Tribal Conflict in Marib and Shabwah Escalates with Advanced Weaponry

Intense armed confrontations have erupted in the past two days between the Al-Bothayf tribes in Marib Governorate and the Al-Muslimani tribes of Bani Al-Harith in Shabwah Governorate. This escalation, marked by the unprecedented use of heavy weaponry, stems from an old tribal feud.

Tribal sources reported that the clashes ignited in the Al-Fursah area, located in the lower part of Wadi Harib in Marib Governorate. The conflict was triggered by a drone strike, reportedly carried out by the Al-Muslimani tribes, which targeted inhabited residences belonging to the Al-Bothayf tribe.

The sources further indicated that this escalation followed accusations by the Al-Muslimani tribes against the Al-Bothayf tribes of targeting a residential home belonging to them in Shabwah Governorate with a tank shell, which resulted in casualties.

According to the sources, the warring parties are employing heavy weaponry, including tanks, drones, and Katyusha rockets, for the first time in tribal conflicts. This dangerous development raises concerns about a potential widening of the confrontations.