Saudi-backed troops retake Hadramawt province in Yemen after clashes with UAE-backed separatists, deepening a rift between the Gulf allies
MUKALLA: Saudi-backed forces have retaken the resource-rich Yemeni province of Hadramawt, the Yemeni presidency announced on Saturday.
The operation deepens a rift between Gulf allies Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, who support rival factions within Yemen’s fractured government.
Presidential Leadership Council head Rashad al-Alimi said National Shield forces achieved “record success” in retaking all military positions in the province bordering Saudi Arabia.
Two government officials said neighbouring Mahra province also switched its loyalty to Saudi-backed forces without resistance.
One official stated Mahra forces had “lowered the separatist flag and raised the Yemeni flag”.
The Saudi-led coalition had launched repeated warnings and air strikes over the past week against the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC).
A strike on an STC camp in Hadramawt on Friday left 20 dead, according to the separatist group.
Saudi warplanes carried out intense air strikes on another STC camp at Barshid on Saturday, resulting in fatalities.
Footage showed a strike hitting STC forces, igniting a massive fireball and sending black smoke into the sky.
Gunfire was heard in Mukalla early Saturday as residents described looting and a security breakdown.
Hani Yousef, a Mukalla resident, said he “saw retreating forces using their military vehicles to transport motorbikes and household items”.
Alimi urged strict measures to secure state institutions and protect public and private property.
Pro-Saudi forces also took control of Seiyun airport and administrative buildings earlier on Friday.
An STC military official confirmed “there has been a retreat of our forces” due to pressure from Saudi air strikes.
Saudi Arabia on Saturday called for dialogue between all southern Yemeni factions in Riyadh.
The Saudi foreign ministry called for a conference to discuss just solutions to the southern cause.
Alimi called on the STC to commit to dialogue and roll back its unilateral measures.
The STC later stated it “affirms its welcome… for this dialogue and for any dialogue addressing the cause of the people of the South”.
The UAE separately urged Yemenis to halt escalation and resolve differences through dialogue.
Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Egypt also voiced support for dialogue and Yemen’s unity.
The STC has pushed to declare an independent state, which would split Yemen in two.
On Friday, the separatists announced a two-year transitional period towards independence, including a referendum.
STC president Aidaros Alzubidi warned the group would declare independence immediately if southern Yemen was attacked again.
The Saudi-backed coalition was formed in 2015 to fight Iran-backed Houthi rebels in the north.
After a decade-long civil war, the Houthis remain in place while Saudi and Emirati-backed factions fight in the south.
