UAE-backed militias control main strategic roads in Shabwa

SHABWA, July 3 (YPA) – The UAE-backed militias on Tuesday night controlled the strategic road linking between Shabwa and Marib provinces, eastern Yemen.

The so-called “Shabwaniya elite” militia backed by the UAE occupation have controlled the desert road in Dholaymin area of Markha district and deployed checkpoints along the road between the two provinces, sources reported.

“The control of the road linking between Shabwa and Marib is a great victory after controlling the oil-rich district of Markha,” said Saleh Ali Labhas, a field leader of the UAE-backed militia in Dholaymin area.

Labhas added that the deployment was part of the first phase of securing the area from what he called extremist elements, in reference of the militants loyal to the military leader of Islah Party Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar.

The move comes as a preliminary step toward separating Shabwa from Marib, as al-Ahmar’s forces are trying to impose their control over the oil fields and sources in Shabwa.

The withdrawal of the UAE occupation forces from Marib province controlled by Islah party came as a prelude to resolve the battle militarily in the province of Shabwa in the coming days.

YPA