Mass resignations shake STC factions

ADEN, July 11 (YPA) – A senior leader in the UAE-backed “Security Belt” factions has resigned from his position, part of a series of mass resignations that have shaken factions in Abyan province, southern Yemen.

Media sources loyal to the coalition said that the resignation of commander of the Security Belt camp in the Zinjibar area, Jihad Haydara, came following the ouster of the commander of the so-called “Security Belt and Rapid Intervention” in the same area, “Abdo Sand,” due to his involvement in imposing illegal taxes at the Hassan military checkpoint.

The sources added that a wave of resignations by a number of leaders in the Security Belt in protest against the appointment decision, and also some leaders lost financial interests from taxes imposed on truck drivers.

Over the past few months, Abyan has been witnessed unprecedented confrontations between the leaders of the UAE-funded Southern Transitional Council (STC) and other factions affiliated with the local authorities, over the collection of taxes.

It’s worth noting that the STC had appointed Haidara Al-Sayed as commander of the Security Belt in Abyan, replacing his brother Abdul Latif Al-Sayed, who was assassinated by an explosive device in August 2023 in Mudiyah district.

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