Tensions escalate in Hadramout as Kenda tribes reject Saudi-backed forces’ allegations

HADRAMOUT, Aug. 04 (YPA) – The Saudi-backed Emergency Forces in Yemen’s eastern Hadramout province issued a new statement on Monday leveling serious allegations against prominent figures of the Kenda tribe in the Al-Abr district, following a breakdown in mediation efforts.

Local sources in Seiyun reported that the statement from the “1st Emergency Brigade” comes after local mediation failed to contain an escalation declared by the Kenda tribe on Saturday.

During a meeting, tribal elders of Kenda rejected the allegations, describing the statement as an attempt to cover up “gross violations” committed by Emergency Forces against tribal members in the Al-Abr area.

The tribal leaders also said the Emergency Forces’ recent actions were politically motivated and aimed at imposing a new reality on Hadramout by pressuring local tribes.

They warned of a “strong response” to any further actions targeting the tribes.

Earlier on Monday, the Saudi-backed Emergency Forces claimed in a statement that they had uncovered an explosives workshop and arrested wanted for murder and banditry during a raid on the residence of Kenda tribal Sheikh Ali bin Haftan Al-Say’ari in Al-Abr.

The confrontation between the Kenda tribes and the Saudi-backed Emergency Forces intensified following the killing of Osama Al-Radafani, a commander of the Saudi-backed “Dera Al-Watan” Forces, in Al-Abr on Saturday.

Following the incident, Emergency Forces raided the homes of local leaders, driving the Kenda tribes to call for a general mobilization in response to what they described as violations of tribal sanctity and the homes of Hadramout’s tribes.

@E.Y.M