Yemeni separatists merge with government-aligned troops

The Southern Transitional Council (STC) has announced the commencement of integrating its fighters into the pro-government “Homeland Shield” forces, STC spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Al-Naqeeb stated.

“Based on our commitment to the success of the coalition brothers’ efforts, and to preserve the achievements in ensuring security across the entire territory of our dear southern homeland, today the process of integrating our colleagues into the ‘Homeland Shield’ forces has begun, to carry out the duties and missions assigned to our armed forces, side by side with their brothers from all units of our southern armed forces,” Al-Naqeeb said in a statement broadcast by AIC television.

He added that the first brigade of the “Homeland Shield” forces has already been redeployed to the Thamud district in Hadramaut province. The transfer of positions to pro-government forces is expected in the near future in the Rama area, as well as at selected facilities in Hadramaut and al-Mahra provinces.

Hadramout’s governor, Salem al-Khanbashi, said the STC’s response to official demands for a withdrawal had been limited.

Speaking to Al Jazeera Arabic, he urged the separatists to pull their forces out of Hadramout and return them to their original positions. He said he wanted to avoid bloodshed and warned that continued defiance risked plunging the province into violence.

On December 30, the Saudi-led coalition announced air strikes on weapons and military vehicles after they arrived at the port of Mukalla on two ships from Fujairah. Mukalla is under STC control.

Saudi Arabia said its national security was a “red line” and accused the UAE of sending the military equipment to the STC as its troops gain territory in Hadramout and al-Mahra.

Abu Dhabi rejected the accusation. The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the claims as “allegations” but later announced the end of the remaining missions of its “counterterrorism” teams in Yemen.

By Vafa Guliyeva