STC forces target, besiege Saudi-backed defense minister’s convoy in Dhalea before tribal mediation

DHALEA, Sept. 09 (YPA) – The UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) factions targeted the convoy of Tahir Al-Aqili, the defense minister in the Saudi-backed government, on Wednesday in Dhalea Governorate as he was en route to visit military camps of Saudi-backed forces in the region.

Local sources reported that STC factions utilized light and heavy weaponry, alongside drones, during the attack. The strike disabled a vehicle in the convoy and led to the detention of several officers and escorts.

Following the assault, the minister’s convoy took refuge inside the “Abood” military camp, which was subsequently placed under siege by the factions. The STC forces demanded Al-Aqili surrender himself in exchange for the release of former Defense Minister Mohsen Al-Daeri, currently detained in Saudi Arabia.

A tribal mediation successfully lifted the siege, allowing Al-Aqili to depart under the condition that he refrain from future visits to Dhalea to prevent armed conflict in the governorate. The resolution followed Saudi threats of direct military intervention.

Observers note that the incident highlights the Ministry of Defense’s lack of control over southern and eastern Yemen, casting uncertainty over the status of Saudi-backed factions in the region.

YPA