Who is ‘Abu Zaraa’ al-Mahrami, the man tasked with overseeing Aden’s security?

The Homeland Shield forces on Wednesday tasked Vice President of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) Abdulrahman al-Mahrami, known as Abu Zaraa, to impose security, prevent clashes, protect civilians and property.

The move came after the head of the STC, Aidarus al-Zubaidi fled to an unknown location, according to the Saudi-led coalition.

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Here’s what we know about Abu Zara’a:

Who is Abdulrahman ‘Abu Zara’a’ al-Mahrami?

Abu Zaraa al-Mahrami, whose full name is Abdulrahman bin Zaraa al-Mahrami, is a senior military commander and a member of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council.

Born in 1980 in the Yafa’a region of Abyan province in southern Yemen, he rose to prominence during Yemen’s war through his leadership of the Southern Giants Brigades. The forces played a key role in fighting the Houthis and regaining control of strategic areas along the western coast and in Shabwa.

In April 2022, al-Mahrami was appointed a member of the Presidential Leadership Council following the transfer of power from former President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi.

He has also reportedly served as vice president of the Southern Transitional Council since May 2023.

Al-Mahrami is known for his hardline stance against terrorism and his role in strengthening security in Aden and other liberated areas. He has represented Yemen at several regional meetings, most recently holding talks in Riyadh with Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman to discuss political and security developments in the country.

Coalition statement

The developments come after the Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognized government said earlier on Wednesday that al-Zubaidi had fled to an unknown location without informing members of the Southern Transitional Council.

The coalition said al-Zubaidi had previously notified Saudi Arabia of his participation in a comprehensive southern Yemeni dialogue conference in Riyadh.

It added that al-Zubaidi had mobilized a large force, including armored vehicles, combat vehicles, and heavy and light weapons, from the Hadid and al-Sulban camps toward al- Dhalea around midnight.

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