Yemen's southern separatists seek path to independence as fighting continues in Hadramout

Southern separatists have called for a path to independence while the internationally recognised government says it launched an operation, with Saudi support, to recapture the Hadramout province.

Southern separatists in Yemen have called for a route to independence as fighting renewed around the Hadramout region. The internationally recognised government reported it launched an operation, with Saudi military support, to retake parts of the province. The Southern Transitional Council seized areas of Hadramout last month in a surprise advance that shifted local power. Yemen remains divided after more than a decade of conflict, with different forces backed by regional allies. Key developments: - The government said it launched an operation to recapture Hadramout and later reported taking control of a key military base. - The Southern Transitional Council (STC) seized parts of Hadramout last month and said its forces are on full alert and prepared to respond. - Rashad al-Alimi, head of the Saudi-backed presidential council, requested that Saudi Arabia host a forum to address the southern issue and called for all southern factions to be included. - Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry welcomed the request, and the UAE said it has approached recent escalation with restraint and a commitment to de-escalation. Summary: The developments have reopened contest over a strategically and culturally significant province and highlighted differences among Gulf partners. A Saudi-hosted forum to bring southern factions together has been requested, but its timing and the level of participation remain undetermined.