NYN | News
The governorate of Shabwa in eastern Yemen is witnessing unprecedented military activity, as joint training exercises involving U.S. and Emirati forces have begun, with the participation of local and foreign factions amid extensive reinforcement of military infrastructure in the oil-rich region.
International reports stated that American and Emirati officers have started training local fighters and Colombian mercenaries on the use of suicide drones, describing the ongoing activities as “unusual.”
The reports explained that what is known as the “UAE–U.S. Committee” is assessing local factions such as the Giants Brigades, Shabwa Defense, and Saba Axis, all of which are formations loyal to and supported by Abu Dhabi.
The reports also noted that the UAE has established drone control centers at Ataq Airport, in addition to dormitories and underground shelters currently used for training purposes, along with air-defense–related infrastructure.
Abu Dhabi has additionally contracted with two companies—A4SI, based in Panama, and GSSG Security Services—to transport former Colombian soldiers to the governorate with salaries reaching around $3,500, according to the sources, who pointed out that many of these soldiers previously participated in international operations in Africa, most notably in Sudan.
The nature of these new developments remains unclear, whether they fall within a plan for security escalation in Yemen or are part of the regional and international struggle over oil and gas areas in the country’s east.
