Homeland Shield: STC forces withdrew from Yemen’s al-Mahra after handing over weapons

The Homeland Shield Forces said Tuesday that units affiliated with Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council (STC) have handed over military vehicles and heavy weapons in al-Mahra governorate, adding that around 300 STC fighters were transported by bus to the city of Aden.

The forces said the withdrawal was carried out via a secure route and with the necessary coordination, as part of measures aimed at strengthening stability and maintaining security in the governorate.

Local authorities in al-Mahra confirmed on Monday evening that the operation to take full control of all military camps had been successfully completed by the Homeland Shield Forces.

The Homeland Shield Forces had announced on Saturday that they had taken control of al-Mahra and secured the governorate.

The development came after STC forces withdrew from key positions in the province, amid regional and international moves to push forward a dialogue process.

It also follows the continued pullback of STC forces from most areas of Hadramout governorate, after violent clashes that erupted on Friday.