Saudi Arabia reduces UAE-backed STC presence in Abyan

ABYAN, Jan. 04 (YPA) – The Saudi Forces Command has completed the deployment of its factions in the Lawdar district of Abyan province, southern Yemen, with the aim of reducing the influence of the factions loyal to the UAE.

Local sources reported that Saudi Arabia deployed the “Dera Al-Watan” factions in several locations after armed confrontations and tensions with the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) factions, which rejected the presence of Saudi factions in the region in late October.

The Saudi deployment included moving three brigades of the “Dera Al-Watan” forces to the “Akd” mountains in Lawdar and strategic areas in the Mudiya district, which is considered a stronghold for terrorist groups, as part of a gradual step aimed at reducing the influence of forces loyal to the UAE in the provinces of Abyan, Lahj, and Aden.

Observers believe that Saudi Arabia is pushing extremist “Salafi elements” from Abyan towards the Sanaa forces’ positions in Bayda province, while the UAE is pushing its factions towards Bayda from Shabwa.

YPA