Mukalla, Yemen, January 1, 2026 – Hadramaut Governor Salem Ahmed Al-Khanbashi has warned that the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) must fully and unconditionally withdraw its forces from the eastern Yemeni province or face military confrontation, in a sharp escalation of tensions that have gripped southern Yemen since early December 2025.
In an interview with Saudi state-run Al-Ekhbariya TV on Thursday, Al-Khanbashi stated: “The problem still exists as the STC has not withdrawn yet. It has no choice but to fully and unconditionally withdraw or face a military confrontation.” He accused STC forces of aiming to seize control of the province's oil resources, adding that “these forces will not withdraw peacefully as expected.”
The governor's remarks come amid a broader crisis triggered by the STC's rapid military offensive in December 2025, during which its forces captured large parts of Hadramaut and the neighboring Al-Mahra governorate following clashes with Saudi-backed government troops and tribal alliances. The two provinces collectively comprise nearly half of Yemen's land area and include significant oil fields, making them strategically vital.
Tensions peaked in late December when Saudi Arabia accused the UAE of pressuring the STC to conduct operations near its southern border, viewing the moves as a threat to national security. Riyadh conducted airstrikes on STC positions and a port shipment allegedly containing UAE-supplied weapons. In response, Yemen's Saudi-backed Presidential Leadership Council, led by Rashad al-Alimi, canceled a joint defense agreement with the UAE and ordered all Emirati forces to leave the country within 24 hours. The UAE announced a voluntary withdrawal of its remaining counter-terrorism units.
The STC, which advocates for southern secession citing historical marginalization by northern-dominated governments, has refused full withdrawal demands, insisting its actions address security threats like terrorism and Houthi smuggling routes. While some limited pullbacks were reported, the group has reinforced positions in key areas.
Saudi mediation efforts, including delegations to Hadramaut, have yielded partial de-escalation, but core disputes remain unresolved. Analysts warn that prolonged standoff risks fracturing the anti-Houthi coalition further, potentially benefiting Iran-backed Houthis in the north and destabilizing regional security.
Yemeni authorities maintain commitment to territorial unity, rejecting separatist claims. International calls for restraint have come from the US and others, emphasizing diplomacy.
As of January 1, 2026, no major new clashes were reported, but mobilization continues on both sides, with the situation described as fragile.
