Barran Press
The Ja'adan tribe in Abyan, southern Yemen, has escalated its campaign to uncover the fate of Sheikh Ali Ashal al-Ja'adani, who was abducted in June. On Monday, September 16th, 2024, the tribe blocked all trucks entering and exiting Aden, effectively halting transportation between Aden, Hadhramaut, and Shabwa governorates.
Tribal sources reported to "Barran Press", that the Ja'adan tribe has maintained its roadblock for two days, setting up checkpoints in the Al-Ahmar and Ahwar areas of Abyan. The blockade aims to pressure the Yemeni government and the Southern Transitional Council (STC) to reveal Ashal's whereabouts.
The blockade, which affects both the international and coastal highways, comes after previous attempts to secure Ashal's release failed. Other Abyan tribes have joined the Ja'adan tribe in the blockade, demonstrating their collective frustration with the lack of progress in the case.
The tribes have emphasized that the blockade will remain in place until Ashal is found and released unconditionally. However, they have allowed buses and private vehicles to pass through the checkpoints.
The disappearance of Ali Ashal al-Ja'adani, a military officer, sparked outrage in June when he was abducted in Aden. Aden police accused the STC's Counterterrorism Force of being behind the abduction, claiming that the force's commander and deputy fled the country after the incident.
On September 9th, Abyan tribes held a massive protest in Zinjibar, the capital of Abyan, demanding Ashal's release and holding the STC leadership fully responsible for his safety.
The ongoing blockade highlights the growing tension between the tribes and the STC, and underscores the urgent need for a resolution to the case of Sheikh Ali Ashal al-Ja'adani.