Five Bahraini Travelers Detained in Yemen, Families Appeal for Their Release

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

Five Bahraini travelers have been detained in Yemen since August 1st, raising concerns among their families and prompting calls for government intervention. MP Jalal Kazim Al Mahfoudh confirmed the detention, stating that he has taken up the case and is actively engaging with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to utilise diplomatic channels for their release.

The travelers, known for their passion for travel and exploration, embarked on a road trip from Bahrain to Salalah, Oman, a popular tourist destination. After spending time in Salalah, they crossed the Oman-Yemen border into Yemen legally and spent two nights there before planning to continue their journey to Abha, Saudi Arabia, via Yemen. However, they were stopped at a security checkpoint in Marib by forces affiliated with the internationally recognised government of Yemen.

Al Mahfoudh emphasised that the detainees are well-known in the community for their adventurous travels, and their entry into Yemen was solely for transit purposes on their way to Saudi Arabia. He disclosed that urgent communication channels have been established with relevant authorities, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is actively working through diplomatic means to secure the release of the detained citizens.

Meanwhile, Zakaria Mehdi Abdulrasul, father of two of the detained travelers, Mehdi and Hadi, appealed to Bahraini authorities for swift action to secure their release. He described his sons and their three friends as avid travelers who have explored numerous countries for years. He explained that they had chosen to travel to Abha via Yemen to shorten the journey, but were detained by Yemeni government forces in Marib for over 20 days.

Abdulrasul highlighted his sons' reputation as travelers, with their social media accounts filled with photos of their adventures across continents. He stressed that his son Mehdi works in the field of land transportation and frequently travels between countries for his work.

The family lost contact with the detainees on August 1st, after they initially confirmed their detention and ongoing investigation by authorities in Marib. The families are anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones' well-being.