Aden (South24)

On Saturday, the Forum of The Tribes of Hadramout’s Desert and Wadi criticized a recent meeting held between the local authority and a Saudi delegation in Mukalla, describing it as an act of “marginalizing the Hadrami spectrum” and an inadequate representation the region’s true social weight.

The council stated that claims portraying the meeting as representative of the people of Hadramout were “incorrect,” noting that crowds in Seiyun had already authorized Southern forces to “liberate the Wadi” from “terrorist elements” affiliated with the First Military Region. It reiterated its call for Southern forces to remain deployed in the Wadi until security responsibilities are handed over to the Hadrami Elite Forces. The Confederacy urged both the Saudi committee and the local authority to reassess their approach and engage with representatives who reflect the region’s actual influence.

These statements come as the Governor of Hadramout, Salem Al-Khanbashi, along with the Saudi delegation led by Major General Mohammed Obaid Al-Qahtani, held extensive meetings in Mukalla with community leaders, dignitaries, and various political, security, and military representatives.

The head of the Saudi delegation affirmed that the Kingdom opposes any military operations in the governorate. He emphasized continued cooperation with local authorities and all parties to “prevent tensions and ensure the provision of services,” urging for “forces coming from outside Hadramout” to return to their camps and hand over positions to the Nation Shield Forces.

In Seiyun, Ali Al-Kathiri, head of the Southern Transitional Council’s National Assembly, held a series of meetings with Hadramout Figures, including sheikhs from the Al-Awamer tribe. He reaffirmed that the “liberation of the Wadi Hadramout” was a strategic goal achieved through the sacrifices of Southern forces and the determination of local residents. Al-Kathiri also warned of “sleeper cells” that he said still pose a threat to the Wadi’s security, urging citizens to report suspicious activity.

Similarly, Akram Al-Amiri, Secretary-General of the Inclusive Hadramout Conference, called during a meeting in Mukalla for strengthening a “climate of political and social coexistence” and unifying efforts to preserve stability in the governorate.

On December 3, Southern Armed Forces announced full control over the Hadramout Wadi, which had previously been held by the First Military Region, loyal to the Yemeni Islah Party. The decisive advance was part of a military operation the Southern forces named “Promising Future.