Yemen Monitor / Newsroom:
The Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen has announced the completion of the deployment of Royal Saudi Naval Force units in the Arabian Sea. This mission aims to conduct inspections and counter-smuggling operations amidst rapid security developments in the country’s eastern provinces.
Coalition spokesperson, Turki al-Maliki, explained that the Saudi naval forces have finalized their field deployment in the Arabian Sea to carry out operational duties, though he did not disclose additional details regarding the duration or scope of these operations.
This deployment comes as the Wadi and Sahara regions of Hadramawt—specifically the Al-Khash’a area—witness armed clashes between the “Nation’s Shield” (Dir’ al-Watan) forces, affiliated with the Yemeni government, and the Southern Transitional Council (STC) forces. These clashes coincide with the handover process of military sites previously under STC control.
According to sources, the confrontations erupted following military movements aimed at removing STC forces from positions they had occupied since last December. Field sources also reported that airstrikes targeted STC positions during the fighting.
The Governor of Hadramawt, Salem al-Khanbashi, had previously announced the start of a security operation to take over military sites in the province. He emphasized that the goal is to neutralize weapons and prevent the situation from sliding into chaos or further escalation.
These developments coincided with official statements confirming the withdrawal of STC units from some locations. Conversely, the Council announced the repositioning of its forces in Hadramawt and Al-Mahra in coordination with the Nation’s Shield forces, which were formed by a decree from the Head of the Presidential Leadership Council.
