Armed uprising erupts in Abyan over unpaid salaries

ABYAN, Oct. 12 (YPA) – An armed uprising broke out in Abyan province, southern Yemen, among factions loyal to the Saudi-led coalition, in protest against the continued suspension of their financial entitlements for the fifth consecutive month.

Local sources reported that dozens of armed militants loyal to the coalition seized several gas tanker trucks late Saturday, blocking their passage from the Safir gas facility in Marib to the coastal area of Shuqrah in Abyan.

The move came as a protest against the ongoing suspension of their salaries, which has sparked widespread frustration.

The seizure of the tankers in Shuqrah is seen as a direct military challenge to the pro-coalition government, with fears that it could trigger a major shortage of household gas in the southern governorates, including the city of Aden.

The suspension of salaries has escalated beyond peaceful demands since June, according sources.

Sources confirmed that the pro-coalition fighters have called for the immediate payment of their long-overdue salaries, including retroactive compensation. The escalating economic hardship has pushed many to resort to armed protests in Abyan, as the situation continues to deteriorate.

In a related development, armed militants in Abyan blocked the main highway in areas, which are controlled by UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) factions.

This has led to significant traffic disruptions and travel delays amid escalating security chaos that has plagued Abyan’s districts since the beginning of 2016.

@E.Y.M