Yemen02 January, 20261 min read
Saudi Warplanes Strike UAE-Backed Separatists in Hadramout, Kill Seven
Saudi warplanes struck UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council positions in Hadramawt province. Airstrikes killed seven and wounded more than 20 fighters at an Al-Khasah STC camp.
16 outlets told this the same way.
Saudi strikes on STC
Saudi-led warplanes struck positions held by the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) in Hadramout province. STC officials reported that the strikes hit camps including Al-Khasah and killed seven people while wounding more than 20. The operation followed a broader STC advance into Hadramout and neighboring Al Mahra that had alarmed Riyadh and prompted a government operation to retake seized sites.
“A Saudi-led coalition struck an alleged Emirati weapons shipment on Tuesday, after which the UAE said it would pull its remaining troops from Yemen.”
STC offensive and response
The strikes follow a recent STC offensive that seized large parts of southern Yemen. That offensive included Hadramout and Al Mahra and prompted a Saudi-backed response described by Riyadh and its local allies as a campaign to retake military sites and remove weapons.
Saudi-appointed Hadramout governor Salem al-Khanbashi announced a 'peaceful' operation to reclaim positions and was named to lead new National Shield/Homeland Shield forces. Pro-government units advanced on camps the STC had taken.
Casualty report discrepancies
Casualty figures and details about the strikes vary across reports. STC and local separatist sources repeatedly cited seven dead and dozens wounded at the Al-Khasah camp. Multiple outlets note that independent verification is limited; AP explicitly says some claims could not be independently verified, while other outlets repeat the STC figures as reported.
“STC spokesperson Mohamed al‑Nakib alleged fatalities and accused Saudi forces of using ‘Muslim Brotherhood and al‑Qaida militias,’ claims the AP could not independently verify.”
UAE withdrawal from Yemen
Abu Dhabi announced an end to its counter-terrorism mission in Yemen. The UAE framed the move as a voluntary withdrawal after a review cited new risks to the safety and effectiveness of its forces. Saudi and government-aligned sources say the pullback occurred amid pressure and diplomatic rifts following the strikes and allegations about weapons shipments.
Regional fallout in southern Yemen
Analysts and regional reports warn the escalation deepens a Saudi–UAE rift and undermines the anti‑Houthi coalition. Outlets note the STC's advance risks reviving calls for southern independence.
“The STC’s advance — which risks reviving calls for South Yemeni independence and has weakened fragile peace talks with the Houthis — has also prompted clashes.”
The split weakens coordination against the Iran-aligned Houthis. Commentators see broader strategic implications for control of southern ports and oil-rich provinces.
