Fighters supporting Yemen’s internationally-recognised government gather in Khokha, Hodeidah, on 20 July 2026. [Getty]
Yemeni authorities have tightened security across the eastern province of Hadramout as the country prepares to resume oil exports from Al-Dhabba port, amid growing tensions with the Southern Transitional Council (STC) and fears of renewed conflict with the Houthis.
Military and security forces have been deployed across the province, with heightened security at ports, airports, oil facilities and major roads following calls by the STC for protests.
The developments coincide with Yemen’s efforts to restart crude exports from Al-Dhabba oil terminal in the coastal city of Al-Shihr on the Arabian Sea, a key step in reviving government revenues after exports were halted by repeated Houthi attacks.
The security committee, chaired by Presidential Leadership Council member and Hadramout Governor Salem al-Khanbashi, said it was monitoring what it described as “inciting calls” by local STC representatives for unauthorised gatherings at a particularly sensitive time for the country.
In a statement, the committee said it respected the right to peaceful assembly but warned that demonstrations held without official permission violated the law and threatened public order, particularly as Hadramout hosts large numbers of visitors during the annual Najm al-Balda festival.
It warned against attempts to exploit the current situation to spread unrest, disrupt public services or undermine security, describing Hadramout’s stability as a “red line”. It said security forces would take action against anyone found to be organising or participating in activities that endangered public safety.
The warnings came as local authorities in Mukalla held a meeting with senior civilian, military and security officials to review contingency measures amid growing regional tensions and the possibility of renewed fighting with the Houthis.
Officials discussed raising combat readiness, improving coordination between military units and ensuring sufficient supplies of food and fuel, while boosting strategic reserves to maintain essential services.
Participants also stressed the need to deter any escalation by the Houthis and protect preparations to resume oil exports, describing the sector as essential to supporting Yemen’s economy and public finances.
Meanwhile, the STC has organised demonstrations in several parts of Hadramout, including Mukalla and Seiyun, accusing the internationally recognised government and Saudi Arabia of failing to address deteriorating living conditions and the worsening economic crisis.
The group said the protests were intended to demand better living standards, renew support for STC leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi, secure the release of detainees and reject what it described as politically motivated measures targeting the council.
The demonstrations come as regional tensions rise over Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait.
A source in Hadramout’s local authority told The New Arab that security had been significantly reinforced around Al-Dhabba port in recent days as preparations to restart oil exports were completed.
The source said the First and Second Military Regions had raised their level of readiness and deployed additional forces around oil fields, the ports of Mukalla and Al-Shihr, and key transport routes, while security forces had established extra checkpoints across the province.
The source said the First and Second Military Regions had raised their level of readiness and deployed additional forces around oil fields, the ports of Mukalla and Al-Shihr, and key transport routes, while security forces had established extra checkpoints across the province.
