NYN | News
On Thursday, the United Arab Emirates began broad military movements along Yemen’s western coast, in a move aimed at supporting the commander of its allied factions, Tareq Saleh, amid rising tensions with Saudi Arabia over influence in strategic areas overlooking the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
Air Reinforcements to Strategic Locations
Maritime sources reported the arrival of Emirati military cargo aircraft in the city of Mokha, the Dhubab district, and Mayun Island, west of Taiz Governorate—an indication of heightened military readiness in the area.
Emirati Concerns Over a Saudi Move
According to private sources, these reinforcements come amid Emirati concerns over an imminent Saudi move to rearrange the military landscape in a way that would reduce Emirati influence on the western coast and on Socotra Island.
Official Statements on an Imminent Withdrawal
In this context, Independent Arabia quoted the information minister in the coalition-aligned government as saying that Saudi Arabia is finalizing arrangements to withdraw what remains of the Emirati presence on the western coast and in Socotra, expecting the withdrawal to be implemented within the coming hours.
Redistribution of Control on the Ground
For their part, informed sources revealed that Riyadh has instructed the Tihama brigades to take over Tareq Saleh’s positions on the western coast, following the completion of ending the Emirati military presence in those areas.
Background to the Escalation
According to sources, the Saudi move comes as a swift response to Tareq Saleh’s stance in which he announced support for moves aimed at toppling the influence of the Southern Transitional Council in the governorates of Hadramawt and Al-Mahrah and expelling Saudi-backed factions, before Riyadh regained its influence over the oil plateau earlier today.
