Full Breakdown
Uncovering Secret Prisons in Yemen's Hadramawt Region
2/27/2026, 2:30:07 AM
Discovery of Secret Prisons
Following the withdrawal of United Arab Emirates (UAE) troops from Yemen, local authorities in the Hadramawt province have uncovered a network of secret prisons allegedly operated by the Southern Transitional Council (STC) and their Emirati allies. These facilities are reported to have been used from 2015 to 2025 to detain journalists, activists, and political opponents, with claims of systematic torture emerging from various non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including Amnesty International.
Background of the STC and UAE Withdrawal
The STC, a separatist movement backed by the UAE, has maintained control over several areas in the Aden region despite the official dissolution of the group following the UAE's withdrawal. The UAE announced its troop withdrawal on December 30, 2025, after a series of Saudi airstrikes and an ultimatum. This shift in military support has led to increased scrutiny of the STC's actions during its period of influence.
Conditions in the Prisons
Reports from researchers, including Ibrahim Jalal, detail inhumane conditions within the prisons. Jalal visited three facilities, including one at Al-Rayyan airport, and described cramped cells with insufficient space for prisoners to stand, sit, or lie down. He noted that such confinement could be used as a form of torture, highlighting the lack of ventilation and light in these spaces.
Eyewitness Accounts and Documentation
Eyewitness accounts from former prisoners and their families have surfaced, revealing the psychological and physical toll of their experiences. Graffiti found within the prisons reflects the despair of detainees, with messages protesting against injustice and documenting the duration of their confinement. Amat al-Salam al-Haj, head of the Abductees' Mothers Association, expressed concern over the fate of many prisoners, stating, “We fear that those held in these prisons have been eliminated.”
Official Denials and Ongoing Concerns
The UAE has denied allegations regarding the existence and conditions of these secret prisons. However, the documentation of at least 18 such facilities by NGOs raises significant concerns about human rights violations in the region. The release of some prisoners following the STC's withdrawal has not alleviated fears for those who remain unaccounted for.
Criticism and Opposition
Human rights organizations have condemned the actions of the STC and the UAE, calling for accountability and transparency regarding the treatment of detainees. The systematic nature of the reported torture and the existence of secret prisons have drawn international attention, prompting calls for investigations into these allegations.
Conclusion
The uncovering of secret prisons in Yemen's Hadramawt province highlights ongoing human rights concerns in the region, particularly following the withdrawal of UAE support for the STC. As the situation evolves, the fate of many detainees remains uncertain, and the international community continues to call for accountability and justice for those affected.
