Pro-coalition Shabwa governor backs Saudi-aligned forces, weakening UAE influence

SHABWA, Jan. 06 (YPA) – The Emirati influence in Yemen’s southeastern province of Shabwa has suffered a major blow, following moves by local authorities to align more closely with Saudi-backed forces.

Shabwa governor Awad bin al-Wazir, who is considered aligned with the UAE-backed wing of the General People’s Congress, announced his support for Saudi military measures targeting the Emirati presence in the country.

Speaking at a meeting of the local authority, bin al-Wazir said he was committed to Saudi directives to hand over government facilities and military camps to the Saudi—backed Dera Al-Watan” Forces.

On Monday morning, the governor directed local authorities to remove the Southern Transitional Council (STC) flag and hoist the Yemeni national flag over the government building in Ataq, the provincial capital.

The developments come after a military convoy from the National Shield Forces moved from the Al-Wadea border crossing toward Shabwa, in preparation to assert control over the province in a manner similar to what occurred in Hadramout.

@E.Y.M