Saudi Arabia plans to establish military base in Mukalla

HADRAMOUT, Aug. 29 (YPA) – Saudi Arabia is planning to establish a military base near Al-Rayyan airport in the city of Mukalla, the center of the oil-rich province of Hadramout in eastern Yemen.

Political sources familiar with the matter said this plan would be carried out by acquiring large areas of land through a Saudi businessman of Hadrami origins.

“Dozens of residents of Al-Rayyan area confronted the process of encroaching on their lands, which is carried out by force of arms without any interference by the local authorities loyal to Saudi Arabia,” the sources added.

It indicated that the citizens set up a camp for the protest rallies and raised banners denouncing the looting of lands, accusing the UAE-funded governor of Hadramout, Mabkhout bin Madi, of standing behind the looting process.

The residents called on all members of society to stand united in defending their property.

The UAE has imposed control over Al-Rayyan Civil Airport and converted it for 2016 into a joint military base with the US forces.

AA