The Special Security Forces in Marib province (northeastern Yemen) have vehemently denied allegations of an assault on citizens returning from the Houthi-controlled capital Sana'a. The denial comes in response to reports circulating on social media claiming that a security checkpoint south of the province had detained and mistreated individuals from the "Al-Hazal" tribe.

In an official statement released on Sunday, June 23, 2023, and seen by Barran Press the Marib Special Security Forces expressed astonishment at the circulating social media posts, emphasizing that the detention of "Al-Hazal" individuals at the Al-Filj checkpoint was completely false. The statement further asserted that those spreading the rumors had failed to verify the information's accuracy.

The statement highlighted the Marib security forces' commitment to upholding legal procedures and respecting citizens' rights and dignity. It emphasized that the allegations against them were baseless.

Regarding the actual events, the Special Security Forces explained that three individuals traveling in a Hilux vehicle were identified as having arrived from the Houthi-controlled area of Serwah. They were monitored until they reached the Al-A'irf region, where they were apprehended by army forces.

The statement clarified that the three individuals were subsequently transferred to the Al-Falaj security checkpoint and then handed over to the relevant authorities, following directives from joint operations. The individuals, identified as military personnel, were not subjected to any mistreatment or violation of their human rights.

The statement urged individuals sharing news, particularly on social media and news websites, to prioritize verifying information to maintain credibility and avoid legal repercussions.

Earlier reports, disseminated by Houthi-affiliated activists and news outlets, had alleged that the Special Security Forces at the Al-Falaj checkpoint had detained several members of the Al-Hazal tribe, including the son of Sheikh Ali Hussein Al-Hazal, and shaved their heads. The reports claimed that the individuals were returning from Sana'a after attending a funeral for a Marib family residing in the capital.