Military mutiny reported in Aden’s “Fourth Region” over restructuring directives

ADEN, July 15 (YPA) – A widespread military mutiny has broken out within the command of the “Fourth Military Region” in Aden against the Minister of Defense, Taher Al-Aqili, following directives to suspend the Riyadh-appointed regional commander, Hamdi Shukri, along with several other faction leaders, informed sources reported.

According to the sources, the suspension orders target commanders of the Giants Brigades (Al-Amaliqa), the Nation’s Shield (Dera Al-Watan), and the Southern Land Forces. The mutiny comes in rejection of a proposed “integration and restructuring” process and efforts to appoint commanders loyal to the Islah party.

The sources stated that the restructuring plan aims to relocate factions loyal to the UAE-backed “dissolved” Southern Transitional Council (STC) out of Aden to the frontlines facing Sanaa forces, amid accusations of coordination between STC leadership and Sanaa against Saudi Arabia.

Furthermore, the sources indicated that Al-Aqili’s proposals are backed by the Saudi Special Committee, which is reportedly exerting pressure on Abdul Rahman Al-Mahrami and other Southern leaders currently under house arrest in Riyadh to forcibly mobilize these factions to the frontlines. Dissenting commanders have reportedly been threatened with the suspension of financial allocations and potential airstrikes under charges of “rebellion.”

This escalation follows recent statements by STC-aligned forces denying participation in any imminent military operations against Sanaa. It also coincides with the STC launching popular protests demanding an end to Saudi presence and influence in southern Yemen.

YPA