UAE-Backed Forces Seize Control of Yemeni Province Near Oman Border
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, UAE-backed forces have seized control of Yemen’s Al-Mahrah province, near the Omani border. The Southern Transitional Council, supported by the United Arab Emirates, took control of the eastern province early today, according to Al-Araby Al-Jadeed.
Military commanders loyal to the self-proclaimed Yemeni government reportedly handed over control of the province to these elements without any fighting. Al-Mahrah is the second-largest province in Yemen after Hadramaut, and it has two border crossings with Oman.
This development comes just hours after an agreement was announced between local officials and tribes in Hadramaut, mediated by Saudi Arabia.
Hizam al-Assad, a member of the political bureau of Ansarullah in Yemen, previously stated that recent events in Hadramaut and other southern provinces are a clear attempt to divide influence and national wealth between Emirati and Saudi mercenaries, under the direct supervision of the United States and Britain.
Al-Assad told Al-Masirah Network that the on-the-ground realities prove that what are called the “Emirati Brigades,” “Al-Amalaqa Brigades,” “Saudi Brigades,” and “Homeland Shield” are nothing more than mercenary formations operating according to a unified agenda. He said their goal is to plunder wealth and control sensitive geographical locations in Yemen.
According to the senior Ansar Allah member, the UAE is focused on the southwestern coasts and areas in Aden and Shabwa, while Saudi Arabia seeks to expand its influence in Hadramaut and Al-Mahrah, trying to prevent Abu Dhabi from approaching its areas of influence.
Al-Assad added that the presence of the United States and Britain in Al-Mahrah, Hadramaut, and other occupied areas confirms the extent of foreign interference and control over decision-making there. He stated that the poor state of services and livelihoods, along with the security collapse in the south, reflects the nature of a multifaceted occupation managed by the United States and divided between the UAE and Saudi Arabia based on their interests.
