Hadhramaut: The Homeland Shield secures the province and fills the void left by the Transitional Council's withdrawal
In a remarkable development in the military and political scene in southern Yemen, the Deputy Governor of Hadramawt confirmed in exclusive statements to Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that the “Homeland Shield” forces are continuing their advance and deliberate deployment to secure the governorate, noting that this move comes as an urgent necessity to fill the security vacuum left by the rapid and sudden withdrawal of the Southern Transitional Council forces from some vital locations.
Details of field operations
The government official explained that the new security arrangements primarily aim to enhance stability in Hadramawt, which is the largest and most strategically important governorate in Yemen. He noted that the "Homeland Shield" forces are working in full coordination with the local authorities and the state's higher command to ensure that any security gaps arising from the redeployment of other forces are not exploited, emphasizing that protecting citizens and vital projects is a top priority.
General context: Who are the "Homeland Shield" forces?
To understand the implications of this news, it's important to note that the "Homeland Shield" forces were formed by a decree from the Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council, Dr. Rashad al-Alimi, in early 2023. These forces serve as a strategic reserve force directly under the command of the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. Their formation, supported by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, was part of efforts to unify the Yemeni military establishment and establish security in the liberated governorates. They were intended to act as a safeguard, preventing any single faction from monopolizing military decision-making, thereby strengthening the authority of the state and its legitimate institutions.
The strategic importance of Hadhramaut Governorate
These moves are of paramount importance due to Hadramawt's geopolitical and economic significance. It holds Yemen's largest oil reserves, boasts a long coastline on the Arabian Sea, and shares extensive land borders with Saudi Arabia. The province has long been a focal point of political and military tensions between the legitimate government and the Southern Transitional Council, with each side vying to consolidate its influence. The deployment of the "Homeland Shield" forces underscores the Presidential Leadership Council's desire to insulate the province from internal conflicts and establish it as a model of stability.
Expected impact and risks of a security vacuum
The deputy governor's remarks about a "security vacuum" carry serious implications, as any absence of state authority in these vast areas could pave the way for the resurgence of terrorist organizations like al-Qaeda, which previously exploited unrest to seize control of cities along the Hadramawt coast. Therefore, the advance of the "Homeland Shield" forces is viewed not merely as a routine military operation, but as a preemptive step to thwart any forces seeking to undermine the security of Yemen and the region, and to ensure the continued flow of services and protect the economic interests upon which the national economy depends.
