Military mutiny erupts in Saudi-backed “159th Brigade” in Marib

MARIB, Oct. 27 (YPA) – Informed sources have revealed a military mutiny within the ranks of a Saudi-backed brigade operating under the Islah Party-controlled “Third Military Region” on the Marib front.

According to the sources, Abdulhakim Abdulrabb Al-Shaddadi, commander of the 159th Brigade, rejected a decision by the commander of the Third Region, Mansour Thawabeh, to oust him and appoint a new commander for the brigade.

The decision to depose Al-Shaddadi has sparked discontent among members of the Al-Abdiyah tribes serving within the Saudi-backed brigade, who reportedly refused to accept his replacement under any circumstances.

Sources added that Sagheer bin Aziz, acting as Chief of Staff, ordered a halt to supplies reaching positions held by Al-Abdiyah recruits in the 159th Brigade. This step was described as a penalty for what Bin Aziz characterized as a “rebellion” and a refusal to abide by Commander Thawabeh’s directive.

Commanders within the 159th Brigade characterized Bin Aziz’s actions as “betrayal,” noting that Brigade Commander Abdulhakim is the son of Abdulrabb Al-Shaddadi—the former commander of the Third Military Region who was killed in action on the Serwah front in 2016, a period during which Bin Aziz was fighting alongside Sanaa forces.

The sources noted that Bin Aziz, who belongs to the General People’s Congress (GPC) party, is systematically removing several leaders originating from Marib as well as those who were instrumental in founding the brigades, replacing them with figures close to him in coordination with regional commanders in Marib.

They further stated that Bin Aziz is carrying out systematic changes and purges targeting veteran commanders in the so-called “Al-Soqor Brigade” and the “Third Brigade,” directly marginalizing figures for undisclosed reasons.

YPA