Islah to direct preemptive strike against Yemen Saleh’s nephew

TAIZ, Jan. 31 (YPA) – Saudi-based exiled Yemen’s (Muslim Brotherhood) Islah party directed its supporters in embattled Yemeni southern province of Taiz to confront UAE-backed nephew of slain ousted President Ali Abdullah Saleh, officials familiar with the issue told Yemen Press Agency on Wednesday.

The Riyadh-based leadership of Islah party has blamed General Tareq Mohammed Abdullah Saleh of the fall of southern port city of Aden, which was the interim base of the Islamic groups,  into the hands of southern separatist transitional council’ militias, which are backed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The move came after reports have said the Saudi-led coalition would task General Tareq to run a front line in Taiz to fight Houthi fighters.

Islah leaders fear that the events of Aden could be repeated in Taiz, said the official, in reference to Tareq’s collaboration with the UAE-backed southern separatist groups in the fighting against exiled resigned President Hadi-allied Islah militias.

Tareq had fled the capital Sanaa after a week-long deadly clashes with Houthis last month that erupted after Saleh changed alliance and joined the coalition.

The clashes in the capital Sanaa eventually had ended with the killing of Saleh on Dec. 4, 2017, while General Tareq managed to escape to the UAE occupied southern territory.

On Tuesday, the UAE-backed southern separatist council recaptured Aden, presidential palace and government headquarters from militias loyal to Hadi and Islah party after nearly three days of deadly clashes.

Sameera Hassn-Zak