UAE-backed forces in Yemen release Turkish charity convoy and Deputy Governor

An armed group in Yemen backed by the UAE has released the Deputy Governor of Tai’iz and a Turkish charity convoy, Al Masdar has reported.

Mohammed Abdulaziz Al-Sanawi and five aid trucks operated by the Turkish Red Crescent were captured by Security Belt Forces on Sunday evening in the southern Yemeni province of Lahj. They were released a few hours later following the intervention of Yemeni officials.

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The Security Belt Forces operate in southern Yemen, where the UAE backs a newly-formed Southern Transitional Council. The militia has been accused by investigative journalists and human rights organisations of the torture and ill-treatment of southern Yemenis who are in the custody of the group.