Mahra under recruitment pressure: Preemptive Saudi-Emirati moves to contain popular rejection
MAHRA, Dec. 22 (YPA) – Recent reports indicate a strategic push by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to launch extensive recruitment campaigns among the local population of Mahra governorate.
This move reflects an escalation of indirect military maneuvers within the province.
According to circulated information, Riyadh has directed its loyal factions to intensify recruitment under the umbrella of the so-called “Dera Al-Watan” forces in an attempt to bolster its field presence.
Conversely, reports state that the UAE command stationed at Al-Rayyan Airport in Mukalla city, the center of Hadramout governorate, has issued directives to its proxy forces in Mahra to form the first batch of the “Mahri Elite” factions. This initial force is expected to consist of approximately 10,000 recruits, under the pretext of enhancing provincial security.
While these developments may superficially suggest an imminent armed confrontation between Saudi Arabia and the UAE as part of a struggle for influence, a deeper reading of the local reality reveals different dimensions. These are essentially tied to the domestic situation and a public stance that adamantly rejects any foreign presence.
Public Opposition to “Occupation” Projects
Both Saudi Arabia and the UAE recognize that the popular sentiment in Mahra is characterized by widespread rejection of foreign projects. This sentiment is aligned with the positions of Sheikh Ali Salem al-Haryzi, head of the “Committee for Peaceful Sit-in in Mahra,” who demands the withdrawal of all foreign troops from the governorate.
Approximately a month ago, Sheikh al-Haryzi escalated his rhetoric against the Saudi presence, hinting at armed struggle and attacking the “Dera Al-Watan forces.” His categorical rejection of any “occupational agenda” reflects the growing public tension resulting from the continued foreign military presence.
Historically, the tribes of Mahra have repeatedly expressed their opposition to Saudi presence, viewing it as a violation of national sovereignty and a threat to the province’s social and political stability.
Similarly, data suggests that the tribes’ stance toward the Emirati presence and its affiliated factions—primarily the Southern Transitional Council (STC)—is no different. This rejection became more apparent following the STC’s recent control over parts of the governorate, leading to persistent local demands for their withdrawal and a clear refusal to accept a forced military status quo.
A Preemptive Step Against Local Resistance
Based on field and political data, it can be argued that the massive recruitment campaigns carried out by Saudi Arabia and the UAE do not represent a mutual mobilization for an upcoming conflict between the two allies. Rather, they constitute a preemptive step aimed at subjugating the local population and suppressing any domestic movements that oppose projects deemed a violation of Yemeni sovereignty.
Consequently, any factions planned for establishment in Mahra—whether by Saudi Arabia or the UAE—will primarily be directed at suppressing popular uprisings against foreign agendas.
This comes amidst the continued determination of Mahra’s tribes to reject any foreign presence that infringes upon Yemeni sovereignty in the governorate and beyond.
YPA