Clashes Between UAE and Saudi-Backed Forces in Yemen Leave 77 Dead or Wounded
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, at least 77 fighters have been killed or wounded in recent clashes between forces affiliated with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and those backed by Saudi Arabia in Yemen’s Hadramaut province. The fighting involved an attack by elements of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), which is supported by the UAE, against military personnel loyal to the self-proclaimed Yemeni government under Saudi Arabia’s patronage.
The clashes allowed UAE-aligned fighters to seize control of Yemen’s largest province. Military officials from the self-proclaimed Yemeni government stated that the assault, which caused the deaths of 32 soldiers and injuries to 45 others, was conducted without any legitimate cause and with the intention of destabilizing Hadramaut province. Several officers and soldiers are also reportedly missing.
These officials have accused UAE-backed forces of killing wounded soldiers and prisoners. In December, these same forces reportedly seized control of Seiyun, the second-largest city in Hadramaut province, during a large-scale offensive against the aforementioned military personnel. Following the capture of Hadramaut province by southern Yemeni separatists, these elements advanced towards and established themselves in the Al-Mahra Governorate.
On Friday, Rashad al-Alimi, the head of the Saudi-backed council, reportedly left Aden, the center of the Yemeni government, for Saudi Arabia in protest against these movements.
