Amran: Tribal Sheikh Assassinated by Houthi Gunmen

Tribal Sheikh Yahya Ahmed Al-Suraimi, a prominent figure from the Adhar tribe in Yemen's northern governorate of Amran, was killed on Tuesday evening after being shot by armed Houthi personnel affiliated with the Al-Hajr Police Department in Shaharah District, according to local sources.

Sources said the security personnel initially stopped Sheikh Al-Suraimi while he was traveling on a motorcycle accompanied by one of his aides. After searching him, they allowed him to continue his journey. However, they later pursued him and opened direct fire, killing him instantly.

According to the same sources, the incident occurred shortly after Sheikh Al-Suraimi successfully mediated a land dispute between local parties in the Al-Hajr area. One of the parties involved was reportedly a security official from the same police department. The sources indicated that accusations have been directed at the official, alleging his involvement in orchestrating the assassination in retaliation for the settlement reached through the mediation.

The killing is part of a series of similar incidents targeting tribal and social figures in Houthi-controlled areas, particularly those who have played mediation roles in local disputes. Observers say such actions aim to reshape local power structures by diminishing the influence of traditional tribal leaders and weakening customary mediation mechanisms in favor of newly appointed figures loyal to the group.

Over recent years, Houthi militias have been accused of eliminating numerous tribal sheikhs in Sana'a, Amran, Dhamar, and other areas under their control, including some who had previously supported the group's takeover of the Yemeni capital.

هذه الصياغة مناسبة للنشر في وكالة أنباء أو صحيفة دولية وتحافظ على الأسلوب الإخباري المهني والمحايد.