Intense fighting has broken out between the Yemeni army loyal to the internationally recognized government and Southern Transitional Council (STC) forces in Yemen’s oil-rich Hadramout governorate, local sources report. The clashes follow a push by the separatist group toward the strategically significant al-Ghuraf area.

STC Forces Storm Seiyun Presidential Palace

Videos shared by activists showed STC fighters storming the presidential palace in the city of Seiyun on Wednesday after engaging in armed combat with government troops. According to local media, the STC had been positioned in the Jathma area of the Seiyun plateau before launching an attack on the Yemeni army headquarters in the city center.

Wadi Hadramout has been the site of large-scale military operations since early Wednesday, with intense artillery fire reported throughout the region.

Southern Transitional Council Declares “Promising Future” Operation

The STC, which advocates for the independence of southern Yemen, referred to the clashes as the “Promising Future” operation. The group said the offensive was necessary due to the failure of previous measures to restore stability in Hadramout, end the security breakdown, and counter the exploitation of the region by external forces. The STC currently controls parts of southern Yemen, including Aden.

Saudi Mediation Efforts

A Saudi delegation has been mediating between the Yemeni government and STC forces, reportedly reaching a settlement to halt the escalation. Saudi Arabia has previously played a key role in negotiating ceasefires and agreements between rival factions in Yemen.

Yemen’s Ongoing Conflict

Yemen has been mired in civil war and foreign intervention for decades. Houthi forces, aligned with Iran, control much of the northwest, including the capital Sanaa, while maintaining their own government there. Although the conflict between the Houthis and the Yemeni government has largely been frozen, the group has gained international attention for attacks on Israel and Red Sea shipping since October 2023, coinciding with Israel’s military operations in Gaza.

The United States and Israel have conducted airstrikes in Sanaa, targeting Houthi leaders, with civilian casualties reported. Meanwhile, the southern conflict between the government and the STC highlights Yemen’s complex and fragmented security landscape.