In recent days, footage has circulated showing a build up of STC forces moving towards Hadhramaut, as part of a military operation labelled “The Promising Future”.
The developments had raised fears of a direct confrontation between UAE-backed forces and Saudi-backed tribal groups in the region.
Hadhramaut makes up about a third of Yemen’s territory, and holds 80 percent of the country’s modest oil reserves.
The Hadrami Elite Forces, the STC-aligned forces leading the campaign, have recently issued threats against the Saudi-backed Hadramout Tribes Alliance.
In recent days, the STC launched a military offensive dubbed “The Promising Future” in Hadhramaut, seizing control of Seiyun, one of the largest cities in the region.
The Hadrami Elite Forces, the STC-aligned forces leading the campaign, took over Seiyun’s presidential palace and its international airport on Wednesday.
Since then, it has effectively taken control of all of Hadhramaut.
Sheikh Amr bin Habrish, the leader of the Saudi-backed Hadramout Tribal Alliance, had earlier this week spoken out against the STC’s advances and its overarching goal of independence for southern Yemen.
