Leader in UAE-backed “Shabwa Defense” factions assassinated

SHABWA, May 18 (YPA) – A leader in the UAE-backed “Shabwa Defense” factions was assassinated by gunmen in the center of Ataq city, the center of Shabwa province, eastern Yemen on Thursday.

Local sources in the city stated that the leader, Mahdi bin Muhammad Abdullah Hanishan al-Khulaifi, was subjected to heavy gunfire by a tribal gunman near Arwa School in the center of Ataq city, on the background of a tribal vendetta.

The sources indicated that Al-Khulaifi is accused of killing the son of Ali Al-Sultan bin Laksar from Al Laksar tribe, years ago.

YPA