Saudi-backed factions seize weapons from tribal fighters in eastern Yemen’s Hadramout

HADRAMOUT, Oct. 18 (YPA) – Factions backed by Saudi Arabia confiscated weapons from tribal fighters in the coastal districts of eastern Yemen’s Hadramout Governorate on Sunday, in a move local sources described as a deliberate humiliation of local tribes.

According to local sources, elements of the Saudi-backed “Emergency” forces deployed at the entrances of Mukalla city intercepted tribal gunmen affiliated with “Hadramout Protection”—a group loyal to Sheikh Amr bin Habrish Al-Alii, head of the Hadramout Tribes Alliance, who has reportedly been under house arrest in Riyadh since last January.

The sources stated that Emergency forces disarmed tribal fighters, particularly members of the Hamoum tribe, at various checkpoints. The operation is reportedly part of a targeted campaign against tribal figure Sheikh Salem Al-Ghorabi Al-Hamoumi, hailing from the Al-Dis Al-Sharqiyyah district, who leads a tribal movement demanding the return of Sheikh bin Habrish.

Local sources noted that the Saudi-backed factions in the coastal districts are seeking to disarm local tribes, mirroring a similar campaign conducted in the valley districts over recent months, during which confiscated weapons were destroyed with power saws.

According to the sources, the measures stem from concerns by Saudi military leadership stationed in Mukalla and Seyoun regarding potential armed attacks by opponents of their presence against allied factions, amid ongoing demands for the withdrawal of Emergency forces from Hadramout and an end to foreign tutelage.

This development follows a series of armed attacks targeting Saudi-backed factions, such as “Dera Al-Watan” and “Emergency” forces, over the past two months in the Remah district, the Al-Abr road, and the land Al-Wadeeah crossing.

YPA