Killing and Detention: Southern Separatists' Technique to Silence Critics in Shabwah

The UAE-backed Giants Forces have arrested three individuals belonging to the family of Sheikh Abdullah Albani, who was killed in Baihan by the UAE-backed Shabwah defense forces in April 2023.

A statement by the Baihan tribes said one of those arrested was released, while the whereabouts of two others remain unknown. It indicated the Giants Forces mistreated the three detainees, blindfolded, tortured them, and hit them with rifle butts.

According to the statement, the Giants Forces have used violence to force the relatives of the slain Albani to abandon the murder case in the judiciary. People in Baihan were waiting to see the punishment of the killers. However, they were surprised that a number of the victim's relatives were kidnapped without any legal basis, the statement added.

In April 2023, members from the Shabwah defense forces, a southern separatist militant group, attempted to prevent Albani from delivering Eid Al-Fitr sermon. However, worshippers sided with Albani, forcing the Shabwah defense soldiers to retreat.

After finishing the Eid Al-Fitr prayer, Albani and some relatives returned home. Fighters from Shabwah defense forces were waiting for him on the way, and they opened fire on him, killing him instantly. According to Albani's father, over 30 bullets hit his son.

Albani was a religious orator and a doctor. He was the director of the health office in Baihan District of Shabwah.

Reports said six defendants appeared before the court, while seven others are still at large.

The southern separatists seized Shabwah last year after days of clashes with the UN-recognized forces. Since then, they have used force and violence to deepen their presence and silence opponents.