Mukalla (South24 Center)

The Second Military District, composed of the Hadramout Elite Forces, has warned against the continuation of what it described as "unjustified security escalation," following attacks targeting its personnel attributed to armed tribal groups loyal to Sheikh Amr bin Habrish.

In a statement issued today, Wednesday (December 31), the Hadramout Elite Forces said its personnel were surprised by attacks from gunmen it described as "insurgents," despite the calls for calm and non-escalation requested by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The statement considered these attacks a "clear violation" of those calls and an undermining of efforts to contain the tension.

The forces called on the Saudi forces to take effective measures to restrain the gunmen and stop what they described as "escalatory acts," emphasizing that the continuation of attacks threatens security and stability in Hadramout and undermines the missions of the forces tasked with protecting public tranquility.

The Hadramout Elite Forces warned that they would be forced to take legal and military steps to pursue those involved, defend their soldiers, and fulfill their security duties, stressing that they will not tolerate any threat targeting their personnel or civilians.

On December 28, the Southern Transitional Council (STC) mourned the killing of five Hadramout Elite Force soldiers in an armed ambush by tribal elements loyal to Salem al-Gharabi, an associate of Amr bin Habrish, near the city of Al-Shihr, while they were performing security duties.

Amr bin Habrish is the former head of the Hadramout Tribal Alliance, for whom a successor was announced in late November. Informed sources indicate that he has been in Riyadh for several days.