Armed Tribesmen Gather in Hadhramaut, Yemen, After Deadline for Government Response Expires

Tribal sources reported on Friday, August 2nd, 2024, that armed tribesmen from Hadhramaut province in eastern Yemen have gathered in tribal areas after the deadline set by the Hadhramaut Tribes Alliance for the Presidential Leadership Council expired.

Sources told "Barran Press" that tribal fighters from the Hadhramaut highlands gathered today in tribal areas in response to the call by the Hadhramaut Tribes Alliance to prevent the export of oil from the province until the Presidential Leadership Council and the government respond to the demands of the province's residents.

They added that tribesmen are still arriving at the time of writing (4:00 pm Friday) in an attempt to pressure the Presidential Leadership Council and the government to respond to the demands of Hadhramaut residents.

On Thursday, August 1st, 2024, hundreds of citizens gathered in front of the gate of Riyan Airport in Mukalla, demanding a share of the province's oil reserves in the "Al-Dhaba" port and the "Al-Masilah" oil field, as well as improved conditions and lower prices.

Local sources told "Barran Press" that protesters from the Shakhrir area in Mukalla gathered in front of the gate of Riyan Airport since this morning, hours after the Hadhramaut Tribes Alliance gave the recognized Yemeni government 48 hours to address the province's share of the oil reserves in the "Al-Dhaba" port and the "Al-Masilah" oil field.

Sources clarified that among the protesters were fishermen protesting the restrictions imposed on their fishing by Emirati forces stationed at the airport for years, disregarding the economic hardships they face.

On Wednesday, July 31st, 2024, the Hadhramaut Tribes Alliance gave the legitimate government 48 hours to fulfill its demands centered around "real and effective partnership" regarding the oil reserves in the Al-Dhaba port and the Al-Masilah field.

This came during an alliance meeting where they threatened to take control of the Al-Dhaba port and the Al-Masilah field as a right belonging to the province, which they will not relinquish, according to a statement from the extraordinary meeting of the alliance's leaders and figures.

In a statement issued and obtained by "Barran Press," the alliance called on the President of the Presidential Leadership Council, Rashad Al-Alimi, to recognize the rights of Hadhramaut and activate its role in partnership like other parties participating in the comprehensive settlement.

The alliance warned in its statement against any action to dispose of, market, or export Hadhramaut oil before securing and guaranteeing the rights of the province's residents and as they approve.

The alliance emphasized that in case of non-compliance within the 48 hours, it will take action on the ground and the resources, as stated in its statement, considering the oil reserves in the Al-Dhaba port and the Al-Masilah field a right belonging to the people of Hadhramaut.