Three Saudi-backed forces killed, eight injured in tight ambush in Hadramout

HADRAMOUT, April 27(YPA) – At least 11 recruits from the Saudi-backed  “Dera Al-Watan” forces were killed or wounded on Sunday in a tight ambush on the road leading to the city of Al-Shihr, east of Mukalla, the capital of Hadramout province, eastern Yemen.

According to informed sources, unidentified gunmen detonated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) as a military vehicle belonging to the “12th Brigade of Dera Al-Watan” factions passed through the entrance of Al-Shihr city.

The attack resulted in the killing of three fighters and the injury of around eight others, in an initial toll.

The sources confirmed that the explosion occurred unexpectedly as the convoy was passing through, while the official party behind the attack has not yet been identified. However, some accusations have been directed at elements linked to the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC).

No group has claimed responsibility so far

This development comes amid escalating UAE–Saudi tensions in Hadramout, particularly after Saudi airstrikes reportedly targeted a vessel carrying Emirati equipment at Mukalla port, as well as clashes involving UAE-backed STC forces in the Hadramout Valley following their seizure of First Military Region bases affiliated with the Islah party in late December.

The developments signal a potential new escalation in the oil-rich province.

@E.Y.M