Hadhramaut: Coalition fighter jets struck forces loyal to Yemen's Southern Transitional Council (STC) in the Hadhramaut province after they allegedly set up ambushes targeting Yemeni government troops during the handover of military positions, according to Yemen's Information Ministry undersecretary.
According to Anadolu Agency, Mohammed Qizan told Al Jazeera that coalition fighter jets are targeting STC forces accused of setting up ambushes in the province. These ambushes were reportedly along the route of Yemeni government forces as they were taking over military positions in Hadhramaut.
Hadhramaut Governor Salem al-Khanbashi stated that the airstrikes were directed at forces attacking the Nation's Shield Forces as they advanced to assume control of military positions. He emphasized that the ambushes on these units prompted the airstrikes and urged local residents not to interfere with the military operations or set up ambushes during troop deployments.
Mukhtar al-Rahbi, an adviser to Yemen's information minister, noted that the strikes targeted heavy weapons brought by STC forces into Seiyun Airport after it was converted into a military base. Rahbi shared a video on the social media platform X showing the bombardment but did not provide further details.
Aden Al-Mustaqbal TV, associated with the STC, reported that Seiyun Airport experienced three airstrikes carried out by Saudi aircraft. There has been no immediate response from Riyadh or the Saudi-led coalition regarding the airstrikes.
Tensions escalated earlier when clashes erupted between the Nation's Shield Forces and STC units in the Al-Khashaa area, north of Hadhramaut. This region is Yemen's largest oil-producing province, constituting approximately one-third of the country's territory.
The conflict in Yemen has intensified since Tuesday after STC forces seized control of Hadhramaut and Al-Mahra in early December. These provinces account for nearly half of Yemen's territory and share borders with Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia has accused the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of encouraging STC forces to engage in military operations along the kingdom's southern border, an allegation denied by Abu Dhabi.
The STC argues that successive Yemeni governments have marginalized southern regions politically and economically, advocating for secession. In contrast, Yemeni authorities reject these claims and reaffirm their commitment to the country's unity.