The London-based al-Hayat daily on Monday wrote citing sources in the popular resistance forces saying Arab coalition forces airlifted up to 3,000 soldiers in the Alab Riqe near the Aden oil refinery. These soldiers were mainly from the United Arab Emirates.
Al-Hayat added these measures are aimed at increasing control over all of Aden Province, and also one of the rapid measures to liberate remaining Yemen cities currently controlled by Houthi militias and forces loyal to Ali Abdullah Salah, the ousted president of Yemen. Coalition forces also airlifted advanced military equipment for resistance forces and troops loyal to the government, including armored vehicles, tanks and armored personnel carriers.
The Yemen government spokesman also told al-Hayat the main purpose of sending soldiers is to provide security for Aden to turn the city into the first base where Yemen President Abed Raboo Mansour Hadi will be stationed and form his government.