Update: Violent clashes between Islah and STC in Socotra

SOCOTRA, May 2 (YPA) – A number of gunmen were killed and injured on Friday in violent clashes between the UAE-backed militias and Al-Islah party militants in Socotra province.

According to local sources in Al-Jazeera, the clashes left two dead and several others injured, pointing out that the “Southern Transitional Council) STC militias, funded by the United Arab Emirates, took control of the military points located at the entrance to the city of Hadiboh, the capital of the province, advancing towards the government compound.

The sources confirmed that the Socotra tribes led by Sheikh Issa bin Yaqut, Sheikh of Socotra mobilized hundreds of tribal militants, to confront the STC militias, and what they called “outsiders”, and the tools of the UAE occupation.

Moreover, the sources explained that a number of Saudi armored vehicles deployed in the entrances and streets of the city of Hadiboh, after reaching an agreement to stop the clashes between al-Islah militants and transitional militias.

Furthermore, the sources pointed out that the agreement stipulated that Saudi forces take over the entrances to the city of Hadiboh and Socotra airport, prevent the movement of heavy weapons, and the withdrawal of the armed men of both sides to their former positions.

Military observers confirmed that Saudi Arabia has worked to secure the Islah militants inside the city of Hadiboh and to isolate the transitional from any military movements in the island’s capital.

The head of the STC in Socotra, Raafat Ali Ibrahim, called on the pro-Islah governor of Socotra Ramzi Mahrous and his militants to surrender and hand over all weapons, in exchange for securing their exit from the island.

This comes after the STC militias have taken control of the headquarters of the pro-reform 1st Marine Brigade and five military battalions announced their defection from Hadi forces to join the STC militias in recent days.

E.M