STC security forces detain journalist at checkpoint in Shabwa

Irregular security forces affiliated with the Transitional Council detained a journalist today, Thursday, at a checkpoint at the entrance to the city of Ataq, the center of Shabwa Governorate (southeast Yemen), due to his writings.

Journalist Saleh Haqrous said in a post on his Facebook page that he was stopped by a Shabwa Defense Forces checkpoint at the entrance to Al-Kuraibiyah, adding, "If I am arrested, I hold the commander of the (Second Shabwa Defense) brigade and the governor, Sheikh Awad bin Al-Wazir, responsible."

The journalist's family confirmed to "Yemeni Youth Net" that Haqrous is still being held until now.

Journalist Haqrous had said earlier yesterday that he received a call on Tuesday from an unnamed person who accused him of working for the Houthi militia, and used foul language towards him, threatening to hold him accountable.

In his writings on his Facebook page, journalist Haqrous criticizes the violations of armed formations, the security chaos, and the deteriorating conditions in Shabwa Governorate, which is under the control of the Transitional Council.