Saudi-Backed Yemeni Government Forces Retake Seiyun From UAE-Backed Southern Transitional Council

Government-aligned forces seized control of Seiyun and Sayun/Seiyun International Airport after Southern Transitional Council units withdrew, according to multiple local reports.

“Political and field developments in Yemen have accelerated since Saturday morning, with قوات درع الوطن affiliated with the legitimate government seizing the city and Sayun International Airport in حضرموت governorate in the east of the country, while the head of المجلس الانتقالي الجنوبي in Yemen عيدروس الزبيدي announced the start of a two-year transitional phase that paves the way for the South’s independence”

Al-Jazeera Net

Officials described the pullback as peaceful, while residents and army sources reported ongoing clashes and gunfire.

Al-Jazeera Net

GujaratSamachar English reported that government forces had taken full control of Seiyun and its state institutions, including the international airport, after STC fighters withdrew peacefully, citing officials and residents.

Al-Jazeera Net said government-aligned 'Homeland Shield' forces seized the city of Seiyun and Sayun International Airport in eastern Hadhramaut after the STC withdrawal.

The New Arab noted that pro-Saudi forces seized the airport and administrative buildings damaged in Friday's strikes, and that army officials said they were working to secure the sites while residents reported gunfire and clashes.

Saudi involvement and the role of air power are prominent in media accounts.

GujaratSamachar describes the operation as part of a "larger Saudi-backed offensive" with "intensified Saudi airstrikes."

GujaratSamachar English

The New Arab says the advance was "Saudi-backed" and reports that some STC withdrawals took place "under pressure from Saudi airstrikes."

Al-Jazeera reports political outreach to Saudi Arabia, noting that Presidential Leadership Council head Rashad al‑Alimi has "asked Saudi Arabia to host an inclusive conference that Saudi officials welcomed."

GujaratSamachar quoted an STC field commander telling Xinhua that the pullback followed Saudi warnings of airstrikes and was intended to avoid civilian harm.

“Mukalla: Saudi-led coalition airstrikes targeting separatist positions in southern Yemen killed at least 20 fighters Friday, according to military and medical officials, in a major escalation that threatens to unravel the anti-Houthi alliance”

Mathrubhumi English

He described the move as temporary and said the STC reserves the right to resume operations.

The New Arab cited an STC military official saying forces withdrew from areas such as Al‑Khasha under pressure from Saudi airstrikes but are resisting the attackers in Seiyun.

Al-Jazeera highlighted STC leader Aidarus al‑Zubaidi’s political move announcing a two‑year transitional phase leading to a referendum on southern independence and his call for international sponsorship of a comprehensive dialogue.

GujaratSamachar reports troops deployed across major streets and describes city security as stable, but cites intensified Saudi airstrikes that local sources say have killed more than 20 people and injured dozens, with clashes continuing elsewhere.

The New Arab describes a security breakdown and looting in Mukalla, says residents report retreating troops taking household goods, and records ongoing gunfire and clashes.

Al-Jazeera Net

Al Jazeera emphasizes a political dispute over legitimacy, noting the deputy foreign minister's claim that Zubaidi lacks a clear mandate and the Presidential Leadership Council's call for a Saudi-hosted inclusive conference, framing the crisis as both military and political.