Clashes Erupt in Hadhramaut Following Security Building Closure

HADHRAMAUT, YEMEN – Armed clashes broke out overnight in Hadhramaut Governorate, eastern Yemen, on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, between security forces loyal to the Director of Security for the Wadi and Desert region and those under the Director of Security for Shibam District, local sources reported.

The source, speaking to Barran Press on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said that Brigadier General Abdullah bin Habish al-Sai'ari, Director of Security for the Wadi and Desert region, closed the Shibam Security Administration building and prevented its director, Colonel Abdullah Ghaleb, from entering. Following this, Colonel Ghaleb returned with reinforcements, leading to intense clashes with medium and light weapons. The fighting resulted in injuries, although the exact number of casualties remains unclear.

The source could not ascertain the reasons behind Brigadier General al-Sai'ari's decision to close the Shibam Security Administration and bar Colonel Ghaleb from entering. The motivations behind the conflict remain unclear.