Saudi Arabia Fails to Deploy ‘Shield of the Homeland’ Forces as Southern Transitional Council Maintains Firm Control Over Aden
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, an informed source has indicated that Saudi Arabia’s attempt to establish its designated ‘Shield of the Homeland’ (Dara’ al-Watan) forces in Aden has proven unsuccessful, with forces loyal to the Southern Transitional Council (STC) retaining command over essential facilities.
Despite ongoing political agreements, the STC, which receives backing from the United Arab Emirates, maintains operational control over several crucial military garrisons. These include the important Ras Abbas and Al-Jalaa barracks located in the Al-Bariqah district, as well as the Badr camp, recognized as the headquarters for the Yemeni Ministry of Defense.
Furthermore, the source confirmed that the STC’s hold extends to the Al-Solban and Al-Nasr barracks in the Khormaksar area, alongside the Fifth Brigade camp situated within Aden city limits. This demonstrates a deep entrenchment of STC influence despite Riyadh’s stated objectives for integrated security control.
The STC also exercises comprehensive authority over primary checkpoints governing the city’s access points. These strategic security positions include the Al-Alam checkpoint on the eastern entrance leading toward Abyan Governorate, the Masna’a Al-Hadid checkpoint on the northern entrance toward Lahij, and the Al-Husseini and Omran checkpoints controlling the western entryways into Aden.
The strategic Port of Aden remains firmly under the control of the Transitional Council forces. The source noted that only the Jabal Hadid camp was handed over to facility protection forces following the withdrawal of Al-Amaliqa Brigades.
In conclusion, the source emphasized that the Saudi-backed ‘Shield of the Homeland’ forces have been restricted primarily to the Salah Al-Din district in western Aden, failing to secure the city’s main entry points or the crucial military bases as intended by Riyadh. This situation highlights the ongoing complexities facing Saudi Arabia as it seeks to assert its dominance amid deepening political fragmentation in Yemen.
The STC continues to exert its authority over Aden, placing significant challenges and complications before Saudi Arabia in its attempts to implement its influence. Recent weeks have seen heightened tensions concerning the division of security roles and resource management between forces supported by Riyadh and those aligned with Abu Dhabi, particularly following the Riyadh Agreement aimed at security integration. Local reports suggest that despite repeated demands for the withdrawal of STC contingents from key facilities, the UAE’s leverage through the STC remains robust within Aden.
