YEMEN Press Agency

STC takes over Al-Rayyan Airport

HADRAMOUT, Jan. 01 (YPA) – Armed factions affiliated with the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) stormed Al-Rayyan Airport in the city of Mukalla on Thursday evening, seizing control of the facility and looting dozens of warehouses, according to local sources.

The takeover followed intense clashes with Saudi-backed “Hadrami Elite” forces, who were ultimately expelled from their positions.

Activist and journalist Sabri bin Makhashen wrote on X that STC factions “looted dozens of warehouses at Al-Rayyan Airport” and expelled “Hadrami Elite” units from the site after armed confrontations.

He added that Saudi aircraft spotted flying overhead in support of the Hadrami forces during the fighting.

bin Makhashen also reported that STC forces carried out arrest campaign against fighters and commanders of the Hadrami Elite, as sporadic gun battles continued in and around the airport.

According to the sources, the Hadrami Elite forces accused Brig. Gen. Talib Barjash and Brig. Gen. Faisal Badais of handing the airport over to the STC, holding them responsible for the handover.

They described the move as “high treason,” warning of tough measures to confront what they called a “military coup” against Hadramout authorities.

 

@E.Y.M

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