STC-affiliated factions reject Saudi-backed ‘Dera Al-Watan’ forces in Dhalea amid rising tensions

DHALEA, Aug. 05 (YPA) – Armed factions affiliated with the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) have expressed opposition to the deployment of the Saudi-backed “Dera Al-Watan” forces in Dhalea Governorate.

A formal memorandum detailing the rejection was submitted to Governor Ahmed Al-Qubba, coinciding with the arrival of two brigades of the Saudi-backed forces in Al-Hussain District.

The arrival has sparked military mobilization and growing apprehension among local residents over potential armed clashes. The unrest follows calls from STC supporters urging residents and shop owners to initiate strikes and commercial closures in protest against the deployment. STC-aligned activists justified the opposition by pointing out that the newly arrived forces are being deployed far from active frontlines, asserting that the move is aimed at establishing control over the district.

This escalation follows previous explicit rejections by the STC regarding the presence of Saudi-backed units in Dhalea, a key stronghold for the council. It also comes after remarks by Amr Al-Bidh, the STC President’s Special Envoy for Foreign Affairs, hinting at the potential deployment of southern armed forces against Saudi interests in southern and eastern Yemen.

YPA