The Yemeni Interior Ministry, under the internationally recognized government, announced on Thursday, June 13th, 2024, that security forces in Mahra Governorate (eastern Yemen) have referred a "terrorist cell" to the Specialized Criminal Court. The cell is accused of "forming an armed gang that engaged in robbery, kidnappings, and resisting authorities in several governorates."

According to the official website of the Interior Ministry, the "cell was apprehended by the Criminal Investigation Department in Mahra while committing its crime." The website stated that "among their most prominent crimes is the kidnapping of French women from Sana'a and their transportation to Shabwa Governorate, as well as the looting and theft of over twenty military vehicles in Marib Governorate."

The website mentioned that "the gang looted and stole more than eight vehicles in Aden city and has other car thefts in Shabwa. They are also accused of attacking a military checkpoint in Shabwa, resulting in the death of officers and soldiers stationed at the "Khamr bin Amer" checkpoint, the entrance to Ataq city, and the looting of weapons and vehicles from the checkpoint."

The website indicated that "the procedures for gathering evidence against the apprehended individuals have been completed, and they have been referred to the Specialized Criminal Court in Hadhramaut to receive their deterrent punishment for the terrorist crimes they have committed," as described by the website.