Saudi Arabia tightens grip on Mahra, begins political displacement of pro-UAE “STC”
MAHRA, Jan. 05 (YPA) – The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues its field and political operations to diminish the influence of the UAE-backed “Southern Transitional Council” (STC).
On Monday, the Riyadh-aligned “Dera Al-Watan” forces established full control over the Special Forces camp in Al-Ghaydah city, Mahra governorate in eastern Yemen, following the withdrawal of UAE-backed factions under the pressure of siege and airstrikes.
The Fall of Mahra
The takeover of Al-Ghaydah followed an agreement to hand over heavy weaponry and armored vehicles to the “Dera Al-Watan” forces in exchange for allowing STC elements to withdraw toward Aden.
Military Expansion
Sources indicate that Shabwa and Abyan governorates are the next targets for Saudi operations, continuing the “clearing” process that began in Hadramout and Mahra.
State of Alert in Aden
The STC leadership in Aden has begun transferring weapon depots from the “Jabal Hadid and Al-Solban” camps toward their tribal strongholds in Lahj and Dhalea governorates, amid fears that military operations may extend to the interim capital, Aden.
The Alternative Political Path
Parallel to the military movements, Riyadh is working to establish a new political reality involving:
- A Southern Alternative: Organizing a comprehensive dialogue in Riyadh to form a new Southern political entity, ending the STC’s monopoly over representing the Southern cause.
- Restructuring the “Presidential Leadership Council”: Efforts to reduce the Presidential Leadership Council’s members to a President (Rashad Al-Alimi) and a single deputy, coinciding with the official termination of the UAE’s role in the Saudi-led coalition.
Observers believe these moves clearly aim to end the STC’s military and political influence while re-establishing the authority of Rashad Al-Alimi in Aden under the protection of Saudi-aligned forces.
YPA