Barran Press
Yemeni security forces in the eastern Al-Mahrah Governorate have confirmed the arrest of Mohammed Ahmed Ali Al-Zaidi, a tribal leader with reported ties to the Houthi movement. His apprehension at the Sarfit border crossing sparked armed clashes that left a senior military officer dead.
The Al-Mahrah Security Committee announced today that Al-Zaidi was detained Monday evening while attempting to cross into Oman. He was carrying a diplomatic passport, issued in August 2022 by what the committee described as "unrecognized entities"—a clear reference to the Houthi authorities in Sana'a. The passport notably listed his profession as an "officer in the armed forces."
A military source, quoted in the committee's statement, clarified that Al-Zaidi's arrest was a "legal procedure" due to his presence on a wanted list. The source emphasized the need to verify his identity and documents, particularly given the passport's "illegitimate" origin.
Security forces grew suspicious when an armed pickup truck, believed to belong to Al-Zaidi, was spotted outside the Sarfit crossing. This prompted heightened security measures and increased vigilance at the border point.
A military force dispatched from Al-Ghaydah city to Hawf district to follow up on the security operation was ambushed in the Dumqut area. The attack, carried out by "outlaw armed elements," resulted in the death of Colonel Abdullah Zayd, Commander of the Tank Battalion in the 137th Infantry Brigade. Two other personnel were also injured.
The military source confirmed that the assailants remain entrenched in the surrounding mountains, with ongoing operations to track them down. Al-Zaidi remains in custody and will be transferred to Al-Ghaydah for legal proceedings.
Security Forces Vow Firm Response
The Security Committee reiterated its commitment to pursuing all those involved in the attack and to taking "firm measures against anyone who seeks to destabilize security and stability in Al-Mahrah Governorate." They affirmed that security and military authorities will act decisively to counter any threats and protect the governorate and its citizens.
Earlier reports from security sources provided more details on Al-Zaidi's capture. These sources told "Baran Press" that a joint army and security operation successfully intercepted Al-Zaidi this morning at Sarfit. He was reportedly attempting to smuggle himself out of the country, disguised in a "cooler" typically used for transporting fish, inside a vehicle bound for Oman.
Security personnel identified him and alerted authorities, prompting a rapid deployment of forces from Al-Ghaydah. Al-Zaidi was apprehended without resistance inside the crossing. However, the returning security force was ambushed by suspected Houthi militants in Dumqut, leading to fierce clashes. These confrontations resulted in the death of Brigadier General Abdullah Zayd, another officer, and injuries to four soldiers who were evacuated to Al-Ghaydah hospital.