Conflict for control between UAE-backed elite forces and al-Qaeda is approaching Shabwa oil fields

SHABWA, Jan.21 (YPA) –  Troops from the so-called Shabwanian elite militia were deployed in al-Aram area in  southwest of Shabwah Province, one of the province’s oil fields, and established checkpoints after al-Qaeda controlled the city of Mahfad and its intention to move towards the oilfields in the province, tribal sources told Yemen Press Agency.

According to the tribal sources, the militants of the “Shabwanian elite” were deployed on Saturday in the area of al-Aram, southwest of Shabwah province,  and backed by of the UAE occupation forces, in anticipation of a possible attack by al-Qaeda elements coming from the area of Mahfad near of al-Aram area.

The commander of the “Shabwanian elite” in Aizan center “Mohammed Bo Hor “ said the deployment of his militias in the area was part of the “UAE-backed elite forces ” plan to take control of all districts in Shabwa province completely.

The sources further revealed that al-Qaeda elements are approaching the occupied oil province of Shabwa after controlling a number of valleys and reefs in al-Mahadi district, including Wadi al-khialah area, which is close to the asphalt road that links the district with Abyan and Shabwa provinces.

E.M