YEMEN Press Agency

Fierce armed clashes break out in Lahj

LAHJ, Aug. 16 (YPA) – Fierce armed clashes were broke out on Saturday between the Subaiha tribes and UAE-backed factions loyal to Tariq Afash, nephew of former President Ali Abdullah Saleh, in Lahj province, south of Yemen.

The clashes erupted after armed mobilizations by the Subaiha tribes, was called for on Friday by a former leader of the Emirati-backed armed factions, against the Al Amaliq forces or Giants affiliated with the Emirati-funded factions, to reclaim the weapons and funds of the “Southern Resistance”.

According to local sources, security forces led by Hamdi Shukri, a leader in the UAE-backed factions, launched an attack on the Subaiha tribes in the Ras al-Ara area.

Farouk Al Kalouli, commander of the Ninth Thunderbolt Brigade in the Southern Transitional Council (STC), who posts an alliance with the Subaiha tribes, was attacked with the aim of arresting him after he announced his defection from the STC factions. However, the tribes refused to hand him over, sparking violent clashes, amid reports of the use of drones during the clashes.

Earlier, Al-Kalouli indicated that the Subaiha and Yafa tribes were being subjected to a conspiracy and that they should prepare for the worst, explaining that the actions of Shukri had nothing to do with the STC leader, amid hints of implementing agendas that served Tariq Afash.

Last week, the Second Giants Brigade, led by Hamdi Shukri, had seized control of the vehicles and weapons of the Ninth Brigade, previously led by Al-Kalouli, following armed clashes on the coastal road linking Aden and Mocha in the Ras Amran area. The clashes followed Al-Kalouli’s rebellion against a decision to transfer his forces to Shabwa, which he considered a conspiracy against Al-Subaiha tribes.

AA