Yemeni Army & Southern Separatists Clash in Hadramout Amidst 'Promising Future' Operation; Saudi Peace Efforts Ongoing

Intense Clashes Erupt Between Yemeni Army and Southern Separatists in Hadramout

Recent reports indicate a surge in hostilities in Yemen's Hadramout governorate, where forces aligned with the internationally recognized Yemeni army have engaged in armed confrontations with the Southern Transitional Council (STC). The clashes reportedly intensified as the separatist STC group attempted to advance on the strategically vital al-Ghuraf area, located within the oil-rich region.

STC Advances and 'Promising Future' Operation

Eyewitness accounts and videos shared by local activists on Wednesday depicted STC forces storming the presidential palace in Seiyun, a significant city in southern Yemen, following earlier skirmishes with army personnel. Sources further detailed that STC units, initially positioned in the Jathma area of the Seiyun plateau, subsequently bombarded the Yemeni army's headquarters situated in the city center. Local media outlets have highlighted extensive military operations unfolding across Wadi Hadramout since Wednesday morning, characterized by sustained artillery fire.

The STC, a formidable separatist entity, has historically advocated for the secession of Yemen's southern territories and currently maintains control over various southern areas, including the crucial port city of Aden. On Wednesday, the group announced a new offensive dubbed "Promising Future" operation. This initiative, according to the STC, was launched after "exhausting all options proposed in recent years to restore stability to the valley, end the state of security breakdown, and halt the exploitation of the region by forces alien to the valley [of Hadramout] and the governorate."

Saudi Mediation Efforts Amidst Broader Yemeni Conflict

Amidst these renewed clashes, a Saudi delegation has been actively involved in mediating a resolution to the Hadramout conflict. Reports suggest that these negotiations have yielded a preliminary settlement between the rival factions, offering a glimmer of hope for de-escalation.

Yemen has been embroiled in a protracted civil war and external interventions for decades. The Houthi movement, backed by Iran, exerts control over substantial portions of Yemen's densely populated northwest, including the capital, Sanaa. While their conflict with the Yemeni government and other factions remains largely stalemated internally, the Houthis have garnered international attention through their attacks on Israeli targets and Red Sea shipping since October 2023. These actions are framed as solidarity with Palestinians amidst the conflict in Gaza. In response, the United States and Israel have conducted retaliatory strikes in Sanaa, targeting dozens of civilians and political figures to counter Houthi aggression. The Houthis operate their own de facto government from Sanaa.