Riyadh accused of appointing al-Qaeda figure as brigade commander in Yemen south

Last updated May 13, 2026 7:43 PM

ADEN, May 13 (YPA) – Security sources in Aden have revealed what they described as alarming information regarding the appointment of a former al-Qaeda figure to lead a military brigade in Al-Dhale governorate, warning that the move could have serious implications for security and stability in southern Yemen.

According to the sources, Wajdi Abdulbaki Al-Zubaidi, who previously held a leadership role within al-Qaeda in Dhalea province, has been appointed commander of the 33rd Armored Brigade with the backing of the Saudi military representative in Aden, Falah Al-Shahrani.

The sources viewed the appointment as a significant shift in the management of military and security affairs in coalition-controlled areas.

The sources added that the decision was approved by Abdulrahman al-Mahrami, who is currently based in Riyadh. They said the development raises questions about the independence of military decision-making and the extent of regional influence over Yemen’s security landscape.

According to the sources, the integration of individuals accused of links to extremist organizations into official military structures could further complicate the security situation and create long-term threats to stability in Yemen and the wider region.

The sources also claimed that several former members and leaders of militant groups have recently resurfaced within military and security formations, including the Saudi-backed Dera al-Watan forces and “Emergency” forces, as well as factions affiliated with the Islah Party, one of the Muslim Brotherhood-linked largest political organizations in Yemen. They argued that this reflects broader efforts to reshape military influence across southern and eastern Yemen amid escalating regional tensions.

Observers said these developments came within the framework of Saudi-led political and military restructuring efforts in Aden and other southern provinces since the truce announced in April 2022, following years of conflict in Yemen.