The Year of Shabwa Elites

For years, and until only one year ago, Shabwa suffered a catastrophic security loose. Roads linking Etq, the governorate’s capital, to Al-Makla and Al-Wadeea crossing were crime scenes for daily robberies and endless suffering of passengers. Azzan, Al-Houta, Yashbam and Al-Musainea were strongholds for terrorist groups even that Azzan was declared an emirate under Al-Qaeda. Al-Runda of Bihan was storage ground for smuggling drugs and African migrants. Tribal revenges disrupted citizens’ security to the degree that no sigle week could pass without at least one killing incident for revenge or minor conflicts.
On August 3rd, 2017, when Shabwa Elites troops were deployed in the directorates, represented a qualitative leap of security and development as it had a positive effect on citizens’ lives. These are examples of what the troops achieved in one year:
• Controlling directorates of Radoum, Maifaa, Al-Rouda, Habban, Gardan, Armaa. Dahar and Al-Talh.
• Securing passengers on Al-Obar – Etq and Al-Makla – Etq roads
• Eliminating drug dealing
• Full control over Al-Houta, the major stronghold of Al-Qaeda (no other military troops entered Al-Houta since 2010).
• Arresting tens of terrorists, robbers and drug dealers
• Activating ban of arms 100% in a very short time (no such decisions were active since the union).
• Full control over Etq exits
• Full control over Al-Saeed directorate, including Yashbam and Al-Musainea (no other military troops entered it since the union except for Al-Houthis for a few hours before being expelled).
• Full elimination of security miss leading to revenge incidents.
• Trade was affected positively and markets became more active
• Stable security situation enabled UAE Red Crescent and other humanitarian aids organizations to work effectively without fear.
The only remaining request of Shabwa citizens is that Shabwa Elites to be deployed in Etq to control it and continue deployment in other directorates to keep security.