Sheikh Yahya Ahmed Al-Suraimee, a prominent figure from the Azr tribe in Amran Governorate, northern Yemen, was killed on Tuesday evening after being shot by Houthi militants affiliated with the Al-Hajar police station in the Shahara district. Local sources reported that the security elements stopped Sheikh Al-Suraimee as he was passing by on a motorcycle with a companion. They searched him before allowing him to proceed. However, they later returned and directly opened fire on him, resulting in his immediate death. According to the sources, the incident occurred after Sheikh Al-Suraimee successfully mediated a land dispute between local parties in the Al-Hajar area. One of the parties involved was a security leader at the same police station. Accusations have been directed at this leader, suggesting he was behind the assassination due to the settlement reached in the dispute. This incident is part of a series of similar events targeting tribal and social figures in Houthi-controlled areas, particularly those who played mediation roles in local conflicts. These actions are believed to be aimed at reshaping influence within these regions by diminishing the role of traditional dignitaries and weakening tribal mediation mechanisms in favor of new, loyal sheikhs. In recent years, Houthi militias have carried out the liquidation of numerous tribal sheikhs in Sana'a, Amran, Dhamar, and other areas under their control, including some who had supported their coup and takeover of the capital. |
