Local sources reported on Friday, September 13, 2024, that clashes between Ethiopian migrants continue in the governorates of Marib and Shabwah (eastern Yemen), amidst attempts by local and official authorities to contain the conflict.

Sources told "Barran Press" that "violent" confrontations using knives and clubs took place between Ethiopian migrants in the "Marda" area and other locations in Marib al-Wadi district, eastern Marib governorate.

The sources explained that the clashes stem from mutual kidnappings between the "Arsi" and "Wolo" Ethiopian tribes. The conflict began with the kidnapping of a member of the "Wolo" tribe, who was held for ransom by a member of the "Arsi" tribe. The kidnapper demanded 30,000 Saudi Riyals for the release of the victim.

The sources highlighted the prevalence of kidnapping and extortion among Ethiopian migrants, following a successful kidnapping by an Ethiopian migrant who received a large sum of money.

They noted that the migrant was kidnapped in Marib by members of the "Arsi" tribe, who attempted to recover the money they had paid him.

Sources confirmed that security forces in Marib al-Wadi district warned citizens against providing any weapons to the Ethiopians after images surfaced of Ethiopian migrants carrying AK-47 rifles. They cautioned against the dangers of Ethiopians obtaining weapons, urging residents to report any gatherings or conflicts involving Ethiopian migrants in the district.

"Barran Press" obtained video footage documenting the clashes between Ethiopian migrants in Marib al-Wadi district. One video, captured by a surveillance camera, shows an Ethiopian migrant breaking into a shop and attempting to hide inside, fearing for his life from a group of other Ethiopian migrants in Marib al-Wadi district.

In Shabwah governorate, local sources told "Barran Press" that forces from the Giants Brigades managed to quell a violent clash between Ethiopian migrants using knives and clubs in the "Mowqis" market in Bayhan district, northwest of Shabwah governorate.

Sources confirmed that the Giants Brigades conducted a large-scale arrest campaign of Ethiopian migrants following the continued clashes and their expansion in the district.

In Ataq, the capital of Shabwah governorate, a security source confirmed that security forces apprehended five individuals, all Ethiopian nationals, after discovering the body of an Ethiopian man in the "Mas" area of Ataq district. The victim had been killed by blows to the head with stones.