Armed clashes erupted among Shabwa factions

SAHBWA, June 29 (YPA) – Violent clashes erupted on Sunday among pro-UAE factions in the center of Ataq city, the capital of the oil-rich Shabwa province.

A local source in the city said the increasing taxes that factions imposed on Qat markets led to armed clashes with policemen to collect money from market vendors.

The source added that the clashes between the elements caused panic and fear among street vendors and citizens, without reporting any losses from the clashes.

The source pointed out that Shabwa has been suffering from unprecedented security chaos due to the absence of state authorities since the beginning of 2016, and the fueling of conflicts among tribesmen by leaders loyal to the UAE and Saudi Arabia to gain influence in the oil-rich province.

Shabwa is being suffered from a complete collapse in electricity, health, and education services, while revenues and taxes are being imposed on citizens go to the benefit of influential faction leaders.

AA