Government soldiers ride on the back of a pick-up truck in the Arabian Sea port city of Mukalla, as the internationally recognized government said it had retaken control of the key eastern port and capital of Hadramout province, from the southern separatists, Yemen, January 4, 2026. (Reuters)
Yemen’s internationally recognized government announces retaking of Hadramout
Yemen’s internationally recognized government announced on Sunday that it had regained control of the governorate of Hadramout.
Shortly after its recapture, Hadramout Governor Salem al-Khanbashi announced the resumption of his duties administering the province from the city of Seiyun.
The head of Yemen’s internationally recognized government, Rashad al-Alimi, ordered strict measures to secure public and private property in Hadramout following its recapture by government forces.
For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
Al-Alimi, who is the head of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Saudi-led coalition to de-escalate tensions and restore security.
He also thanked Saudi Arabia for agreeing to sponsor a comprehensive dialogue on the southern issue.
Earlier on Sunday, al-Khanbashi said Yemen’s Homeland Shield forces entered Mukalla, the capital of the Hadramout governorate, al-Rayyan airport and other coastal areas.
Al-Khanbashi added that Homeland Shield forces dealt with and eliminated resistance pockets in the al-Rayyan airport axis.
He had earlier on Sunday called on Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council (STC) to leave al-Rayyan airport in Mukalla.
On Friday, al-Khanbashi announced that Homeland Shield forces have launched a military operation dubbed “Taking Over the Camps” in Hadramout, aimed at assuming control of military sites “peacefully and in an organized manner.”
Al-Alimi had issued a decree appointing al-Khanbashi to command the Homeland Shield forces in Hadramout, granting him full military and security authority in the governorate.
Sources told Al Arabiya that the Homeland Shield forces have completed securing the cities of Wadi Hadramout, including Seiyun and its vital facilities, and have moved to pursue and eliminate the remaining pockets of forces loyal to the Transitional Council in the Hadramout Plateau area and along the road linking Seiyun and Mukalla.
The forces had also forced STC leaders Mohammed al-Zubaidi and Ali Al-Kathiri to surrender.
Separately, the Homeland Shield forces said on Sunday that STC forces in al-Mahra began to give up their weapons and that a safe exit to Aden has been secured for them.
Read more:
STC VP welcomes Saudi initiative to hold dialogue conference for southern factions
Riyadh conference a political opportunity to correct the course: Yemen’s foreign minister
Saudi defense minister meets Yemen Presidential Council official
Editor's Choice
-
Pezeshkian post confirms accuracy of Al Arabiya English’s US-Iran deal scoop Middle East 1 Week ago -
US-led effort to boost Lebanon’s army emerges as key pillar of Hezbollah disarmament Middle East 04 June ,2026 -
US, Iran send mixed signals on potential deal after latest attacks Middle East 28 May ,2026 -
Al Arabiya obtains final draft of preliminary US-Iran memorandum of understanding Middle East 25 May ,2026