Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council on Wednesday said it had moved troops into the oil-rich, eastern province of Hadhramaut to confront a “rebellion” led by tribal forces demanding greater control over local resources.
Who's who in Yemen conflict Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
“We are aiming at controlling all of Hadhramaut,” an STC official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The National.
The STC, whose forces are allied with Yemeni government troops, said the rebellion is led by Amr bin Habrish, the province’s undersecretary. It said his men entered oilfields last week to demand greater control and revenue, forcing oil companies to halt operations.
“There is a rebellion, and we will crush it,” said the STC official. Government-backed forces have controlled the province for years.
On Tuesday, STC spokesman Anwar Al Tamimi accused Mr bin Habrish of aligning with extremist groups. “Al Qaeda, ISIS, and other armed groups are exploiting the vulnerability of the situation, allowing for infiltration and dire consequences,” he said.
STC forces are on “an official mission to secure this strategic area for the benefit of the province and to prevent the Houthis from exploiting it”, he added.
The chief of the Presidential Council, Rashad Al Alimi, warned that any escalation on the ground will “harm citiz
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