Yemen Tribal Chief Survives Drone Attack

A prominent tribal chief on Monday survived a drone attack on his car in the central Yemeni province of Al-Bayda', according to a local official.



"A drone targeted the car of prominent tribal chief Mehdi Salah al-Mansouri in Rada'a city in Al-Bayda' province," the official, who requested anonymity, told The Anadolu Agency.



Al-Mansouri survived the attack unscathed, the official said.



"The aerial raid targeted the tribal chief, along with two of his companions, but only the rear end of the car was damaged," he added.



Al-Mansouri is known for supporting tribal militants against the Shiite Houthi group in Rada'a, according to an AA correspondent.



Yemen has recently appeared on the verge of civil war, as the Houthis attempt to expand their control beyond capital Sanaa, which they took over in late September.



The Houthis' growing influence in the country has pitted the Shiite movement against both Al-Qaeda – which is said to be active in politically fractious Yemen – and allied tribes.



Recent fighting between the warring camps in the country's central and western regions has left dozens dead.



Mohamed al-Samei



englishnews@aa.com.tr                     



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