Tensions are escalating in Yemen's eastern Hadhramaut governorate as Amr bin Habrish, head of the Hadhramaut Tribal Alliance, publicly unveiled the "Hadhramaut Protection Forces" on February 27, 2025. This armed group, operating outside official government and military structures, held its first meeting, where bin Habrish declared its intent to act as a "shield" for Hadhramaut's "sovereignty, resources, and accomplishments," according to a statement seen by Barran Press.

The Hadhramaut Alliance called for heightened vigilance among its forces, urging them to prepare for "defending Hadhramaut and confronting terrorist and adversarial forces."

In a swift response, the Yemeni Army's Second Military Region condemned the formation of "unlawful formations," warning of a dangerous move that threatens to plunge the governorate back into chaos. The army reiterated that only state security forces, including the Hadhramaut Elite Forces, are authorized to operate, and pledged to take "necessary legal measures" against any destabilizing activities. The military emphasized the need to adhere to official security structures and warned against any attempts to destabilize the region.