Tension escalates in Shabawh between Islah party’ militias, UAE-backed tribes

SHABWAH, Jan. 16 (YPA) – Tensions in Aqlah area in Shabwah province, eastern Yemen,  have intensified since Thursday, following clashes between the UAE militia and Islah party’ militants Party near an oil well.

“The signs of tension have reappeared more than ever, after armed men following the so-called 21st Infantry Brigade, led by Gahadl Hanesh Al-awlaqi, have been deployed in the vicinity of the oil field since yesterday,” al-Arabi said in a local source.

The sources said that the militants had been deployed under the pretext of “securing the passage of tankers to and from the oil field, while the movement of tankers transporting crude oil from the field of the mind to the port of Naima for export” ceased.

The sources added that the pro-UAE “Bel Eiad tribes” started a similar movement by deploying militants in the vicinity of the oil field, warning of violent confrontations at any moment.

According to Al-Arabi, in the past few days, the elite militias loyal to the UAE have supported tribal elements with arms and material. ”

The sources told al-Arabi that the elite justified its support by standing in the face of attempts to control the armed forces of Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar, on the oil sites in the province.

E.M