The coalition warns against military escalation in Hadramawt and supports the legitimate government
The official spokesperson for the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen, Major General Turki al-Maliki, announced a firm and decisive stance regarding the recent developments in Hadramawt Governorate. He affirmed that the Coalition will deal directly and immediately with any military movements that violate the de-escalation and ceasefire agreement. This statement came in response to an urgent official request submitted by His Excellency Dr. Rashad al-Alimi, President of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, to take necessary measures to protect civilians in the governorate, following reports of human rights violations committed by armed elements affiliated with the Southern Transitional Council.
Major General Al-Maliki explained that the primary objective of these measures is to ensure the safety and security of Yemeni citizens, enable local authorities to carry out their duties without hindrance, and hand over the camps to the "Homeland Shield" forces, which were formed by presidential decree to bolster the capabilities of the Yemeni army. He emphasized that Saudi and Emirati efforts are continuing diligently to unify ranks and end peripheral tensions, warning that any attempt to obstruct these efforts will be met with a decisive response.
General context and importance of Hadhramaut Governorate
Hadhramaut Governorate holds immense strategic and geopolitical importance in Yemen. It is the largest governorate in Yemen by area, boasts a long coastline, and possesses significant oil and mineral resources. While the governorate has long been a focal point of political and military rivalries, maintaining its stability is a cornerstone of Yemeni and regional national security. The coalition's intervention at this juncture aims to thwart any attempts to drag liberated areas into peripheral conflicts that would drain state resources and divert efforts to restore the state and end the Houthi coup.
Background of the Riyadh Agreement and efforts to unify ranks
These developments come within the context of ongoing efforts to implement the outcomes of the Riyadh Agreement and the Yemeni-Yemeni consultations sponsored by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, which led to the formation of the Presidential Leadership Council in April 2022 with the aim of unifying all anti-Houthi forces under the umbrella of legitimacy. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, through their leading role in the coalition, are working to integrate military and security formations under the Ministries of Defense and Interior to ensure unified military command.
Expected impact and future stability
The firm stance taken by the coalition against unauthorized military movements in Hadramawt sends a clear message to all parties about the necessity of adhering to the agreed-upon political and military framework. This position is expected to contribute to strengthening state authority in the eastern governorates and creating a conducive environment for the legitimate government to provide services to citizens. Furthermore, empowering the "Homeland Shield" forces reflects a strategic direction toward building a national military institution capable of protecting gains and securing vital areas, thereby enhancing the prospects for peace and stability throughout Yemen and the region.
