PNN – While Riyadh has begun recruiting forces to combat UAE-backed mercenaries in Al-Mahrah governorate, UAE-affiliated troops have announced that they have ceased cooperation with Riyadh’s agent in Yemen’s self-declared government.
According to the report of Pakistan News Network citing Yemen News website, Amid escalating tensions between Saudi and UAE proxy forces in southern Yemen, Riyadh has launched efforts to recruit a large number of paramilitary forces in Al-Mahrah, located in eastern Yemen.
According to Yemeni sources, the so-called “Homeland Shield” forces loyal to Saudi Arabia announced the start of recruitment across all areas of Al-Mahrah governorate.
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The report adds that the process of recruiting paramilitary personnel from among the youth of the governorate is being carried out through Homeland Shield representatives in local administrations of Al-Mahrah.
Yemen News noted that it appears Riyadh has initiated immediate measures to counter the expansion of UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) forces.
Meanwhile, the UAE-backed STC forces declared that they no longer recognize Rashad Al-Alimi, head of Yemen’s self-declared Presidential Council.
The council emphasized that Al-Alimi’s appointment is illegal, as he neither holds legitimate authority nor was elected by the people, and was appointed solely by Saudi Arabia in clear violation of Yemen’s sovereignty.
They stressed that they have ceased all cooperation with Al-Alimi and called on political parties loyal to Saudi Arabia to take similar action, prioritizing public interests over Riyadh’s agenda in Yemen.
Previously, the STC had removed images of Al-Alimi from all halls and offices of the Al-Mashiq Presidential Palace.