Pro-Houthi Tribal Sheikh Transferred to Al-Ghaydah After Deadly Clashes and Tribal Mediation in Al-Mahra
Yemen Monitor / Newsroom:
In a significant field development in Yemen’s eastern Al-Mahra province, tribal sheikh Mohammed Ahmed Ali Al-Zaidi, known for his ties to the Houthi movement, was transferred on Wednesday morning from the Sarfait border crossing to Al-Ghaydah city. The move came as part of tribal and security understandings reached in recent hours aimed at defusing escalating tensions in the region.
According to news sources, the transfer took place in a convoy that included government forces, tribal mediators, members of Al-Zaidi’s family, and his armed escorts, in an effort to expand the tribal mediation and discuss the future handling of the case, which has sparked widespread concern at both the local and military levels.
Al-Zaidi, a native of Marib province, had been detained by security authorities early Tuesday as he attempted to cross the Sarfait border using a diplomatic passport issued by the Houthi authorities in Sana’a, raising questions about the legality of his documents and prompting an official investigation.
Following his arrest, clashes erupted in the mountainous area between Sarfait and Al-Ghaydah after armed supporters of Al-Zaidi ambushed a government military unit assigned to escort him. The ambush resulted in the death of Colonel Abdullah bin Zayed, one of the province’s senior army officers, and injuries to several soldiers.
Al-Mahra’s Security Committee released a statement clarifying that Al-Zaidi presents himself as a military officer and carries documents issued by an unrecognized authority. He is also listed among the suspected and wanted individuals.
Military sources stated that Al-Zaidi was surrounded by an armed escort vehicle outside the border crossing at the time of his arrest, necessitating enhanced security measures and elevated alert levels around Sarfait.
Amid growing tension, another military force heading from Al-Ghaydah to Hawf district was ambushed in the Damqut area, leading to the death of the commander of the 137th Infantry Brigade’s tank battalion, Colonel Abdullah Zayed, and injuries to two of his companions.
The Security Committee confirmed that armed elements remain stationed in the surrounding mountainous areas, while security and military units are carrying out tracking and clearing operations to restore control and apprehend those involved.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Al-Zaidi remains in custody with the security authorities and has been transferred to Al-Ghaydah for continued investigation and legal proceedings, as ongoing tribal mediation efforts seek to contain the volatile situation.
