The STC Issues Keynote Statement on Developments in Hadramaut and Al-Mahra Governorates

The Southern Transitional Council (STC) has followed the statement issued by the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and affirms that the movement of the Southern Armed Forces came in response to calls from our people of the South to address security threats posed by terrorist groups and to cut off the supply and smuggling lines that the terrorist Houthi militias have continued to use as a lifeline over the past ten years in the Valley and Desert of Hadramaut and Al-Mahra Governorate. This action further aims to consolidate security and stability, protect state institutions, and address the serious imbalances that have adversely affected public services and the lives and livelihoods of citizens.

The STC reaffirms its openness to any coordination or arrangements based on ensuring the protection of the security, cohesiveness, and integrity of the South; guaranteeing non-recurrence of security threats; and in a manner that meets the aspirations and will of our people of the South and the shared interests with our brothers in the KSA.

While the STC has observed the unexpected aerial strikes that are of serious concern, which targeted positions of the Hadrami Elite Force (HEF)—which yesterday faced a treacherous ambush in the same area by rebels affiliated with the security-wanted 'Amr bin Habraysh'—the Council affirms that such actions serve no constructive purpose in any dialogue and will not deter the people of the South from moving forward to restore all their full rights.

Furthermore, the STC confirms the continued efforts of the Southern Armed Forces in confronting terrorism and cutting off the supply lines of the terrorist Houthi militias and securing the Valley of Hadramaut, Al-Mahra, and all governorates of the South, based on the right of the people to safeguard their areas and their homeland. In this regard, the STC reaffirms its commitment to partnership with the countries of the Arab Coalition in facing shared challenges and threats.

The STC reiterates its emphasis on continuing to fulfil the contents and commitments of the Southern popular mandate granted to President Aidarous Al-Zubaidi, and expresses its profound appreciation and pride for the support and struggle of our steadfast people of the South in the sit-in squares and fields across the geography of the Southern homeland, and for the support and backing of all ministers and ministrial leaderships, all governors and executive offices in the governorates, leaders of public institutions, political forces, civil society organizations, and our communities abroad, and affirm that our people of the South have been and will forever remain an integral part and an active partner in the security and stability of the region.

Friday, 26 December 2025