Saudi-led coalition intends to recruit new factions in Mahra

MAHRA, May 16 (YPA) – The anti-foreign forces sit-in committee in Mahra province, eastern Yemen, rejected on Tuesday what it called the Saudi-led coalition’s approach to recruiting new factions in the province.

The head of the sit-in committee in the districts of Sayhut and Al-Masila, Salem Saad Ghatori, said that Mahra does not need the formation of armed factions outside what he called the “legitimacy” framework nor any external protection.

Ghatori added that the recruitment process aims to destabilize the security and stability of Mahra, indicating that the notables and sheikhs of the province have great awareness of preserving their areas.

It is worth noting that the UAE-affiliated Southern Transitional Council is seeking to recruit new factions in Mahra, after Saudi Arabia recruited hundreds of the province’s residents during the past years.

American and British foreign forces have been occupying Al-Ghaydah Airport in Mahra since 2017 and have closed it to civilian flights amid local demands to open the airport to travelers.