Saudi Arabia and UAE-Backed Forces Clash in Yemen’s Hadhramaut Amid Escalating Tensions
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, forces aligned with the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) in Yemen’s eastern Hadhramaut province were targeted by airstrikes amid escalating clashes with Saudi-supported factions. The STC, which recently seized control of Hadhramaut and Al Mahra provinces, faces counterattacks from Saudi-backed Homeland Shield forces attempting to reclaim military bases.
Local sources reported heavy fighting in Al-Hashah area of Hadhramaut Valley between Homeland Shield forces and STC elements. The Saudi-backed Yemeni government had previously announced Operation “Military Headquarters Recapture” in Hadhramaut, a strategic province bordering Saudi Arabia and Oman that recently fell under STC control.
The Saudi-led Arab Alliance confirmed targeting STC military equipment in Mukalla port on December 30, alleging unauthorized weapons transfers from UAE’s Fujairah port. Meanwhile, Yemen’s government terminated its defense agreement with the UAE, while Saudi Arabia demanded Emirati forces withdraw from Yemen and cease supporting conflict parties. Riyadh condemned UAE’s deployment of STC forces near Saudi borders as a “national security threat,” prompting Abu Dhabi to announce voluntary dissolution of its “counterterrorism” teams in Yemen.
