Saudi-Emirati conflict escalates in Hadramout

HADRAMOUT, Jan. 04 (YPA) – The UAE has worked to strengthen its armed factions in Mukalla Hadramout province, eastern Yemen.

Sources familiar with the matter said “there are escalating military tensions between the UAE-funded factions and the pro-Saudi Hadramout Tribal Alliance militants,” aimed at controlling the Masila oil fields, after the tribal alliance’s militants were able to control last August.

These moves come in conjunction with the alliance’s announcement in recent days of recruiting new factions under the name “Protection of Hadramout,” in addition to establishing military points at the entrances to the city of Mukalla with the aim of curbing crude oil smuggling operations as part of tribal movements for nearly 6 months.

The sources indicated that the oil-rich regions have become the scene of an increasing regional and international conflict between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, as Saudi Arabia responded by deploying its Dare al-Watan factions in the Hadramout Wadi following the dismissal of the leaders of the “First Military Region” loyal to the Islah party last week.

In the midst of these developments, the Saudi authorities summoned the coalition-backed Hadramout governor, Mabkhout bin Madi, to interrogate him about the recent events, which reflects the state of escalating tension in the province.

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