Aden: A battalion of Sudanese troops arrived in Yemen’s southern port city of Aden on Saturday, military officials said, bolstering Saudi-led Arab forces making major advances against the Iran-backed Al Houthis while also checking the growing presence of Islamist militants.
Aden, a strategic port and shipping hub, became the seat of the Yemeni government earlier this year after the Al Houthis, a militia from northern Yemen, seized the capital Sana’a and forced President Abd Rabbo Mansour Hadi to flee to the south.
A military source in Aden said that 300 Sudanese soldiers and officers arrived by sea on Saturday. Their purpose was to “help maintain security for the city against Al Houthis and Saleh”, the source said, referring to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh, whose supporters have sided with the Al Houthis.
The Al Masdar news website however reported that about 700 Sudanese soldiers had arrived in Yemen.
Abdullah Hamoud, a witness and resident, said by phone that he saw Sudanese troops in armoured and military vehicles driving in the city.
Hadi went into exile in Saudi Arabia as the Al Houthis advanced towards Aden in March.
Prime Minister Khalid Bahah returned from exile after anti-Al Houthi fighters, backed by the Arab coalition, drove Al Houthis and their allies out of the city in July.
Islamist militant suicide bombers killed 15 people in attacks on the Yemeni government’s headquarters and Arab coalition outposts in Aden on October 6.
“Our troops in Yemen are ready to do their military task under the command of the alliance military leadership,” Sudanese army spokesperson Brigadier General Ahmad Khalifa Al Shami said.
“Sudan is committed to restore legitimacy in Yemen.”
The security situation in Aden has remained a concern as residents report that armed men, including Islamist militants linked to Al Qaida, roam the streets.
The Arab coalition says its aim is to restore Hadi’s government to power in Yemen. At least 5,400 people have died since an air offensive was launched against the Al Houthis in March.
The Arab coalition spokesperson confirmed the arrival of the Sudanese troops to Arab television channels. They will join contingents from the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain on the ground.
Hadi loyalists, backed by Arab forces, recently made some gains in the strategic Bab Al Mandab strait and in Marib, a province east of Sana’a and home to much of Yemen’s oil wealth.
At least 18 Al Houthi fighters and Saleh loyalists were killed in air strikes overnight on Taiz province, south of Sana’a, medics said. The ancient port of Al Mokha and the provincial capital were among the targets, they said.
— With inputs from Bloomberg
