Shabwa tribal leader reveals details of torture inside secret prison at Ataq Airport

SHABWA, Aug.12 (YPA) – Sheikh Saleh Mansour Al-Qumaishi, head of the “Peaceful Dignity Movement for Al-Wahidi Tribes” in Shabwa Governorate, revealed in a video recording published on the movement’s Facebook page that he and his companions were subjected to violations and harsh torture methods inside a secret prison at Ataq Airport run by Saudi-backed forces.

Al-Qumaishi pointed out that interrogators—led by Saleh Ali Al-Theeb, a commander in the “Second Shabwa Defense Brigade”—exerted pressure to extract forced confessions using threats of placing handguns against their heads and electric shocks to compel them to sign pre-written documents. He added that the interrogating officers were intoxicated on most nights.

The tribal leader affirmed his refusal to compromise on the rights of the people of the Al-Wahidi regions, calling on the tribes of Shabwa to end their silence regarding the ongoing looting of their resources. He emphasized that threats would not deter him from his legitimate demands, which include parity between Shabwa and Marib regarding fuel prices (diesel and gasoline).

The Dignity Movement demands the provision of basic services funded by the governorate’s resource revenues, criticizing the denial of basic rights such as healthcare to residents while officials accused of stealing these resources reside abroad.

It is noted that Al-Qumaishi and his companions were abducted last October after he hinted at an escalation that included declaring the oil-rich “Al-Wahidi areas” an independent governorate.

YPA