Tensions have sharply escalated in the city of Mukalla, the capital of Yemen’s Hadramout province, following armed clashes between security forces and gunmen, amid a growing exchange of accusations between local authorities and political and tribal actors—highlighting a fragile security situation that threatens stability in the region.

 

According to official statements, the unrest began with groups taking to the streets and organizing unauthorized protests, coinciding with a limited security deployment carried out by military and police forces to secure the city and protect key facilities.

 

Local authorities and the security committee said the deployment was “limited and lawful,” aimed at protecting civilians and maintaining public order, rejecting what they described as “misleading claims” about a widespread emergency force presence.

 

Clashes and Gunfire

 

The situation escalated in the neighborhoods of Al-Sharj and Al-Salam, where security sources reported that armed individuals—including youths and minors—opened fire on security forces. The forces responded in accordance with legal procedures. The clashes resulted in casualties, although no official toll has been released.

 

Authorities said they had identified armed elements in civilian clothing involved in the shooting, describing the incidents as a coordinated attempt to drag the city into chaos. They also pointed to intelligence suggesting that individuals from outside Hadramout had entered the area to carry out organized incitement efforts.

 

Officials further warned against the use of children and young people in confrontations, calling it a dangerous tactic intended to inflame tensions, and urged parents to prevent their children from participating in such activities.

 

Mutual Accusations and Political Escalation

 

The local authority and security committee accused political and media actors of incitement against state institutions, pledging strict legal action against those involved and stressing that Hadramout’s security is a “red line.”

 

 

They reiterated that the security deployment was legitimate and necessary, adding that armed infiltrators had opened fire on forces performing their duties—an act described as “criminal and dangerous,” reflecting deliberate attempts to push the city toward violence.

 

Authorities also expressed regret over the failure of some political groups and individuals to heed warnings against holding unauthorized protests, despite explicit calls to comply with the law.

 

Tribal Support for Stability

 

In a parallel development, the Hadramout Tribal Alliance issued a statement condemning what it described as attempts to drag the province into chaos. The alliance said the unrest was driven by actors from outside Hadramout pursuing narrow political agendas.

 

 

It reaffirmed its commitment to what it called the “independent Hadramout project,” urging that disputes be resolved through dialogue and peaceful means, and warning against what it termed “suspicious calls” for escalation.

 

Presidential Intervention and Urgent Measures

 

At the national level, Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad al-Alimi held a phone call with Hadramout Governor Salem al-Khanbashi to review developments, ordering an immediate and transparent investigation and referring the case to the public prosecution.

 

Al-Alimi also directed authorities to ensure medical care for the injured and compensation for victims’ families, stressing that peaceful expression is constitutionally protected but must adhere to legal frameworks. He warned against disorder or attacks on public institutions.

 

In a related move, security directives were issued to arrest a suspect linked to the events, signaling a broader effort to hold those responsible accountable.

 

Consultations and Political Reactions

 

Governor al-Khanbashi also convened a broad meeting with members of parliament, the Shura Council, and local consensus bodies to discuss the situation. He affirmed the readiness of local authorities to confront any developments and stressed zero tolerance for threats to public safety or state interests.

 

 

Participants in the meeting underscored that Hadramout’s security is non-negotiable, calling on residents to support local leadership and security forces against any attempts to destabilize the province.

 

Southern Figures Enter the Fray

 

Amid the escalation, figures linked to the former Southern Transitional Council faction based in Riyadh issued a statement accusing government forces of committing abuses against peaceful protesters.

 

 

They called for the dismissal of senior government and military officials, demanded an international investigation, and announced the suspension of their political activities until their demands are met.

 

The statement, circulated by former STC figure Rageh Bakrit, marks the first intervention by these figures in recent months, raising questions about their renewed role in the unfolding crisis.

 

A Multi-Layered Crisis

 

The developments in Mukalla point to a complex and increasingly volatile landscape, where security, political, and tribal dynamics intersect. Authorities accuse certain actors of incitement and orchestrating unrest, while southern factions allege excessive use of force against demonstrators.

 

Between these competing narratives, tribal actors appear to be pushing for de-escalation, while the central leadership moves to contain the crisis through investigations and legal measures.

 

With tensions still high, the trajectory of events in Hadramout will largely depend on whether key actors can avoid further escalation and shift toward dialogue—before the province slips into a broader cycle of instability.