Second military rebellion hits Saudi-backed “Dera Al-Watan” forces in Hadramout

HADRAMOUT, Sept. 22 (YPA) — A second military rebellion has erupted within hours among the Saudi-backed “Dera Al-Watan” forces in Yemen’s eastern Hadramout province, local sources reported on Tuesday.

Taha Khabah, a battalion commander in the Second “Dera Al-Watan” Brigade based in Seiyun, refused orders on Sunday to deploy his troops to Saudi-led frontlines against Sanaa forces in neighboring Jawf province.

In response, the Salafi-led command of the faction dismissed Khabah, referred him for investigation, and appointed a new commander for the brigade.

The refusal follows a similar rebellion on Saturday by Samir Bajrad, chief of staff of the Sixth “Dera Al-Watan” Brigade in Al-Qatn, who also declined orders to join the Jawf offensives after recent clashes left dozens of local Hadramout recruits dead or wounded.

Local sources said Hadrami recruits are facing mounting pressure and accusations of loyalty to Sanaa from Saudi-appointed Salafi commanders.

Meanwhile, local tribal leaders have called for the immediate withdrawal of their sons, arguing that confrontations in the deserts of Jawf and Marib do not serve Hadramout’s interests.

@E.Y.M