Armed confrontation looms in Hadramout as STC rejects withdrawal demand

HADRAMOUT, Jan. 01 (YPA) -The Al-Khasha’a area in Hadramout province  is witnessing a serious military escalation and unprecedented tension following the failure of ongoing negotiations between the Saudi-backed “Dera Al-Watan” forces and the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC), placing the region on the brink of armed confrontation.

Field sources reported that the “Dera Al-Watan” forces issued a final warning to STC forces to vacate their positions, including a threat of using airstrikes to enforce withdrawal.

In response, STC forces rejected the demand, continuing to fortify their positions and strengthen defenses in the area.

Despite reports of partial withdrawals from some positions in the Ghayl Bin Yamin district, field reports confirm that the STC is continuing to reinforce its military presence across the Hadramout Valley, sending additional troops to consolidate its control on the ground.

In a political response, STC spokesperson Anwar Al-Tamimi described circulating reports about the situation in Hadramout and Mahra as a “campaign of misinformation and rumors” intended to destabilize the region. He stressed the STC’s commitment to supporting southern forces and safeguarding the area, while urging communities to resist divisive narratives.

This escalation comes amid complex political and military dynamics in Hadhramaut, as rival forces compete intensely for control over strategic areas and oil concession zones in the province.

@E.Y.M