The city of Mukalla, the capital of Hadramawt Governorate, witnessed new military movements with the deployment of units from the "Homeland Shield" forces. These forces began their mission of securing a number of vital facilities and strategic installations within the city and its suburbs. This move comes as part of a comprehensive security and military plan aimed at strengthening stability in the liberated governorates and ensuring the protection of sovereign institutions.
This deployment comes in implementation of directives from the Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council, Dr. Rashad al-Alimi, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and is part of efforts to unify the military and security establishment and enhance its readiness to confront current challenges. This step is considered a significant development in the military landscape of Hadramawt Governorate, which is the largest governorate in Yemen in terms of area and the most important economically and oil-wise, making its stability a fundamental pillar of Yemeni national security.
Background on the Homeland Shield Forces and their role
It is worth noting that the Homeland Shield Forces were formed by a presidential decree from the Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council and are considered reserve forces directly subordinate to the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. They were established with the support and coordination of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to strengthen the home front and support the regular armed forces in maintaining security and stability and confronting various security threats. These forces are distinguished by their high level of training and modern equipment, enabling them to carry out specialized missions and protect national achievements.
The strategic importance of Hadhramaut Governorate
This deployment is particularly important given Hadramawt's strategic location and economic weight. The city of Mukalla houses a vital port and an international airport, in addition to key government institutions and oil company headquarters. Securing these facilities is a top priority to ensure the continued flow of services and protect public interests, especially in light of the political and military tensions in Yemen and the attempts by various parties to impose a new reality on the ground.
Strengthening regional security and stability
Observers of Yemeni affairs believe that the deployment of these forces aims to create a military and security balance that prevents the relatively stable province from being drawn into peripheral conflicts. It also reflects the desire of the Presidential Leadership Council and the Arab Coalition to consolidate state authority in the liberated areas. These forces operate in coordination with the local authority and the provincial security committee to ensure integrated security efforts and avoid overlapping jurisdictions, thereby strengthening citizens' confidence in the state's ability to assert its authority.
In conclusion, the arrival and deployment of the “Homeland Shield” units in Mukalla represents a message of reassurance to the Hadrami public, confirming the political leadership’s interest in the security file in the governorate, and the diligent pursuit of normalizing the situation and providing a safe environment for investment and development, away from military tensions that may hinder the development process in the resource-rich governorate.
