Photographer Attacked in Aden; UN Mission Security Fires Warning Shots

A Yemeni photographer and activist sustained head injuries and had his camera destroyed on Tuesday evening during an assault that occurred near the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights office in Aden, Yemen's interim capital.

Eyewitnesses reported that dozens of participants in a rally organized by the Southern Transitional Council (STC) in Al-Arud Square, Khormaksar district, attacked photographer Mohammed Salem Bafadhel with stones. The attackers reportedly suspected him of covering the event for Al-Mahriah channel. Bafadhel managed to flee towards the vicinity of the UN Human Rights office seeking protection. However, a group of assailants, allegedly led by an STC official, pursued him and continued to throw stones even as he approached the UN premises.

Sources present at the scene indicated that security personnel stationed around the UN office discharged firearms into the air to disperse the attackers and prevent them from reaching the photographer. Footage documenting this incident has circulated on social media platforms.

According to activists, Bafadhel, who hails from Shabwah Governorate and is known for his support of the STC, had arrived in Aden earlier that day from Hadramaut Governorate to cover the rally. He subsequently became the victim of the assault due to mistaken identity.

Activists also noted that Bafadhel was transported to Al-Jumhuri Hospital for treatment. Following his medical care, he was reportedly detained by forces affiliated with the Aden Security Directorate for questioning regarding the incident. He remained in detention at the time of this report.

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