Yemen Monitor / Marib / Exclusive:
The Governor of Shabwah, Awadh Mohammed bin Al-Wazir, stated on Saturday that the governorate (eastern Yemen) does not object to the entry or deployment of the “Nation’s Shield” (Dir’ Al-Watan) forces within its territory. However, he maintained that the governorates of Aden and Hadramawt represent a “top priority” and have a more pressing need for these forces at the current time to normalize security conditions.
In an interview with Al-Hadath channel, monitored by “Yemen Monitor”, Bin Al-Wazir emphasized that Shabwah possesses a harmonious military and security system operating efficiently under the leadership of the local authority, making it currently in no need of additional reinforcements.
Responding to questions regarding the deployment of the “Nation’s Shield” forces, the Governor—who was previously aligned with the dissolved Southern Transitional Council (STC)—said: “In Shabwah Governorate, we do not object to any forces entering the province, but I believe there are other governorates in desperate need of these forces to normalize security, such as Hadramawt , Aden, and others.”
He added: “The existing forces from the ‘Shabwah Defense,’ ‘Al-Amaliqa’ (Giants Brigade), and security units are present and harmonious. We do not differentiate between the Nation’s Shield or others; any force that arrives is welcome under the supervision of the governorate’s leadership, just like previous forces. What matters to us is continuous coordination for the benefit of Shabwah. We complement one another.”
The Governor attributed the stability in Shabwah to the existence of a “Joint Operations Room” that includes all forces (Shabwah Defense, Al-Amaliqa, and Security), noting that all these formations take orders directly from the Governor. He noted that this cohesion is what spared the governorate from the “unrest” that occurred in other Yemeni regions over the past few days.
“We are in constant communication with the Coalition leadership, and we are keen to spare Shabwah from the destruction, looting, bloodshed, and decimation of forces that happened in other provinces,” he added.
On the military front, Bin Al-Wazir confirmed the steadfastness of the forces stationed on the front lines against the Houthis in Harib, Markha, and Bayhan. He stressed that political tensions have not affected the morale or readiness of the fighters in repelling any Houthi infiltration attempts.
He stated: “Shabwah Defense and Al-Amaliqa forces stationed on the borders are the ones protecting the governorate from these directions, and we are monitoring and coordinating in this regard.”
Regarding the Balhaf gas facility, the Governor described the situation there as “stable,” expressing hope that efforts will result in the full resumption of the port’s operations due to its strategic importance to the national economy.
Governor Bin Al-Wazir’s statements come amid a state of political and military anticipation in the southern provinces, especially as units of the “Nation’s Shield” forces (formed by presidential decree with Saudi support) begin deploying in Aden, Hadramawt, and Al-Mahra.
