Hadramout – Local sources in Yemen’s Hadramout governorate, alongside statements issued by Southern Transitional Council Forces, have revealed the existence of illegal oil-related activities in various areas of the Hadramout desert and valley, involving the covert operation of unlicensed oil wells.

According to the information available, these wells were reportedly managed by influential northern figures who had previously exercised control over the First Military Region. The wells were operated outside the legal framework, with part of their production diverted to the black market, while quantities of fuel derivatives were allegedly used to supply the Houthi militia .

STC (Southern Transitional Council) Forces stated that units from the 14th Thunderbolt Brigade and the 5th Support and Reinforcement Brigade carried out field surveillance and monitoring operations that led to the discovery of dozens of illegal oil wells in several desert locations. The operations also uncovered makeshift refineries established to process crude oil and sell it through informal channels.

Sources explained that the wells were carefully concealed in remote areas, some hidden among trees and fenced compounds, in an apparent attempt to evade detection. They added that revenues generated from these activities were not channeled through official institutions but were instead directed to private interests, with suspicions that part of the proceeds was used to finance Houthi activities.

Legal experts noted that such activities constitute a clear violation of Yemeni law, as well as a breach of sanctions imposed by the U.S. Treasury Department, which prohibit the supply of fuel products to the Houthi group following its designation as a terrorist organization. These sanctions impose strict penalties on individuals and entities involved in financing or providing logistical support to the group.

In a statement, Southern Transitional Council Forces affirmed that the operation is part of ongoing efforts to protect southern natural resources, combat smuggling and looting networks, and cut off funding sources for armed groups. The forces stressed that legal measures will be taken against those involved, in coordination with the relevant authorities, to safeguard sovereign resources and ensure they are used to serve the local population.