Four 'Shield of the Homeland' soldiers killed in eastern Hadramaut attack

At least four soldiers from the "Shield of the Homeland" forces were killed and others injured in an armed attack on a military unit in a restaurant in the Rumaah district of Hadramaut Governorate, eastern Yemen, on Friday evening.

Local and military sources stated that armed individuals attacked members of the unit, affiliated with the Fourth Brigade, while they were having dinner in the Rumaah district market. The attack resulted in the deaths of at least four soldiers and injuries to several others. This initial toll may rise as casualty figures are finalized.

Preliminary information indicates that among the deceased was the son of the Fourth Brigade's Chief of Staff, known as "Al-Basht Al-Subaihi," along with three other soldiers. The injured were transported to health centers for treatment.

Local sources have linked the attack to tribal tensions that followed an incident last week. During that incident, a member of the Nauf Dahm tribe was killed during an altercation with members of a Fourth Brigade security checkpoint. He was accused of throwing a hand grenade while attempting to apprehend him, leading to his pursuit and death. This event escalated tensions in the area.

Independent verification of the motive behind the attack could not be obtained. No official statement has been issued by the "Shield of the Homeland" forces or the local authorities in Hadramaut to clarify the circumstances or identify the perpetrators. No group has claimed responsibility for the operation to date.

The Rumaah district is situated on the vital route connecting Hadramaut and Marib governorates and experiences frequent security and military presence due to its desert location. Some eastern regions of Yemen periodically witness attacks targeting military and security formations amidst ongoing security challenges facing the country.