Clashes erupt between Saudi and UAE in Lahj

LAHJ, Feb. 21 (YPA) – As a part of escalating conflict between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi for taking control over areas in southern and eastern Yemen, armed clashes broke out on Tuesday, between the UAE-backed faction and Saudi-funded faction in Lahij Governorate, southern Yemen.

Informed sources reported that the clashes erupted between elements of the “Giants” factions, known as “al-Amaliqa” and armed fighters of the so-called “Dare al-Watan” forces, affiliated with Saudi Arabia in the directorate of Tur Al-Baha, near the coasts of Bab al-Mandab.

The clashes erupted after “Dare al-Watan” forces had taken control over wide areas and established new military points in the region that were not within their mandate, according to the sources.

It is worth noting that the UAE-backed factions have taken control over most of the coastal areas adjacent to the Bab al-Mandab Strait in Al-Mukalla and Ras al-Ara, which are subject to the so-called “Joint Forces” led by Tariq Afash.

Saudi Arabia appointed the Salafist extremist leader Bashir Al-Madirbi Al-Subaihi to lead the “Dare al-Watan” factions, who worked on recruiting thousands of sons of the Subaihi tribes in Lahij Governorate since the end of 2022.

Saudi Arabia trained the “Dare al-Watan” factions inside the kingdom and in the coastal areas of Lahij Governorate before Riyadh deployed those factions in Aden and the rest of the southern and eastern governorates of Yemen.

Recently, Saudi Arabia deployed groups of the” Dare al-Watan” factions to Mahra province, eastern Yemen.

Saudi Arabia established “Dare al-Watan” factions from Salafist groups loyal to it in southern and eastern Yemen, similar to the “Giants” loyal to the UAE.

E.M