JAKARTA – After several weeks of mounting tensions in Yemen’s eastern territories, military units supported by Saudi Arabia have begun relocating from their established positions, coinciding with the Southern Transitional Council’s territorial expansion into Hadramaut and al-Mahra provinces.

The National Shield Forces, aligned with Yemen’s recognized government, have moved away from their traditional bases in Aden, Lahj, Abyan, and al-Dhali, repositioning between al-Wadiah and al-Abr in the eastern region—strategically placing them just west of Hadramaut.

This repositioning occurs as the Southern Armed Forces, which serve as the military branch of the UAE-supported STC, maintain their presence in Hadramaut despite requests from the Presidential Leadership Council to withdraw.

Understanding Reached Between STC and Saudi Officials

According to local sources, discussions between STC representatives and Saudi military officials resulted in an agreement where control of Hadramaut would transfer to the STC-affiliated Hadrami Elite Forces, with the separatist organization pledging to pull back its direct forces.

Under this arrangement, the STC would maintain complete control over Aden and Socotra, while Saudi-backed forces would redeploy to border areas in Hadramaut and al-Mahra.

Regional Power Dynamics

The STC justified its move into Hadramaut as necessary to combat corruption, illegal trafficking, terrorism, and militant organizations. The group seeks to restore what it considers an independent Southern Yemen, which existed before the 1990 merger.

The separatist organization receives backing from the United Arab Emirates, while Saudi Arabia has traditionally supported the Hadrami tribes and the internationally recognized Presidential Leadership Council.

This divergence has created subtle friction between the two Gulf nations, manifested in critical coverage from Saudi media outlets—a notable departure from typical coordination.

The STC has been developing parallel governance structures in Aden, recently establishing the Southern Fatwa Authority to extend its influence over religious matters alongside security and administrative functions.

Original Article:

Middle East Eye. (2025, December 17). Saudi-backed forces shift positions amid STC push in Yemen. Retrieved from https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/saudi-backed-forces-shift-positions-stc-push-yemen