STC escalates militarily in Hadramout in defiance of Saudi Arabia

ADEN, Dec. 28 (YPA) – In a blatant defiance of Saudi Arabia, the pro-UAE Southern Transitional Council (STC) continued on Sunday, deploying large reinforcements to the district of Gil Bin Yamin, a key stronghold of the Saudi-backed Hadramout Tribal Alliance (HTA).

Field sources revealed that, the STC forces have begun monitoring operations and collecting information since on Saturday evening about the staff of the Hadramout Protection Force, led by Salem Bin Huseynun, in preparation for launching raids and storming the homes of the leaders of the HTA.

For his part, Saudi journalist Badr Al-Qahtani considered what was happening a serious and direct violation, and put the civilian population on the line of fire,” stressing the danger of escalation.

In a new provocative step, the STC renewed its attack on the HTA’s positions, defying Saudi orders to withdraw from the oil-rich area of al-Hadabah.

Sources familiar with the matter confirmed that these operations were directed by commander of the second military region, Talib Bargash, with clear plans to arrest the force staff and attack civilians.

As the 72-hour withdrawal deadline imposed by Saudi Arabia approaches, Hadramout faces the risk of a comprehensive escalation that threatens the stability and safety of civilians.

AA