Yemen Hadramout Conflict 2026: Saudi-Backed Forces Reclaim Strategic Port

80 dead and a fragile truce. Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces have officially reclaimed the eastern gateway of Mukalla and the broader Hadramout province. The successful operation marks a significant setback for the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC), which had seized control of the region just weeks ago.

Yemen Hadramout Conflict 2026: The Strategic Significance of Mukalla

According to Reuters, government troops completed the handover of all military sites in Hadramout and al-Mahra on January 4, 2026. Local sources told Al Jazeera that civilian life is starting to return to normal, with shops reopening and traffic flowing through the streets of Mukalla. The two provinces are vital, making up nearly half of Yemen’s territory and bordering Saudi Arabia.

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The human cost of the latest escalation has been steep. An STC official reported that at least 80 fighters were killed, while 152 were wounded and 130 taken captive as of Sunday. Rashad al-Alimi, head of the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), hailed the 'record success' of the Homeland Shield forces in clawing back all security positions.

A Proxy Tug-of-War Between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi

The crisis has intensified the spotlight on the fractured relations between Saudi Arabia and the UAE. While both are part of a decade-old coalition against the Houthis, they've backed opposing factions in southern Yemen. In a sudden shift, Abu Dhabi announced the withdrawal of its forces, while Riyadh officially called for a peace forum. STC leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi is now expected to travel to Saudi Arabia, signaling a potential move toward de-escalation.