Saudi Arabia appoints new commander for its forces in Yemen’s Socotra amid power conflict with UAE

SOCOTRA, Sept. 17 (YPA) – The Saudi Ministry of Defense has appointed a new commander, Abdulwahab Ali Al-Qahtani, for its “808” forces in the Yemeni archipelago of Socotra, replacing the former commander Fahd bin Saeed Al-Shatfan.

This appointment comes amid an undeclared power conflict between Saudi Arabia and the UAE in Yemeni provinces, particularly in Socotra. The move coincided with an armed uprising by Yemeni recruits against Emirati forces on the island, who are demanding their unpaid salaries.

Through this appointment, Saudi Arabia is seeking to restore its influence and interests in the archipelago, leveraging the increasing public anger against the UAE. In response, the UAE has reportedly sent officers to contain the uprising.

It is worth noting that the UAE has established a joint military base with Israeli forces on Abdul Kuri Island, a development that has raised concerns for Sanaa, which has imposed a naval ban on Israeli ships in the region.

YPA