New armed faction rises in Hadramout amid Saudi-UAE conflict
HADRAMOUT, Nov. 02 (YPA) -Saudi Arabia still holds numerous strategic cards in its ongoing conflict with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Hadramout Governorate, eastern Yemen.
Despite the escalating clashes over the past few days, Riyadh has chosen to hold back some of its strategic cards for more critical times.
Coinciding with the mobilization of UAE-backed factions, which brought in armed groups from outside Hadhramaut, leaders of the Saudi-backed “Dera Al-Watan” Shield” factions appeared today alongside the current commander of the First Military Region, Major General Saleh Mohammed Al-Jaimalani affiliated with Islah Party, during an inspection tour of units deployed across the Wadi and desert areas of Hadhramaut.
This marks the first public appearance of the ‘Dera Al-Watan’ factions’ leaders since the escalation of clashes between Saudi and Emirati local proxies in the province last Saturday.
Observers say that the appearance of the ‘Dera Al-Watan’ factions’ commanders, formed by Saudi Arabia from Salafist groups in southern Yemen, sends a clear message to the UAE that Riyadh will spare no effort in its battle for control over Hadramout Governorate.
Earlier reports from Seiyun city indicated a new round of confrontations between the First Military Region forces and UAE-aligned factions, following an attempt to advance by the latter toward the Hadramout oil plateau from Sah District. The Islah-affiliated forces reportedly repelled the attack using artillery and tank fire.
Hadramout has been witnessing an unprecedented military buildup in recent days, as Saudi and UAE reinforcements poured in amid a high-stakes race to control the oil-rich province.
It should be noted that Hadramout Governorate has entered a new phase of armed conflict between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi. Observers suggest that this conflict carries significant implications, both in terms of how oil wealth may be leveraged to benefit the victorious party and in shaping the future of the remaining territories under the Saudi-led coalition’s control in eastern Yemen.
@E.Y.M