Saudi shift in southern Yemen puts UAE-backed Al-Amaliqa forces at risk
SANAA, Jan. 28 (YPA) – Accelerated developments in recent days suggest that Saudi Arabia, the leader of the military coalition in Yemen, has effectively begun reshaping the military landscape in the southern and eastern provinces under its control.
This trajectory could lead to the downsizing or gradual dismantling of the UAE-backed Al-Amaliqa forces led by Abu Zarah Al-Muharimi, despite the group’s declared loyalty to Riyadh during battles that culminated in the sidelining of the UAE and the dissolution of its armed wing, the UAE-funded Southern Transitional Council (STC), following its military defeat.
Beginning of the Shift
The first clear indication of this shift emerged with the withdrawal of the Al-Amaliqa forces from the city of Aden.
Since the beginning of the week, Aden has witnessed a series of notable military changes, most prominently the handover of camps previously controlled by the Giants—chief among them Jabal Hadid Camp—to the so-called “National Security Forces,” the new designation for the former Security Belt forces after changes to their insignia and political affiliations previously linked to the STC.
Southern media outlets quoted Brig. Gen. Abu Khalid Al-Turki, Chief of Staff of the Al-Amaliqa Third Division, as saying that the evacuation of Jabal Hadid Camp represents the first phase of an approved plan to eliminate what were described as “armed manifestations” in Aden, under the direct supervision of the Saudi-led coalition.
While the move has been promoted as a security measure aimed at stabilizing the city, observers argue that this explanation falls short of justifying the removal of a force as significant as the Al-Amaliqa from Aden, raising questions about the deeper motives behind the decision.
Erosion of Trust
According to analysts, the move reflected growing Saudi distrust toward the Al-Amaliqa forces, which originated and were previously funded by the UAE—Riyadh’s former partner in the war on Yemen—even though the group later declared allegiance to Saudi Arabia.
They contend that Riyadh is seeking to eliminate all military formations perceived as aligned with Abu Dhabi in southern and eastern Yemen, including the Al-Amaliqa, as part of a broader effort to reengineer its military and security apparatus free from Emirati influence.
Mysterious Death Rekindles Suspicions
The withdrawal of the Al-Amaliqa forces from Aden coincided with a controversial incident: the death of Brig. Gen. Abdullah Al-Jaid, known as “Abu Saleh,” commander of the 31st Giants Brigade, inside Saudi territory.
Although authorities announced that Al-Jaid died in a traffic accident, the absence of detailed official information regarding the location and circumstances of the incident fueled speculation—particularly given the sensitive timing—prompting some to suggest the possibility of foul play.
The incident also revived attention to a recent assassination attempt targeting Giants commander Hamdi Shoukry in Aden.
Some observers viewed the attempt as part of a broader pattern aimed at sidelining prominent UAE-linked military figures who could obstruct Saudi plans to restructure military and political influence in southern and eastern Yemen.
A First Step Toward Dismantlement?
Observers believed that the removal of the Al-Amaliqa Forces from Aden is unlikely to be an isolated action, but rather the first step in a comprehensive process aimed at radically restructuring the force—potentially leading to its dissolution or the removal of its most influential leaders.
This comes amid sweeping changes in Yemen’s southern and eastern provinces, which resulted in the expulsion of the UAE, the defeat of its armed proxy the STC, and the announcement of its dissolution—leaving the Giants forces as the last major military formation perceived to be aligned with Abu Dhabi and targeted for neutralization by Riyadh.
Conclusion
Taken together—the withdrawal of the Giants from Aden, the mysterious death of a senior commander, and attempts to target other leaders—these developments form a coherent picture of a gradual dismantling of the Al-Amaliqa forces, as Saudi Arabia moves to consolidate full control over military decision-making in southern Yemen under its influence.
AA