UAE-backed leader killed in Abyan confrontations

ABYAN, Sept. 26 (YPA) – A leader loyal to the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) militia was killed on  Saturday in clashes with al-Islah militias in Abyan province.

According to coalition media, Abdullah Saeed al-Bahiz, from the Haban district of Shabwah province, was shot dead by al-Islah militants in Sheikh Salem area during fierce fighting that broke out between the two sides.

Media source noted that the Sheikh Salem Front has been witnessing violent clashes between al-Islah militants and the STC militias, which caused panic and fear among citizens living near the area of the clashes.

Since the end of April, following the announcement of the STC self-administration, Abyan province has been witnessing ongoing clashes between al-Islah militias and “transitional” militias, which have left a number of dead and wounded of both sides.

Observers believe that Saudi Arabia and the UAE do not want to stop the confrontations in Abyan, and are constantly working to fuel and finance the parties to the conflict with money and weapons.

They accused Riyadh and Abu Dhabi of trading the lives of Yemenis, doubling their suffering, and plundering the wealth of their country.

E.M