Presence of Al-Qaeda elements within Saudi-backed factions threatens navigation safety in Bab al-Mandab

SANAA, Sept. 15 (YPA) – A video clip newly obtained by the “Yemeni Press Agency” shows masked armed elements affiliated with Al-Qaeda positioned alongside Saudi-backed factions on the frontlines against Sanaa forces in the Al-Madharebah and Ras Al-Arah district, west of Lahj Governorate.

In the footage, a spokesperson for the group confirmed their presence on the frontlines under the command of Abdulrahman Al-Lahji, a former Al-Qaeda leader appointed by Saudi Arabia to lead the “Dera Al-Watan” forces, alongside Hamdi Shukri, a radical Salafi leader appointed commander of the so-called “Fourth Region.”

The spokesperson, appearing beside Saudi military vehicles and armored personnel carriers, also disclosed ties to extremist groups in Syria, expressing gratitude for their support and stance.

The deployment of these elements by Saudi Arabia from Hadramout, Abyan, Shabwa, and Marib governorates to Lahj comes as an attempt to regain control over the coastline overlooking the Bab al-Mandab Strait, following the military control established over the area by Sanaa forces last week—raising serious concerns regarding the safety and security of maritime navigation in the region.

YPA