Governor of Hadramawt: Homeland Shield Forces control Seiyun and secure the valley
In a significant development for the military and security situation in Yemen's largest province, Hadramawt Governor Mabkhout bin Madhi announced that the "Homeland Shield" forces have taken control of Seiyun, the center of the Hadramawt Valley and Desert. This announcement marks a decisive step towards ending the military tensions that have plagued the region in recent times and ushering in a new phase of security arrangements overseen by the Presidential Leadership Council.
Context of the formation of the Homeland Shield Forces and their strategic role
The Homeland Shield Forces are the newest regular military formation established by a decree from the Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council, Dr. Rashad al-Alimi, with direct support from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These forces were formed as a strategic reserve force aimed at strengthening security and stability and unifying military efforts to confront security challenges, free from narrow partisan loyalties. They have received high-level training and advanced equipment to enable them to handle sensitive security matters in the liberated areas.
Background of the tension in Wadi Hadramawt
To understand the significance of this announcement, one must consider the historical and political background of Wadi Hadramawt. For many years, the districts of the valley and the desert region remained under the control of the First Military Region forces, a situation that provoked resentment among many local and political groups who repeatedly demanded that the people of the governorate be empowered to manage their own security and military affairs. The cities of the valley, most notably Seiyun, witnessed popular protests and persistent demands for the restructuring of the military forces and the withdrawal of non-local forces, in accordance with the provisions of the Riyadh Agreement, which stipulated the arrangement of the military and security apparatus in the southern governorates.
The strategic importance of the city of Seiyun
The city of Sayun holds paramount strategic importance, not only as the capital of the valley, but also because it houses Sayun International Airport, a vital lifeline for Yemenis given the closure of most other airports. Its geographical location also makes it a transportation hub connecting the coast, the valley, and neighboring governorates, extending to the international border. Therefore, the takeover of the city by the "Homeland Shield" forces ensures the security of these vital facilities and guarantees their continued operation, free from any peripheral conflicts.
Expected impacts locally and regionally
The deployment of the "Homeland Shield" forces in Seiyun is expected to reduce tensions between various political factions, particularly between the Southern Transitional Council and forces affiliated with other parties. This move also strengthens the authority of the state and the Presidential Leadership Council, and establishes a more stable security model that can be replicated in other areas. Observers believe this step reflects the seriousness of the Arab Coalition and the Leadership Council in addressing security imbalances and unifying ranks to confront common threats, which heralds a period of relative stability that could positively impact services and development in the oil-rich governorate.
