Al-Mahra (South24 Center)

Clashes erupted on Tuesday morning (July 8) at the Sarfait border crossing between South Yemen and Oman, following an attempted smuggling operation involving a senior Houthi leader, according to two local sources who spoke to ‘South24 Center’.

The sources reported that security forces at the crossing engaged with armed men suspected of Houthi ties, after a prominent Houthi figure, Mohammed Al-Zaidi, attempted to illegally cross into Oman.

Sarfait border crossing - earth.google

Prior to the clashes, Houthi-aligned gunmen had set up an ambush in Damqut, an area in Hauf district, targeting a military unit from the Al-Ghaydah Axis that was en route to reinforce security at the border crossing.

The fighting resulted in the death of Brigadier Abdullah Zayed, commander of an Al-Ghaydah Axis battalion. Gunfire was still ongoing at the time of reporting.

Who is Mohammed Al-Zaidi?

Al-Zaidi is a tribal leader within the Houthi ranks and has played a key role in mobilizing fighters to battlefronts, according to media sources.

Sources suggested that the armed men may be linked to tribal leader Ali Salem Al-Huraizi, known for his close ties to both the Houthis and Oman. However, the Al-Mahra Peaceful Sit-in Committee, led by Al-Huraizi, has in an official statement denied any involvement in the Hauf clashes.

Mohammed Al-Zaidi - Houthis media 

The clashes forced the closure of the international road linking Yemen and Oman, heightening security tensions in the border region.

Neither local nor security authorities in Al-Mahra governorate have issued an official explanation regarding the clashes or the identity of the armed men involved.

The incident underscores the ongoing instability in Yemen’s border regions and raises questions about Houthi infiltration networks into neighboring countries.