The Saudi-backed governor of Yemen’s Hadramout province, Salem Ahmed Saeed al-Khunbashi, announced on Friday a “peaceful operation” to regain control of military positions currently held by the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC). Authorities emphasized that the operation is not a declaration of war, but a step to restore security and order in the eastern province.
This development comes amid rising tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, who have backed opposing sides in Yemen since December. The rift has deepened following the STC’s seizure of southern territories from the internationally recognized Yemeni government last month, a move Saudi Arabia viewed as a direct challenge to its influence.
The Yemeni government has also appointed Governor al-Khunbashi to take overall command of the “Homeland Shield” forces in Hadramout, giving him full military, security, and administrative authority. Officials described the operation as targeted exclusively at military sites, reiterating that it does not signal a broader conflict.
Meanwhile, the UAE announced it would withdraw its remaining forces from Yemen after Saudi Arabia pushed for their departure within 24 hours. This exchange represents one of the most public and severe disagreements between the Gulf powers in recent history.
Aden Airport Shutdown Adds to Tensions
Tensions escalated further when Aden International Airport was forced to halt flights. Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Yemen, Mohammed Al-Jaber, blamed STC leader Aidarus Al-Zubaidi for denying landing permission to a Saudi delegation attempting to reach Aden. “For several weeks and until yesterday, the Kingdom sought to make all efforts with the Southern Transitional Council to end the escalation … but it faced continuous rejection and stubbornness from Aidarus Al-Zubaidi,” the ambassador said on X.
The STC-controlled Transport Ministry countered the accusations, claiming that Saudi Arabia imposed an air blockade, requiring all flights to route through Riyadh for additional checks. Aden airport remains the primary gateway for regions of Yemen outside Houthi control, making the dispute a critical logistical and political flashpoint.
As Yemen continues to navigate internal divisions, Hadramout’s move reflects both a strategic assertion of authority and an attempt to prevent further destabilization in the east, amid ongoing Gulf power rivalries. The coming weeks may determine whether dialogue or confrontation will define the province’s path forward.
