Al-Qaeda launches retaliatory attack on pro-coalition checkpoint east of Marib

MARIB, June 29 (YPA) – Militants believed to be affiliated with al-Qaeda, led by Khaled al-Arada, launched on Sunday a retaliatory attack on the pro-Saudi-led coalition al-Raka checkpoint east of Marib province.

A tribal source stated that the attack targeted an area near the Bin Maili station in response to the coalition’s decision to cut off food and oil concessions to elements led by Khaled al-Arada, brother of Marib governor Sultan al-Arada, who is banned from returning to Yemen by Saudi Arabia.

The group, based in camps in the Wadi district, is suffering from a shortage of supplies after the coalition’s support was cut off and accuses the coalition of involvement in the assassinations of its leaders in unknown raids.

The group is attempting to bolster its capabilities after losing the support of the Islah party, whose members were not included among the so-called “martyrs” of pro-coalition forces.

YPA