Joint military and security forces were deployed to the city of Lawdar in Yemen's southern Abyan province on Thursday evening to contain escalating tribal clashes that have entered their third day, resulting in casualties and widespread panic. Local sources reported that confrontations renewed between tribal gunmen and elements associated with the leadership of the National Security Forces (formerly the Security Belt) under Saddam Gharaama. The clashes, which occurred near a house close to the city market, involved automatic weapons and RPGs and lasted for hours. According to the sources, several individuals, including a tribal fighter and a civilian, were injured in the fighting, which was concentrated in populated areas. This prompted residents to remain in their homes amid fears of escalating violence. These developments are an extension of confrontations that broke out the previous day, resulting in the death of one of Commander Gharaama's escorts. The roots of the tension stem from previous disputes, in which tribal factions accuse the commander of involvement in past incidents, including the kidnapping and torture of citizens in the Lawdar Security Belt prison, and an armed ambush two years ago that claimed the lives of two young men, Radwan Mohammed Al-Qaf'i and Radwan Al-Ma'araji. In a related context, the city had witnessed separate clashes between other tribal groups two days prior, resulting in the injury of two children, indicating a rise in overlapping local conflicts. As the situation worsened, local authorities deployed reinforcements, including units from the army, emergency forces, and the "Shield of the Homeland" forces. They imposed a security cordon on several main streets in an effort to contain the tension and protect civilians. Sources indicated that the forces succeeded in apprehending several individuals suspected of involvement in the violence, while security leader Gharaama surrendered himself to the authorities. A cautious calm has prevailed in the city in recent hours, with forces continuing their deployment. Security agencies are conducting investigations to uncover the circumstances of the events and pursue those involved, amidst concerns of renewed clashes at any moment. |
