Saudi Arabia sends military reinforcements, including 400 vehicles, to Shabwa

SHABWA, July 24 (YPA) -Saudi Arabia has deployed new forces reinforced with hundreds of military vehicles to Shabwa province in eastern Yemen, aiming to reclaim its presence since factions funded by the UAE seized control of the province at the end of 2021, Yemen Press Agency reported, citing sources.

According to the sources, Saudi Arabia sent a new batch of recruits  from Shabwa’s sons on Tuesday.

These troops had received military training as part of the “Dera Al-Watan” factions formed from Salafist groups at the Sharurah camp on the border with Yemen.

Sources indicated that the “Dera Al-Watan” factions arrived with nearly 400 military vehicles via the international road linking Shabwa to the Al-Wadiah border crossing with Saudi Arabia, amid expectations that they would head towards the Arin camp in the Arma district.

These new forces mark the second batch deployed since the first batch was sent from Aden in mid-December 2023.

Saudi Arabia reinforced its presence after withdrawing forces that had participated in expelling Islah party factions, coinciding with the removal of Governor Mohammed Saleh bin Adio. This led to Shabwa being handed over to UAE-backed factions brought in from Dhalea, Lahj, and the western coast.

Saudi Arabia is attempting to regain its presence in southern and eastern Yemeni provinces to balance against UAE-funded factions through the deployment of “Dera Al-Watan” factions established earlier this year by decision of the so-called ” Presidential Leadership Council.”

This council operates directly under supervision of the Saudi Commander of the so-called Joint Forces and Deputy Chief of the General Staff, First Lieutenant General Mutlaq bin Salem Al-Azima.

@E.Y.M