Yemen's Saudi-backed Presidential Leadership Council head appointed Hadramawt Governor Salem al-Khanabshi to command Homeland Shield forces in the eastern province, granting him full military and security authority as the government launched an operation to seize positions held by the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council.

Al-Khanabshi announced a military operation named "Receiving the Camps" on January 2, aimed at taking over military sites from STC forces in a peaceful and organised manner, Saudi newspaper Okaz reported.

The governor said the STC had deliberately rejected all responsible solutions for de-escalation and prepared plans to create chaos in Hadramawt.

"We faced complete closure from the STC of all political doors," al-Khanabshi said in a video statement, describing the operation as a preventive measure rather than a declaration of war.

The military action does not target any political or social component or civilians in Hadramawt, but aims to neutralise weapons from chaos and impose security, he said.

STC forces claimed in a statement on January 1 they would continue operations in areas under their control whilst coordinating with government Homeland Shield forces, saying joint repositioning had begun.

Al-Khanabshi denied this, confirming the STC had not responded to de-escalation calls and continued mobilising forces.

Tensions escalated in early December when the STC launched a surprise attack on Hadramawt and Mahra provinces, seizing control of areas in eastern Yemen. The government requested intervention from the Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen's internationally recognised authorities.

The coalition announced on December 31 it had conducted airstrikes targeting weapons shipments from the United Arab Emirates to the STC.

Homeland Shield forces were established by presidential decree in January 2023 as a reserve force for the Yemeni Armed Forces.