Aden, Yemen – Tensions have returned to the forefront of the Yemeni scene after airstrikes launched by the Saudi Air Force on Friday morning
against sites belonging to the Southern Transitional Council in Hadramawt Governorate.
This development has raised widespread questions about the future of security arrangements
in the southern provinces, and the limits of managing the dispute within the Arab coalition camp.
The Southern Transitional Council issued an official statement on Friday,
asserting that these airstrikes will not deter southerners from moving forward towards restoring their “full rights”.
He argued that airstrikes do not serve the paths of understanding and do not achieve the desired stability.
At the same time, the council expressed its openness to any coordination
or security arrangements based on protecting the security and safety of the South.
The return of threats, taking into account the aspirations of the people of the South
and the common interests with neighboring countries.
Consolidating security and stability
The statement said: The move by the Southern Armed Forces came in response to calls
from our southern people to confront the security threats represented by terrorist groups.
Cutting off the supply lines and smuggling routes that the Houthi terrorist militias have been using as a lifeline
For the past ten years in the valley and desert of Hadhramaut and Al Mahrah Governorate,
This is in order to consolidate security and stability, protect state institutions,
and address serious imbalances.
Which affected public services, citizens’ lives, and their livelihood security.
He added that the Southern Transitional Council reaffirms its commitment to continuing to fulfill the contents
and obligations of the popular southern mandate given to President Commander Aidarous Al-Zubaidi.
Aden Independent Channel reported that the raids targeted positions of the Hadrami Elite Forces in Wadi Nahab.
She noted that the escalation came after ambushes and armed attacks
against members of the council in eastern Hadramawt.
According to multiple sources, this resulted in deaths and injuries among their ranks.
Hadhramaut faces a new test
In contrast, tribal and political sources in Hadramawt viewed the airstrikes as having a warning character.
It aims to push for a redeployment of forces and prevent any unilateral steps
that could deepen the division within the province.
Which remained relatively far removed from the circles of direct conflict for a long time.
Amid calls for de-escalation and adherence to options of coordination
and dialogue, Hadhramaut appears to be facing a new test.
This comes amid a growing recognition that stability in the south
is a fundamental pillar of any comprehensive political settlement in Yemen.
It remains dependent on managing the disputes within the same camp
without slipping into open clashes that could further complicate the situation.
