Overview
- Yemen’s Saudi-backed government began an operation to reclaim military sites in Hadramawt, appointing Governor Salem al-Khanbashi to command Homeland Shield forces and describing the move as peaceful.
- STC officials reported coalition airstrikes minutes after the operation was announced, saying at least seven fighters were killed and more than 20 wounded, with some accounts putting the toll closer to 20.
- The STC unveiled a two-year transition toward southern independence featuring dialogue with the north and a referendum, and warned it would declare earlier if its forces were attacked.
- The separatists agreed to the deployment and partial integration of Saudi-backed National/Homeland Shield brigades in seized areas but refused a full pullout, which Riyadh insists is required.
- The UAE said it is withdrawing remaining troops, flights at Aden airport were halted over disputed inspection rules for UAE routes, and Saudi officials accused the STC of blocking a mediation flight.