The Governor of Yemen’s Hadhramaut region Faraj Salmeen al-Bahsani stressed that ties with the Saudi-led Arab coalition will not end after the ongoing war is won, accusing Iran of attempting to destabilize his region through acts of sabotage. He acknowledged to Asharq Al-Awsat that some rallies had erupted in Mukalla in recent days in protest against poor services, such as electricity. “Protests are a legitimate right for the citizen … and we have taken major measures to tackle the situation,” he added. Some saboteurs have, however, taken advantage of the situation to create incitement, he noted. He explained: “On the first day of the protests, we dealt with the situation reasonably and protected the citizens. We then headed to the ground to speak with them, but were met with 15 to 18-year-old children who did not know what was happening and had set fire to some tires.” “Some disruptive powers are not happy with the stability achieved in Hadhramaut and have therefore sought to incite the youths,” taking advantage of their unemployment, Bahsani said. “These hostile powers have ties with Iran and we have tracked them down and arrested them,” he revealed. He said that telephone records confirm his claims. Asked if some saboteurs were seeking to disrupt services in Hadhramaut, he replied: “Yes, I have said this more than once. We are living in a state of war and terrorism.” “The Houthis resort to sabotage when they witness an example of stability, peace and development,” such as in Hadhramaut. “They want to incite the people and create tension,” charged Bahsani against the Iran-backed militias. Moreover, he stated that the government is not providing Hadhramaut with enough support, demanding that it assume its responsibilities concerning the electricity file. Addressing the fight against terrorism, Bahsani said that the region has set an example in tackling this issue, adding that the second anniversary of its defeat was celebrated in April. Asked to assess the ongoing battle for Hodeidah, he told Asharq Al-Awsat: “There is no doubt that the operation on the West coast and the advance on Saada are signs of the progress the legitimate forces have achieved.” “Should the militias lose Hodeidah, then they will lose everything,” he continued, explaining that they will then be cornered in mountainous regions and forced to surrender. Commenting on the post-war period, he stated that the unrest “created a new reality and the people can no longer return to old concepts or the old system.” “The issue of the South will be addressed and people will have to listen because that will lead to sustainable solutions for the future. Ignoring it will not favor stability in Yemen,” he remarked. “I believe that the members of the coalition realize this. The people of Yemen also understand that they must avoid the problems of the past that were a product of their collective oppression,” Bahsani added. Ties with the coalition will continue after the war because “we need development and a new economic Marshal plan in Yemen. Our security, military, economic, political and social ties will remain close and they will be guarantors for the stability of the new Yemen,” he emphasized.