Emirati forces attack fishermen with live bullets in Mukalla, Shihr Seaports

SANAA, Dec. 23 (YPA) – A number of fishermen in the Shihir area, east of the city of Mukalla in Hadramout province, were attacked on Saturday by the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC).

The violations against the fishermen came in accordance with a decision banning fishing in the area, which has been imposed by the UAE forces stationed at Al-Rayyan Airport for several years.

Local sources reported that the fishermen were shot by the STC forces on the orders of Emirati officers after they broke the fishing ban, which directly affects their livelihood.
The sources explained that the fishermen were trying to practice their profession, which is the only way to support their families, amid difficult living conditions that have worsened as a result of this ban.

For a long time, the fishermen of the area have been holding marches and protests demanding that they be allowed to practice fishing.

Despite these ongoing efforts, the protests have not been able to achieve any positive results.

In late November, the fishermen decided to return to their work and break the UAE ban despite the security threats imposed by the responsible forces.

Earlier, the UAE forces had concluded an agreement with the fishermen to provide monthly salaries of up to 800 Saudi riyals in exchange for their abstention from fishing off the coasts of Al Rayyan and Dhabba. However, these allowances were stopped several months ago without providing them with alternatives while they are still prohibited from practicing a profession from which they make a living.

AA