Saudi Arabia, UAE Tensions Rise in Yemen as Rivalries Intensify in Al-Mahrah
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Saudi Arabia is reportedly increasing its efforts to recruit militia forces in the Al-Mahrah province of eastern Yemen, amidst escalating tensions between Saudi and UAE-backed factions in southern Yemen.
Yemeni sources indicate that forces loyal to Saudi Arabia, known as the “Homeland Shield,” have begun recruiting in all areas of Al-Mahrah province.
The recruitment process, reportedly managed through representatives of the Homeland Shield forces in Al-Mahrah’s administrations, targets young men from the province.
Webangah News Agency reports that Saudi Arabia appears to be taking immediate action to counter the expansion of the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council forces.
The Southern Transitional Council has announced it no longer recognizes Rashad al-Alimi, the head of the self-proclaimed Yemeni Presidential Council.
The council claims al-Alimi’s appointment was illegal because he lacks authority and was not elected by the people, asserting that he was installed solely by Saudi Arabia in a clear violation of Yemen’s sovereignty.
The Southern Transitional Council has suspended cooperation with al-Alimi and called on political parties loyal to Saudi Arabia to make a similar decision, prioritizing the public interest over Riyadh’s interests in Yemen.
The council had previously removed al-Alimi’s pictures from all halls and offices of the Maashiq presidential palace.
