Local official in Mahra calls for confronting secret recruitment of “takfiri” groups

MAHRA, Dec. 15 (YPA) – Undersecretary of Mahra province for Youth Affairs” in the government loyal to the Saudi-led coalition, Badr Kalshat, confirmed that takfiri fatwas were used in Salafist-affiliated mosques to target Mahra’s population and figures.

Kalshat stated that local authorities made decisive decisions to retract those fatwas. He added that the extremist rhetoric of Salafist groups sparked widespread condemnation from all sectors of the province community.

The province’s undersecretary highlighted the growing push for the formation of extremist Salafist factions, known as “Dera Al-Watan,” in Mahra, led by the same sheikhs who issued fatwas and supported by regional parties aiming to control the province.

Kalshat pointed out that foreign movements continue to attract and recruit secretly, despite the province’s security committee’s rejection of these practices.

In a post on “X,” Kalshat warned against extremist groups’ attempts to drag Mahra into chaos, as seen in some southern provinces controlled by those groups.

He called on all Mahra residents to assume their historical responsibilities and unite against projects that threaten the security and stability of the province.

YPA