ADEN, Yemen, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- The Saudi-backed Yemeni government on Friday announced the launch of a military operation against the Southern Transitional Council (STC) in the southeastern oil-rich province of Hadramout, said provincial Governor Salem Al-Khanbashi.

In an address broadcast by the state-run television from the Saudi capital Riyadh, the governor said the operation aims to restore state authority and ensure security and stability in the province, particularly around key government institutions and strategic facilities.

He said the move came after repeated attempts to contain tensions through dialogue had failed, accusing STC-affiliated forces of "undermining local security arrangements and challenging the authority of the internationally recognized government." ■