In video: Coalition-backed authorities in Mahra release Sheikh Al Zaidi

MAHRA, July 30 (YPA) – The coalition-backed authorities released on Wednesday Sheikh Mohammed bin Ahmed al-Zaidi, a senior tribal figure in the Khawlan tribes, after he was detained at Mahra’s Sarfit border crossing with Oman in early July.

In a statement, Mahra authorities affirmed that Al-Zaidi’s release came after completing all necessary procedures, providing the required legal and religious guarantees, as well as handing over his son and nephew, given that the father suffers from a heart condition and requires treatment abroad.

The statement added that the course of the case involving Sheikh Al-Zaidi, along with the developments on the ground and tribal movements, was handled in a manner that safeguards public and private rights.

It praised the role of the sheikhs of Mahra and Yemen in general, as well as the tribal mediators who contributed to defusing the crisis, based on the sense of responsibility they displayed to preserve peace and stability.

Al-Zaidi’s release came after a four-day deadline was granted by the Khawlan tribes last Saturday to the authorities and coalition-funded armed factions in Mahra to release al-Zaidi.
The deadline ended on Wednesday with the sheikh’s release, mediated by various tribal sheikhs in Mahra and Yemen.

Thousands of members of the Khawlan and Jahm tribes have gathered in the Al-Yatmah area over the past two days, armed with heavy and medium weapons, in preparation for a battle to forcibly liberate sheikh Al-Zaidi from the prisons of coalition-affiliated factions in Mahra after the deadline was over.

In recent days, Mahra has been witnessed armed tribal tensions following the detention of Sheikh Al-Zaidi, one of the most prominent leaders of the Khawlan tribe, at the Sarfit border crossing since July 7 while en route to Oman for getting treatment.

AA