UAE-backed STC factions launch new military operation in Abyan

ABYAN, Dec. 13 (YPA) – The leadership of the factions affiliated with the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) announced on Friday evening the launch of a new military campaign called “Al-Hasm Operation” (Decisive Action) in Abyan governorate, southern Yemen.

The operation is aiming at ending the presence of Al-Qaeda elements loyal to the Islah party in the central areas of the governorate.

This operation comes as a continuation of “Siham Al-Sharq” operation, which was launched in August 2022, targeting terrorist elements spread in Modiyah district, where STC factions have been subjected to continuous attacks and ambushes since then.

Observers suggest that the announcement of “Al-Hasm Operation” operation might be a prelude to withdrawing STC factions from Hadramout and Mahra due to Saudi pressure on the UAE, especially since the announcement coincided with the arrival of a joint Emirati-Saudi military delegation in Aden.

YPA