Bloody clashes erupt between pro-UAE factions at western entrance to Aden

LAHJ, Aug. 08 (YPA) – Clashes erupted on Friday between pro-UAE factions in Lahj province at the western entrance to Aden city, southern Yemen.

The clashes erupted between forces from “the Second Brigade,” led by Hamdi Shukri al-Subaihi, and “the Ninth Brigade,” led by Farouk al-Ka’luli al-Subaihi, in the Ras Amran area on the coastal road between Aden and Mocha city. The clashes occurred after al-Ka’luli refused to carry out orders from president of the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC), Aidarous al-Zubaidi.

Tensions arose due to al-Ka’luli’s refusal to hand over the brigade’s equipment following his defection and dismissal. Al-Zubaidi took measures to contain the situation by assigning Shukri to quell what was described as a rebellion.

The clashes involved the use of heavy and medium weapons amid violent explosions, while the Second Brigade forces seized control of military positions and equipment belonging to the Ninth Brigade.

The conflict escalated after al-Zubaidi appointed Bakil Aidarous al-Subaihi as commander of the Ninth Brigade, replacing al-Ka’luli, who rejected the decision and considered it a conspiracy aimed at controlling al-Sabaiha.

Last year, Al-Ka’luli accused Al-Zubaidi of replacing his forces with factions from Al-Dhalea’ and Yafa’a to strengthen the UAE’s influence on the coast and prevent the expansion of Saudi-funded factions. 

YPA