Yemen03 January, 20262 min read
National Shield Forces Seize 37th Brigade Camp, Advance Toward Strategic Seiyun
This article is an automated aggregation of coverage from news outlets. Our editorials offer in-depth analysis curated by the NewsCord team.
Pro-government National Shield forces captured the 37th Brigade camp in al-Khasha. Forces advanced toward Seiyun, seizing the airport and administrative buildings.
9 outlets told this the same way.
Hadhramaut conflict update
National Shield forces seized the 37th Armored Brigade camp at al-Khasha and pushed into surrounding areas. They reportedly advanced toward the strategic city of Seiyun in Hadhramaut after de-escalation efforts failed. Saudi-led coalition airstrikes struck Mukalla airport and Al-Khasha, triggering clashes across the province.
“National Shield forces seized the 37th Armored Brigade camp in al-Khasha, pushed into al-Qatn and were reported moving toward the strategic city of Seiyun in Hadhramawt, after de-escalation efforts and requests for withdrawal of Southern Transitional Council (STC) forces failed, an official said.”
Local officials described withdrawals by STC units that left security vacuums and said some positions were hit by airstrikes, prompting STC forces to flee. Hospitals in Seiyun received wounded and reported at least one fatality from the fighting. Pro-Saudi commanders framed the operation as an effort to retake key military sites, while coalition sources said air campaigns targeted alleged shipments and STC positions.
Casualties and security reports
Casualty figures and immediate human effects differ between sources. Separatists and the STC reported roughly 20 killed at Al-Khasha. Footage and reports showed explosions and gunfire in Mukalla.
Local hospital tallies in Seiyun cited eight wounded and one fatality. Reporting outlets often attribute the higher tolls to STC statements or footage rather than independent verification. Residents described looting and a breakdown in security as pro‑Saudi forces advanced.
STC, Saudi and UAE tensions
The clashes reflect deepening political friction. The STC declared a two-year 'transitional period' toward independence and plans a referendum. Saudi officials urged de-escalation and called for a Riyadh conference of southern factions.
“The STC announced a two-year ‘transitional period’ toward independence with plans for dialogue and a referendum, widening the rift; Saudi diplomats blamed STC leader Aidrous al-Zubaidi for rejecting de-escalation, and analysts warn the infighting could plunge Yemen’s civil war into a new chaotic phase.”
Riyadh and Abu Dhabi have publicly traded accusations over support and arms. The UAE announced the return of its remaining forces, saying counter-terrorism missions had concluded.
Saudi sources warned the campaign would continue until STC withdrawals. These developments underscore the regional and intra-coalition dimensions of the fighting.
Hadhramaut operations near Mukalla
Local Hadhramaut commanders, tribal forces and Hadhrami units are reported preparing to move toward Mukalla to reinforce Hadhrami Elite Forces and secure coastal areas after taking Ghayl bin Yamin camp. The Second Military Region said it will continue to hold responsibility for camps and military sites under its command.
Pro-Saudi leaders described the operations as non-declarative and 'peaceful' seizures of military sites. Residents, however, reported looting and the use of military vehicles to move civilian goods during retreats.
Yemen conflict escalation
Analysts and regional observers warn the fighting could mark a new, dangerous phase of Yemen’s war. Al Jazeera quoted Yemen analyst Hisham Al-Omeisy calling the violence 'a proxy war within a proxy war' and predicting prolonged, bloody clashes with regional fallout. Kurdistan24 and The Defense Post cite analysts who say the infighting risks plunging Yemen into a chaotic new phase amid widening Saudi-UAE fractures.
“Yemen analyst Hisham Al‑Omeisy warned that recent fighting in southern Yemen could trigger a dangerous new phase of the war, predicting prolonged, bloody clashes and calling the violence 'a proxy war within a proxy war' with possible regional fallout.”