UAE-backed factions kidnap tribal leader Sheikh in Shabwa

SHABWA, Nov. 12 (YPA) – Tribal leader Sheikh Faraj bin Salem al-Touma al-Qumishi, 90 years old, was kidnapped by armed elements affiliated with UAE-backed factions in the city of Azzan in Mayfa’a district of Shabwa Governorate, southeastern Yemen.

A local source confirmed that members of the so-called “Fourth Brigade,” led by Asil bin Rashid, kidnapped Sheikh al-Qumishi on Tuesday evening in a humiliating manner that disregarded his advanced age and social standing.

The kidnapping sparked widespread condemnation from sheikhs and dignitaries of Mayfa’a, who described it as a “serious violation of tribal customs and traditions, and all religious and moral values.”

This incident comes as part of an ongoing campaign of kidnappings carried out by UAE-funded factions targeting al-Qumishi to seize his property unjustly.

On the other hand, armed men loyal to the coalition blocked the road to fuel and gas tankers for the second time near the Hassan station southwest of Abyan, protesting the delay in receiving their salaries for about six months.

The blockade of fuel tankers led to a partial shutdown of the PetroMasila power plant in Aden and plunged most areas into darkness, due to the depletion of crude oil supplied from the Al-Aqlah area in Shabwa.

Areas under the control of UAE- and Saudi-backed factions are witnessing unprecedented security chaos and a complete collapse of services in all sectors, as a result of the absence of effective state authorities since the beginning of 2016.