Leaked document reveals handover of weapons from “Fourth Brigade” to Al-Qaeda

SHABWA, May 03 (YPA) –A leaked document from the “Joint Operations Command” of the forces loyal to Saudi Arabia has revealed a new scandal involving the indirect support and financing of terrorist elements through weapons and military equipment.

The document revealed a widespread looting operation carried out by elements of the terrorist organization Al-Qaeda, who seized weapons and military vehicles, following the sudden withdrawal of recruits from the Fourth Infantry Brigade in the city of Azzan in Shabwa. The withdrawal came after alleged threats by the Saudi military commander based in Ataq, Mislah Al-Otaibi, to bomb the brigade.

According to the document, The Saudi threat caused Fourth Brigade recruits to abandon their positions at dawn, leaving a security gap that facilitated an organized raid on the brigade’s weapons depots by Al-Qaeda-linked elements.

The group is said to have taken a number of heavy weapons and military vehicles before the camp was retaken hours later by forces sent under Al-Otaibi’s command.

The document outlined smuggling routes used to transport looted weapons and military vehicles from the brigade’s depots in Azzan toward Ramat in Al-Mahra, then back through the Al-Abr road toward Marib.

It described Marib as a key corridor linking these provinces to Al-Wadi district east of Marib city, which is under Islah control. It also claims that there is no longer any presence of the former Southern Transitional Council (STC) forces in those areas.

Furthermore, the document alleged that these smuggling routes pass through areas controlled by Saudi-backed units, including “Dera Al-Watan” and “Emergency Forces,” raising direct allegations that these units have facilitated the passage of stolen weapons and military vehicles instead of intercepting them.

It indicated that checkpoints in these areas have effectively turned into safe corridors for moving looted arms and equipment.

Reports indicated that the stolen weapons and equipment may have ultimately reached Al-Wadi district, east of Marib city. Since 2020, this area has transformed into open camps for Al-Qaeda leaders and operatives, becoming a safe haven for their assemblies after fleeing from the districts of Al-Bayda province.

The reported movement of looted weapons and vehicles toward Marib via the Al-Abr route is presented as evidence suggesting that those behind the smuggling operation are linked either to the Islah Party or to Al-Qaeda, in contrast to claims made in recent hours by media outlets affiliated with the party.

@E.Y.M