalation Amid Rising Tensions

The governor explicitly rejected characterizations of the operation as an escalation or a declaration of war. "This operation does not target any political or social component, does not target civilians, and does not affect the lives or interests of citizens in any way," he reiterated. He argued the action is designed to shield Hadramaut from "dangerous scenarios that serve only chaos and the enemies of the state," positioning it as a stabilizing measure within the governorate.

Context of a Broader Power Struggle in Southern Yemen

The announcement comes amid a severe crisis in southern Yemen. Last month, forces loyal to the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) seized control of Hadramaut and neighboring Al-Mahra province, which together constitute nearly half of Yemen's territory. The STC's actions prompted a furious response from Saudi Arabia, which backs the central government, and led to the cancellation of Yemen's defense pact with the UAE. Governor Al-Khanbashi's operation appears to be a direct attempt by the internationally recognized government to reassert its authority in the east, challenging the STC's hold and marking a significant new phase in the internal conflict within the anti-Houthi coalition.