Military source reveals details of ‘First Military Region’ handover to STC forces in Hadramout

HADRAMOUT, Dec. 04 (YPA) – A high-ranking military source within the command of “the First Military Region” in Hadramout governorate revealed on Wednesday details regarding the control exerted by the  UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) forces over the region’s headquarters and deployment areas in Hadramout.

The source described the event as a “handover and takeover” operation following limited and nominal clashes.

He indicated that the commander of the military region, Major General Saleh Al-Ja’imalani, and the region’s command attempted to contact Minister of Defense in the government loyal to the Saudi-led coalition, Mohsen Al-Daari, and the head of the Presidential Leadership Council, Rashad Al-Alimi, to inform them of the developments, but they “refused to respond.”

The source added that the region’s command had not received any military orders to mobilize or resist, and felt that everyone had abandoned the region, leaving it as “prey” for the STC forces.

The source explained that the forces of the First Military Region, shortly after beginning engagement, discovered they were “leaderless” following the disappearance of the region’s command as battles erupted near Sayoun city, prompting the troops to surrender their camps and positions “without a fight.”

The source also noted that the Saudi-backed “Dera Al-Watan” factions refused to fight against the STC forces.

YPA