Saudi Arabia issues stern warnings to Islah Party as influence near Bab al-Mandab is redrawn

TAIZ/LAHJ, Jan. 19 (YPA) – Military tensions have escalated in the Al-Hujariyah and Tur al-Baha regions in Taiz and Lahj provinces following stern warnings issued by the Saudi-backed “Dera Al-Watan” forces to the leadership of the 4th Mountain Infantry Brigade, affiliated with the Islah party.

The warnings demanded the immediate evacuation and handover of strategic military sites.

On the ground, the first battalions of the Dera Al-Watan have successfully deployed to the “Dhubhan” heights in the Al-Shamayatayn district in Taiz. These positions hold significant strategic value, overlooking the districts of Al-Wazi’iyah and Thubab.

This deployment serves as a precursor to securing the influx of additional troops toward the strategic Al-Hujariyah highlands, which overlook the coastlines near the Bab al-Mandab Strait. Under direct military pressure, the 4th Brigade factions were compelled to vacate several of their positions.

Strategic Dimensions and Objectives

Observers believe the Saudi-backed expansion toward the western heights of Taiz is directly aimed at reducing the influence of UAE-aligned factions stationed in the city of Mocha.

Analysts link these movements to the outcomes of the “Maritime Security Conference” held in Riyadh. It appears that international powers (the U.S. and UK) are seeking to delegate maritime security tasks to Saudi Arabia following the failure of Western coalitions to protect Israel-linked vessels from Yemeni military strikes launched in support of Gaza.

Strategic Disruption

The sudden expansion of the “Dera Al-Watan” forces has disrupted the calculations of the Islah party leadership in Taiz. This coincides with suspicious movements by UAE-backed “Tariq Saleh’s” factions, involving the transport of unidentified containers toward the Mocha Port over the past two weeks.

YPA