UAE-backed STC militias regain control of areas in Abyan

ABYAN, June 7 (YPA) – Militias of the so-called Southern Transitional Council (STC) backed by the UAE on Sunday regained areas on the outskirts of Jaar city, the second largest city in Abyan province, southern Yemen.

Local sources reported that the STC’s militia repelled a large-scale attack by Islah Party’s militants, hours after they had taken control of areas in the outskirts of Jaar city.

The STC’s militia managed to drive the Islah militants out of al-Derjaj and al-Makhzan areas and the surrounding mountains, forcing them to retreat to the outskirts of Sala valley, according to the sources.

A number of military vehicles belonging to Islah militants were destroyed and six military vehicles and a large amount of medium and light weapons were seized by the STC’s militias during the confrontations, the sources added.

Islah party is trying to open a new front for the STC in Jaar in order to alleviate the attacks launched by the latter’s forces on fronts of Shoqra city and eastern Zinjbar city in the province.

On Saturday, the STC’s militia took control of Muraib valley near al-Arqoub area adjacent to the coastal city of Shoqra, the military stronghold of Islah in Abyan.

YPA