By HAN News Desk
MUKALLA — Yemen’s internationally recognized government forces, backed by Saudi Arabia, have announced they have taken full control of Mukalla, the capital of Hadramout province, marking a significant strategic gain in the country’s long-running conflict, according to officials cited by the local media.
Government military sources said the operation resulted in the complete takeover of key government buildings, security headquarters and strategic facilities across the coastal city, which is Yemen’s fifth-largest urban center and a vital economic hub.
The capture of Mukalla strengthens the position of the internationally recognized government in eastern Yemen, a region that has largely remained more stable than other parts of the country but is critical due to its ports, oil infrastructure and trade routes along the Arabian Sea.
Officials said the operation was carried out with support from Saudi Arabia, which leads a military coalition backing Yemen’s government against the Iran-aligned Houthi movement. They described the takeover as part of broader efforts to consolidate state authority, improve security and counter the influence of armed groups in the region.
Mukalla has long held strategic importance due to its location, port facilities and proximity to key energy installations. Control of the city is expected to enhance the government’s logistical capabilities and reinforce its political standing in negotiations aimed at ending the conflict.
The Hadramout province has also been a focal point for counterterrorism operations in the past, particularly against al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), which once controlled Mukalla before being pushed out in 2016.
There was no immediate comment from opposition forces, and details about casualties or resistance during the takeover were not immediately available.
Yemen’s conflict, which erupted in 2014, has killed tens of thousands of people and triggered one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Despite intermittent ceasefires and diplomatic efforts, fighting continues in several parts of the country, underscoring the fragility of peace prospects.
Analysts say the government’s consolidation of control in Mukalla could shift regional dynamics in eastern Yemen, strengthening its leverage as international mediation efforts continue.
