Hadramout – Several areas of Hadramout governorate have witnessed rapidly escalating security developments since yesterday, amid clashes and armed attacks targeting forces affiliated with the Southern Transitional Council (STC) while carrying out security duties in the governorate.

According to military sources, armed groups suspected of links to smuggling networks, along with elements connected to the Houthi group and Al-Qaeda, carried out coordinated ambushes against STC forces, leading to confrontations in more than one location.

The same sources stated that the forces managed to secure and take full control of an unauthorized recruitment camp in the Nahb area of Ghayl Bin Yamin district, believed to have been used for training and recruitment by armed groups operating outside state institutions. Security deployment in the area was subsequently reinforced to stabilize the situation and prevent any resumption of illegal armed activity.

In a related incident, a convoy belonging to STC forces came under armed attack last night in the Khard area near the city of Ash Shihr, resulting in the killing of two soldiers and the injury of twelve others. Preliminary information indicated that the attackers fled toward rugged mountainous terrain, while pursuit operations remain ongoing.

Military sources also reported that aircraft belonging to the Arab Coalition conducted airstrikes this morning targeting positions of STC forces on two separate occasions, including a strike on the Nahb camp hours after it had been secured. No official clarification has yet been issued regarding the circumstances or objectives of these strikes.

These developments come at a time when Hadramout is experiencing heightened security tensions, amid warnings that any further escalation could negatively affect counterterrorism efforts and the fight against smuggling networks, and undermine the relative stability seen in parts of the governorate.

Military sources affirmed that the forces continue to carry out their security duties, stressing the importance of coordination and avoiding steps that could further complicate the field situation or expand the scope of confrontation.