Shift in balance of power in Hadramout: Riyadh terminates “Emergency” forces’ role in favor of “Dera Al-Watan” in Sayoun

SAYOUN, June 10 (YPA) – Tensions have escalated between Saudi-backed factions in the districts of Hadramout governorate in eastern Yemen, amid reports of a decision by Riyadh to terminate the role of the “Emergency” factions in the region and relocate them to Aden and Shabwa, while granting the “Dera Al-Watan” forces broad powers for field control.

Details of Saudi Intervention and Defusing Tensions

The commander of Saudi forces in Sayoun, “Mohammad Al-Balawi,” intervened to lift the blockade imposed by the “Emergency” factions, which aimed to prevent the deployment of the “Dera Al-Watan” (whose leadership is assigned to extremist Salafi elements).

Saudi directives ordered the deployment of the “Dera Al-Watan” across all main entrances, exits, and streets of Sayoun as a preemptive measure to thwart any popular protest rallies.

Friction peaked after “Dera Al-Watan” elements raised the flag of the “dissolved” Southern Transitional Council (STC) over the gate of the “First Military Region” (led by the Salafi “Fahd Bamoamen”), triggering threats of a storming by certain “Emergency” leaders who reject the relocation order.

Context of the Conflict and Influence

Notably, the Saudi-funded “Emergency” and “Dera Al-Watan” factions seized control of the Hadramout valley and desert districts last December, following Saudi airstrikes that targeted the UAE-backed factions of the “dissolved” STC in the Al-Abar, Sayoun, and Barshid camps, following their incursion into the Hadramout and Mahra governorates.

These events culminated in Saudi Arabia terminating the UAE’s role in the war coalition on Yemen, dissolving the STC, and dismissing its president, “Aidarous Al-Zubaidi,” from the “Presidential Leadership Council” on charges of treason, leading to his flight to Abu Dhabi early last January.

YPA