Saudi military command removes “STC-backed Fifth” Brigade from strategic sites in Shabwa
SHABWA, May 20 (YPA) – Saudi-led forces command in Yemen’s southeastern province of Shabwa on Wednesday removed the UAE-backed Fifth Brigade, affiliated with the Southern Transitional Council (STC), from key strategic positions in the coastal city of Azzan in Rudum district, local source familiar with the matter reported.
According to the sources, Saudi military officials ordered the Fifth Infantry Brigade, commanded by Bakil al-Ka‘louli al-Subaihi, to vacate Al-Kharama camp in Azzan and redeploy to less strategic areas stretching from Ain Ba Mabad to Hawrah area. 
Sources added that Saudi military representative Muslih al-Otaibi, based in the provincial capital Ataq, replaced the brigade with the Sixth Brigade in what appeared to be a deliberate effort to curb the influence of UAE-backed factions in favor of Saudi-backed forces.
The move reportedly came in retaliation for a congratulatory message sent by al-Ka‘louli earlier this month to STC leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi on the anniversary of the council’s founding.
The message is said to have angered Saudi officials, amid a coordinated campaign by figures affiliated with the Islah party against the brigade leadership.
The latest development reflects growing tensions between factions loyal to Saudi Arbia and UAE operating in Shabwa, a strategically important governorate along the Arabian Sea.
Notably, this is not the first incident underscoring Riyadh’s policy of sidelining and pressuring STC-backed factions in Shabwa.
Al-Ka‘louli had previously assumed control of Al-Kharama camp in Rudum following the withdrawal of the Fourth Brigade, led by Asil Ba Rashid, in late April.
The brigade’s withdrawal reportedly came after Saudi representative Muslih al-Otaibi threatened to bomb the camp unless Ba Rashid complied with the appointment of a new commander loyal to Riyadh.
This latest reshuffle represents yet another stage in an ongoing effort to sideline STC-backed factions and push them out of strategically significant areas, in anticipation of potential future confrontations.
@E.Y.M