Amid escalating tensions in eastern Yemen and growing calls for self-rule, Hadhramaut’s Security Committee has issued a strong warning against any recruitment activities conducted outside the official frameworks of the Ministries of Defense and Interior. This statement is widely interpreted as a direct reference to the Hadhramaut Tribal Alliance, which has recently intensified its demands for greater autonomy.

During a meeting presided over by Hadhramaut Governor Mabkhout bin Madi, the Security Committee declared its firm stance, stating that it “will not tolerate any attempts to undermine state authority or establish parallel formations that challenge the legitimacy of state institutions,” according to Yemen’s official news agency Saba.

The committee further emphasized the gravity of the situation, warning that “strict punitive measures will be taken against any entity committing these serious violations.” It underscored that maintaining security is a collective responsibility and that any breaches will be met with decisive action.

The statement also strongly condemned the increasing number of unauthorized checkpoints, accusing some of these posts of engaging in extortion under the guise of security provision. The committee denounced this practice as a blatant violation of state sovereignty and the rule of law. It urged all actors to recognize the magnitude of the challenges facing Hadhramaut and to actively thwart efforts by certain factions it alleges are “executing agendas that threaten the province’s stability.”

In a broader appeal for unity, the Security Committee called for support for ongoing efforts aimed at preserving Hadhramaut’s hard-won security gains. It cautioned against the potential for a descent into instability if divisive actions persist, warning that the current volatile environment could create an opportunity for terrorist groups to spread chaos throughout the province.

While reaffirming its commitment to the political and security empowerment of the people of Hadhramaut, the committee expressed its support for inclusive initiatives that genuinely serve the province’s interests. It advocated for constructive dialogue and a rejection of inflammatory rhetoric.

These warnings from the Security Committee come just a day after the Hadhramaut Inclusive Conference (HIC) reported the arrival of approximately 2,500 armed individuals into the province via small buses originating from the southern governorates of Aden, Lahj, and Dhale.
In a statement reviewed by Barran Press, the HIC stated that it had been closely monitoring this influx of armed individuals between Friday, April 11, and Monday, April 14. The HIC described this movement as a clear attempt to incite conflict and impose a political agenda through the use of force. The group condemned what it termed a “hostile campaign” aimed at suppressing the will of Hadhramaut under the guise of supporting the Hadhrami Elite Forces.

On Saturday, the HIC, in conjunction with the Hadhramaut Tribal Alliance, publicly reiterated its demand for autonomous governance of the province. Their statement characterized autonomy as the province’s “minimum right” and unequivocally rejected what they labeled the “domination of other factions.” It also asserted Hadhramaut’s right to self-defense, calling it a legitimate and inalienable right.