STC accuses Saudi Arabia of moving to strip Its forces of weapons

HADEAMOUT, April 14 (YPA) – The “dissolved” Southern Transitional Council (STC), backed by the UAE, said on Tuesday that Saudi Arabia is intensifying efforts to dismantle its armed factions and strip them of heavy weaponry.

During a meeting in Hadramout chaired by Ali Al-Jafri, the STC’s local executive body accused Riyadh of seeking to weaken the “Hadrami Elite Forces” and integrate them into other security formations with limited capabilities.

The body described the measures as a “conspiracy” aimed at undermining the defensive strength of forces affiliated with the council, warning against plans to assign security responsibilities in Hadramout to externally backed groups.

It also cautioned over recent developments, including a reported arrest order against acting secretary-general Wadah Al-Halimi, describing the step as provocative and warning of potential public backlash in southern regions.

AA