In the wake of increasing tensions between Saudi Arabia and the forces of the Southern Transitional Council, supported by the United Arab Emirates, Saudi forces succeeded in removing Yemen’s second largest and most strategic military base in the oil-rich province of Shabwa from the control of the separatists.
According to reports, Saudi forces entered the city of Ataq, the capital of Shabwa province, on Saturday, as part of new security and military arrangements to regain Riyadh’s influence in the southern provinces of Yemen after the role of the Emirates and its separatist allies was reduced.
An informed Yemeni source confirmed to Arabi 21 that these forces entered the city in a limited manner and took over the strategic base of “Mura” in the west of Ataq.
The Marah base, which was previously under the control of forces affiliated with the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council, is the second largest military base in Yemen after Al-Anad Air Base in Lahj Governorate.
This move is considered part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to strengthen its presence in the southern and oil-rich regions of Yemen amid recent developments and the gradual withdrawal of Emirati forces.
