Pro-Islah Party security leader killed in armed clashes in Marib

MARIB, June 06 (YPA) – A prominent leader in the so-called “special security forces” loyal to Islah Party, identified as Abdlhaq Al-Sheikh was killed in armed clashes erupted Thursday evening between tribes and security forces in Al-Wadi district of Marib province in northeastern Yemen.

According to tribal sources, intense armed clashes erupted between tribesmen from Al Abida tribe, led by Sheikh Abdullah bin Said bin Jalal, and recruits from the so-called “special forces” loyal to the Saudi-led coalition and supported by the Islah Party, in the Al-Wadi district.

Tribal sources reported that the clashes broke out following an attack by members of Al Khuraiss tribe on military checkpoints affiliated with the pro- coalition forces. This conflict was triggered by the appropriation of vast lands owned by the tribe’s members for recruits coming from outside the province.

The confrontations resulted also in more than 20 wounded from both sides, as well as the closure of the international road linking Marib and Hadramout, east of Al-Wadi district, in a serious escalation that signals a potential widening of tribal tensions in the area.

Additionally, the clashes caused power outages in large parts of the city of Marib, amid growing public concern about the possibility of wider confrontations in the coming days.

YPA