Socotra: Six military brigades announce their loyalty to the Southern Transitional Council

Five battalions of the army in Socotra Island, in South Yemen, of the 1st Marine Brigade, announced on Tuesday 14 March, their joining to the forces of the Southern Transitional Council, while a sixth battalion announced today, Thursday, its support as well.

Security officials in Socotra said to "south24" that the battalions belonging to the Transitional Forces are the 3rd Battalion, the Tank Battalion, the Air Defense Battalion, the Nojad Battalion, and the Military Police Battalion, in addition to the 1st Battalion in the Qalansiyah District.

The defection of these brigades comes after escalating tension on the island, which is run by the governor close to the Muslim Brotherhood in Yemen, Ramzi Mahrous.

The security forces of Mahrous had previously implemented a campaign of arrests of military leaders loyal to the Council, and deployed military vehicles in some areas of the island.

The Southern Transitional Council in Socotra warned of the continuation of the escalation process. He said he threatens peace and security on the island.

A statement attributed to Sheikhs and figures in Socotra called on Yemeni President Hadi to quickly dismiss the current governor, Ramzi Mahrous.