Dispute over Saudi-funded allowances sparks protests among factions in Yemen’s Shabwa

SHABWA, Aug. 21 (YPA) – Financial allowances disbursed in Saudi Riyals have triggered widespread protests among recruits of Riyadh-aligned factions stationed at the “Ataq Axis” in Yemen’s southeastern Shabwa Governorate.

The Saudi military leadership excluded recruits of the Ataq Axis from receiving the cash incentive—locally referred to as the “Ikramiya” (grant)—in Saudi Riyals, while distributing it to factions affiliated with the Islah Party in Marib Governorate.

Local sources reported that the excluded recruits explicitly threatened military escalation against the Saudi leadership stationed in Ataq if their financial demands are not met.

Protesting recruits in Ataq stated that the Saudi-currency grants were distributed earlier this month to forces in the Third, Sixth, and Seventh Military Regions aligned with the Islah Party in Marib. However, the Ataq Axis units were excluded, despite being administratively subordinate to the Third Military Region—a move they condemned as blatant and unjustified discrimination.

The demonstrators demanded immediate parity with other factions and the prompt disbursement of their full dues in Saudi Riyals. They stressed that the withholding of their financial entitlements is no longer acceptable and will not be open to compromise or delay under any circumstances.

The recruits further reiterated their threats to pursue on-the-ground escalatory measures against Saudi military commanders in Ataq if their demands remain unaddressed.

YPA