ALBAWABA- In the Al-Lajabah area of Sa’dah governorate's Al-Safra directorate, intense clashes erupted between members of the Al Mahdi tribes and individuals affiliated with the Houthi leader Yahya Abdullah Al-Ruzami.
The conflict originates from a land ownership dispute in Al-Lajabah, with Al Mahdi tribes asserting their claim against Al Salah tribes. Tensions escalated following a ruling by Sheikh Al-Awjari, which favored Al Mahdi's land rights, a decision contested by Al Salah tribes.
On Saturday, Al-Ruzami deployed a group, including vehicles and followers, to encircle and besiege the Al Mahdi tribe's residence. A confrontation between the campaign's leader and A'idah Saleh Rabo'a and his brothers quickly escalated into violence.
In the clashes, four of Al-Ruzami's followers were killed, and five others were injured. One vehicle was set on fire. Tribal mediation efforts failed, leading to further escalation as Al-Ruzami reinforced his forces.
Clashes persisted for about five hours, during which Al-Ruzami's elements bombarded the Rabo'a family's residence with mortar shells and RPGs, resulting in a tragic massacre. A'idah Saleh Rabo'a, his brothers Mu'jab Saleh Rabo'a and Hadi Saleh Rabo'a, and young Mohammed Hayel Rabo'a lost their lives. Three women and two children were critically injured.
After destroying the residence, Al-Ruzami's forces continued to besiege the area. The incident has generated significant local outrage, with activists sharing images of the victims, and tension still prevails in the area.
