Photographer Attacked in Aden, UN Security Fires Warning Shots

A Yemeni photographer and activist sustained head injuries and had his camera destroyed Tuesday evening during an assault near a United Nations facility in Aden, Yemen's interim capital. The attack occurred amidst a gathering organized by the Southern Transitional Council.

Eyewitnesses reported that dozens of participants at the rally, held in Al-Arud Square in the Khor Maksar district, threw stones at the photographer, Mohammed Salem Bafadel. The assailants allegedly suspected him of covering the event for Al-Mahriyah channel. Bafadel managed to escape towards the perimeter of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights building seeking refuge.

However, a group of attackers, reportedly led by a council leader, pursued him, continuing to throw stones even in front of the UN building. Sources present at the scene stated that security personnel deployed around the UN compound fired shots into the air to disperse the attackers and prevent them from reaching the photographer. Footage of the incident was subsequently circulated on social media platforms.

According to activists, Bafadel, who hails from Shabwah Governorate and is known for his support of the Southern Transitional Council, had arrived in Aden earlier the same day from Hadramout Governorate to cover the event. He became the victim of the assault due to mistaken identity.

Activists further indicated that Bafadel was transported to Al-Jumhouri Hospital for treatment. Subsequently, forces affiliated with the Aden Security Department detained him to provide a statement regarding the incident. He reportedly remained in custody at the time this information was published.

No official statement has been released by the Aden Security Department regarding the circumstances of the attack or the reasons for the photographer's detention.