Yemeni army expels military rebellion leaders in Socotra

By Abdallah Ahmed

ADEN, Yemen (AA) - The Yemeni army said it dismissed military commanders in Socotra archipelago over alleged insurgency in favor of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), supported by the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

In a statement on late Tuesday, the army said "the coast guard regiment announced insurgency against the legitimacy of President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi and joining the Southern Transitional Council."

The statement also said a military meeting was held in presence of representatives of the Arab Coalition to address the insurgency.

It also added that the army decided to dismiss the commander of the coast guard regiment as a first step to end insurgency.

On Tuesday, Ramzi Mahrous, the governor of Socotra, accused the UAE of backing an insurgency in the island against the legitimate government for the interest of the STC.

*Ahmed Asmar contributed to this report from Ankara.