Provocative appearance by Saudi-backed militia commander sparks anger in Mahra

MAHRA, June 17 (YPA) – The Saudi-backed “Dara Al-Watan” forces in Yemen’s eastern Mahra province, have announced the start of training for their second batch by the end of June, aiming to bolster their military presence in the region.

The factions have reportedly called on recruits from hardline Salafi groups, particularly those affiliated with the so-called Fifth and Sixth Brigades, to head to the Qishn training camp as part of efforts to expand control over various districts of the province.

Meanwhile, a photo of the group’s commander in Mahra, Salafi leader Abdullah bin Sudeif Al-Jadahi, dressed in a Saudi military uniform, has sparked widespread anger among local residents.

Activists in Mahra condemned Al-Jadahi’s appearance in a Saudi military uniform, saying it reflected a departure from Yemeni national identity and alignment with foreign agendas.

They warned that it showed support for Riyadh’s plan to build an oil pipeline through Mahra to the Arabian Sea via the port of Nishtun.

The Anti-Occupation Sit-in Committee opposed the deployment of the Saudi-backed “Dera Al-Watan” forces in Mahra, following Saudi Arabia’s closure of Al-Ghaydah Airport in late 2017 and turned it into a joint US-British military base. The committee’s head, Sheikh Ali Salem Al-Huraizi, had also asserted that Israeli occupation forces are present at the airport.

@E.Y.M