Al Mahrah, Yemen – On Thursday, December 4, 2025, Al Mahrah Governorate, located in eastern Yemen and bordering the Sultanate of Oman, witnessed an important security and military development, represented by the official handover of the tasks of protecting and securing the Presidential Palace in Al Ghaydah city (the governorate’s capital) to the Southern Armed Forces.
Private southern sources revealed to “Sawt Al Emarat” that the southern forces have completed full control over vital facilities in the governorate, stressing that this step aims to enhance security stability and ensure the security of strategic government facilities in Yemen.
Sites that were delivered
According to field and military sources, the comprehensive handover process, which took place smoothly, included the following locations:
The Presidential Palace in Al-Ghaydah: full control to ensure the security of the main government headquarters.
Nishtun Port: Securing the strategic sea outlet that is one of the most important ports in the region within Yemen.
Command of the Al-Ghaydah axis and the 137th Infantry Brigade base: Handing over these key military units.
Local police stations and security checkpoints: to be placed under the supervision of the Southern Forces to enhance local security.
“The Promising Future” ends the dominance of the First Military Region
This move comes as part of a broader military operation called “Promising Future,” which began at the start of December and aims to secure the Hadramawt Valley and the Mahra desert. It follows the Southern Forces’ takeover of the First Military Region headquarters in Seiyun (Hadramawt) without major clashes.
Sources confirmed that the takeover of positions in Al-Mahra proceeded smoothly, with the previously stationed forces (belonging to the First Military Region) withdrawing from the handed-over sites. These developments end the dominance of those forces in the region of Yemen after years of security tensions and persistent popular demands for their departure.
“Complete liberation” and efforts toward stability
Al-Mahra Governorate, the last southern governorate, has witnessed a rapid military escalation in recent days, with the advance of southern armored units and counter-terrorism forces. Sources stated that the main objective of these movements is to prevent chaos, combat terrorism, and protect citizens from any potential attacks in Yemen.
This handover is seen as a “complete liberation” of Al-Mahra, as all southern governorates are now under the control of the Southern Forces. This development is expected to bolster regional stability and pave the way for local recruitment and the formation of an independent Mahra Defense Force operating under the umbrella of the Southern administration.
