The coalition responds to Yemen's request to protect civilians in Hadramawt
The Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen announced its immediate response to the official request from the legitimate Yemeni government, which stipulated the necessity of intervention to protect civilians in Hadramawt Governorate from any potential security threats. This step reaffirms the Arab Coalition's continued commitment to supporting the Yemeni people and protecting their resources in the face of the security and military challenges imposed by the current circumstances.
Context of events and the historical role of the alliance
Since the launch of the Arab Coalition operations in Yemen in 2015, the primary objective has been to restore legitimacy and protect the Yemeni state from collapse following the Houthi militia coup. The Hadramawt Governorate holds particular importance in this conflict, not only due to its vast geographical area, comprising approximately one-third of Yemen's total landmass, but also because of its strategic location and economic resources. Hadramawt has long been a target of various ambitions, whether from the Houthi militias seeking to destabilize liberated areas, or from terrorist organizations exploiting the security vacuum.
The current response is an extension of a series of operations and efforts undertaken by the coalition to empower Yemeni forces and secure the eastern governorates, where the coalition has previously provided significant logistical and military support to the Hadrami Elite Forces and security agencies to ensure the stability of the region and combat terrorism.
Strategic importance and impact of the decision
Protecting civilians in Hadramawt is a fundamental pillar of Yemeni and regional national security, for several reasons:
- Economic importance: Hadhramaut is considered the oil and water reservoir of Yemen, and any threat to it affects the economic nerve of the state and hinders the government’s efforts to provide basic services to citizens.
- Safe Haven: The cities of Hadramawt, especially Mukalla and Seiyun, have become a safe haven for thousands of displaced people fleeing conflict zones in the north, making the protection of these areas an urgent humanitarian duty to avoid a new displacement catastrophe.
- Regional security: The stability of Hadramawt has a positive impact on the security of neighboring countries and maritime navigation in the Arabian Sea, where hostile forces seek to use the Yemeni coast to threaten international waterways.
Compliance with international humanitarian law
Sources confirmed that coalition operations in this context will be conducted in accordance with the highest standards of international humanitarian law, with a focus on mitigating risks to civilian infrastructure. This response is intended to reassure the Yemeni public that the coalition will continue its mission until the state is restored and comprehensive security and stability are achieved throughout Yemen.
