Violent clashes between “Shabwa Defense”, “Saba Axis” leave casualties in Marib

MARIB, July 24 (YPA) – Heavy clashes broke out on Friday using medium and heavy weaponry between factions allied with Saudi Arabia in Harib District, south of Marib governorate, leaving several dead and wounded.

A local informed source in the district stated that the confrontations erupted between elements of the “10th Shabwa Defense Brigade”, commanded by Nasser Al-Murkada, and the “Saba Axis” over the latter’s raid on a military post manned by Shabwa Defense forces at the ‘Wady Abla Bridge’ checkpoint in Harib.

The source added that the clashes erupted after elements from the Saba Axis, led by Abdul-Hadi Al-Qibli, took control of the position without prior operational notice.

Initial reports confirm one Shabwa Defense member, identified as Salem Ali Saleh Bin Ma’mar, was killed, alongside several others injured. Armed tensions persist in the area, with new checkpoints established in the aftermath of the fighting.

Tribal mediation efforts are reportedly underway to contain the fighting, amid demands from Saba Axis fighters to remove the newly established checkpoints aimed at Shabwa Defense forces, while no official movement has been reported from the leadership of the Saudi-backed factions.

Shabwa Defense positions in the Al-Mala’a area have periodically faced similar drone attacks from Saba Axis forces over recent months.

YPA