Saudi “Warning” Airstrikes on STC Positions in Hadramout amid Escalating Tribal Clashes
Saudi warplanes target Wadi Nahb following fierce clashes between STC forces and the Hadramout Tribes Alliance
NYN | Reports and Analyses
Local sources reported that Saudi warplanes carried out airstrikes early Friday, described as “warning” strikes, targeting positions belonging to the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) forces in the Wadi Nahb area of Hadramout governorate in eastern Yemen—an escalation reflecting a notable rise in on-the-ground tensions in the province.
The sources confirmed that three airstrikes hit the vicinity of STC force deployments in the Nahb area on the Hadramout plateau, following the outbreak of fierce clashes between STC forces on one side and forces of the Hadramout Tribes Alliance on the other.
Strikes Without Casualties and Political Messages
According to media outlets affiliated with the STC, the strikes were carried out by the Saudi Air Force and resulted in no deaths or injuries, reinforcing assessments that the bombing was intended to deliver a warning message rather than constitute a large-scale military operation.
Saudi Call for Withdrawal and Field Escalation
The strikes came hours after a statement by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs calling on the STC to withdraw from the governorates of Hadramout and Al-Mahra and to avoid any escalatory steps that could complicate the security and political landscape.
However, local sources indicated that the STC did not respond to the Saudi call and instead continued its military movements, launching an attack on the last strongholds of the Hadramout Tribes Alliance in the Ghayl Bin Yameen area, in addition to setting fire to protest tents belonging to the alliance.
Tribal Ambush and Casualties
In response, armed tribal groups set up an ambush for STC forces in the Al-Shihr area on Thursday evening, resulting in deaths and injuries among STC ranks. The wounded were transferred to Al-Shihr Hospital to receive treatment.
Hadramout on the Brink of a Dangerous Phase
These developments signal that Hadramout governorate is entering a new phase of tension and instability, amid escalating field confrontations and growing fears of an expansion of the conflict between local forces backed by competing regional actors—threatening security and social peace in one of Yemen’s most important governorates.
