Aden activist survives attack after anti-Saudi video

ADEN, Jan. 26 (YPA) – An activist affiliated with the -now dissolved” Southern Transitional Council, backed by the UAE, survived on Monday an assassination attempt in the southern Yemeni city of Aden, south of Yemen.

This came days after appearing in a controversial video containing sharp insults against Saudi Arabia and the head of the Saudi-funded Presidential Leadership Council, Rashad al-Alimi.

Local human rights sources said that the activist, known as Saqr Radfan, was targeted by gunfire from unidentified assailants while passing through the Khor-Maksar district in central Aden.

According to the sources, one bullet struck his arm, while he narrowly escaped death.

The assailants are believed to be linked to pro-Saudi forces affiliated with the so-called “Dera al-Watan”, the sources said, describing the attack as a “disciplinary operation” intended to send a warning message over what was described as Radfan’s transgression against Saudi Arabia and al-Alimi.

The assassination attempt came after a widely circulated video in which Radfan launched verbal attacks against residents of Aden, the Saudi leadership, and Rashad al-Alimi, triggering broad controversy.

The incident highlighted the growing security tensions in Aden and the escalating power struggle between the pro-UAE STC and Saudi-backed factions, amid continued calls for protests against Saudi Arabia in Aden.

AA