NYN | News
Government forces affiliated with Yemen’s internationally recognized government in Al-Mahra Governorate released Sheikh Mohammed Al-Zaidi on Wednesday, after weeks of detention amid escalating tribal tensions.
Al-Zaidi—who had faced accusations of supporting the forces in Sana’a—was seen alongside Sheikh Ali Salem Al-Huraizi as he departed the city of Al-Ghaydah en route to the Shahn border crossing with the Sultanate of Oman, in preparation for continuing his medical treatment abroad.
A statement issued by the local authorities confirmed that Sheikh Al-Zaidi was released based on the results of investigations, which found no charges against him. The statement added that the decision came as part of local understandings aimed at containing the situation.
Al-Zaidi had been arrested weeks earlier upon arriving at the Sarfait border crossing while attempting to leave the country for medical treatment. His arrest triggered a wave of anger among tribal communities, particularly after it was revealed that he held a diplomatic passport issued by Sana’a.
The release of Al-Zaidi is seen as a step that helped avert a potential tribal eruption in Al-Mahra, amid growing concerns that such tensions could destabilize the strategically sensitive border governorate.
