Shabwa commander pledges loyalty to STC leader, challenges Saudi representative in Ataq
SHABWA, May 06 (YPA) – A commander of the so-called “Ground Forces” factions in Shabwah Governorate has officially declared his defiance of the Saudi military representative in the city of Ataq, Muslih Al-Otaibi, in a move described as the first openly declared military rebellion against Riyadh-led restructuring efforts targeting factions of the dissolved Southern Transitional Council (STC).
This came in the form of a congratulatory message sent by Bakil Al-Ka’louli Al-Subaihi, commander of the “Ground Forces” in Shabwah and leader of the “Fifth Infantry Brigade,” to Aidarus Al-Zubaidi.
The message marked the ninth anniversary of the STC’s establishment on May 4, 2017, with support and funding from the United Arab Emirates. The move sparked anger among leaders and activists affiliated with the Islah Party in recent hours.
In his message, Al-Subaihi owed loyalty and allegiance to Al-Zubaidi, referring to him as the “supreme commander,” while ignoring Rashad Al-Alimi, who is backed by Saudi Arabia. Observers described this as a serious challenge to Al-Otaibi, who oversees the security and military file in Shabwa.
STC-affiliated media reported that Al-Subaihi placed his forces in Shabwa on high alert, declaring readiness to carry out any military directives issued by Al-Zubaidi.
He described the current moment as a “historic and decisive phase,” which analysts interpreted as an explicit declaration of disengagement from coordination with Saudi forces based in Ataq.
The development follows Al-Subaihi’s recent takeover of a military camp in Azzan, after the previous commander, Aseel Ba rasheed, reportedly fled with his troops amid orders for his arrest over alleged insubordination. Ba rasheed had previously refused to hand over the camp since March.
The rebellion highlights ongoing challenges facing Saudi Arabia’s plan to unify and restructure STC-aligned forces under a centralized command.
They warn the tensions could escalate into confrontations in Shabwa and other southern areas, including Aden, particularly as UAE-backed factions continue to assert the leadership of Al-Zubaidi in defiance of Saudi-backed authorities.
@E.Y.M