Photographer Attacked, Security Fires Warning Shots in Aden

A Yemeni photographer and activist sustained head injuries and had his camera destroyed in an assault Tuesday evening during a rally organized by the Southern Transitional Council (STC) in Aden, Yemen's interim capital.

Eyewitnesses reported that dozens of participants at the rally, held in Al-Arud Square in the Khormaksar district, attacked photographer Mohammed Salem Bafadhel with stones. The attackers reportedly suspected him of covering the event for Al-Mahriyah TV. Bafadhel managed to escape towards the vicinity of the United Nations Human Rights Office building seeking protection, but a group of assailants, led by an STC official, pursued him, continuing to throw stones even in front of the UN premises.

Sources present at the scene stated that security personnel stationed around the UN office discharged firearms into the air to disperse the attackers and prevent them from reaching the photographer. Footage of the incident was circulated on social media platforms.

According to activists, Bafadhel, who hails from Shabwah Governorate and is known for his support of the STC, had arrived in Aden earlier that day from Hadramout Governorate to cover the event. He became the victim of the assault due to mistaken identity.

Activists noted that Bafadhel was transported to Al-Jumhori Hospital for treatment. Subsequently, forces affiliated with the Aden Security Directorate detained him to provide a statement regarding the incident. He remained in detention at the time of this report.

The Aden Security Directorate has not yet issued an official statement concerning the circumstances of the attack or the reasons for the photographer's detention.