Fuel truck driver was wounded by tribal gunmen in Shabwa

MARIB, July 14 (YPA) – A fuel truck driver from the Obeida tribe in Marib was seriously wounded after being shot by tribal gunmen from the Al Buraik tribe in Arma district of Shabwa province, southeastern Yemen, in an incident reflecting escalating insecurity in areas under Saudi-backed control.

A local source said armed members of the Al Buraik tribe blocked the main road used by fuel tankers earlier this week.

The source added that on Monday, the gunmen opened fire on a tanker driver from the Obeida tribe after he attempted to pass the armed checkpoint.

The driver was shot in the head and was rushed to the city of Ataq, the capital of Shabwa province, for medical treatment.

The source noted that tensions are mounting between the Al Buraik and Obeida tribes, adding that armed tribesmen from Obeida have gathered near Safer in Wadi Obeida, close to the Al Aqla area in Arma district, raising fears of armed clashes.

AA