UAE-backed troopers likely behind targeting of 27 clerics in Yemen

YemenExtra

Y.A

The UAE is likely behind the killing of some 27 Islamic clerics who have been assassinated in Yemen over the past two year,the Washington Post said yesterday.

The assassinations, which are taking place in southern capital city of Aden, are occurring in areas where the UAE-backed   Southern Transitional Council (STC) works in an attempt to form an independent state which directly opposes internationally backed the fugitive former President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi.

All the clerics were killed by “drive-by shootings or killed near their mosques” added the Washington Post. As a survival strategy, the clerics have either fled Aden city, or restricted working hours in the mosques.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a US official stated some elements of the STC were likely behind the killings. “Islah is really facing heavy pressure in Aden and elsewhere, both politically and security-wise,” the official said. But Shalal Ali Shaiya, head of Aden’s security and an official within the STC batted off the claims, blaming the opposition Islah party for the killings.

Aden city, which was occupied by UK but now under the control of UAE, and the rest of the southern cities witness an insecurity situation that increased the assassinations of Imams of mosques and security and military leaderships

The province of Aden also witnesses a security fiasco that escalated with killings, looting issues , in addition to others that never happened before.

The UAE took control of Aden under the pretext of confronting the so –called “Houthis” , part of the Yemeni army forces and supported the establishment and formation of armed elements  there.

A few months ago, Emirati-backed forces were fighting and killing Saudi-backed forces in Aden. The south is moving towards outright autonomy The entrenchment of a war economy is another significant obstacle to peace.