Hadramout

Hadramout is a governorate in southern Yemen that has been a focal point of recent conflict between the internationally recognized Yemeni government (Presidential Leadership Council - PLC), backed by Saudi Arabia, and the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a separatist group supported by the UAE. Hadramout, along with al-Mahra, was recently retaken by government forces in early January 2026 after being seized by the STC. This event is newsworthy due to its impact on the broader conflict in Yemen, highlighting the ongoing power struggle between the government and separatist movements. The recapture of Hadramout is significant as it represents a setback for the STC's ambitions for southern independence and influences the dynamics of upcoming Saudi-sponsored talks aimed at resolving the conflict. The situation in Hadramout also affects regional stability and humanitarian concerns, including the grounding of flights to Socotra due to mainland clashes.