Local officials confirmed this Thursday that two soldiers were kidnapped by tribesmen as part as on-going dispute with the state over the release of a tribal relative.
An official told reporters earlier today, "The soldiers were heading towards al-Jarba camp overlooking Daleh late on Wednesday when they were abducted."
He then added that the tribe is "demanding the release of a relative arrested recently in Aden over criminal charges".
While kidnapping is an occupational hazard in Yemen, tribes have since 2011 systematically used the abduction of aid workers, foreigners, military men and journalists to force the government into complying with their demands, whether land disputes, calls for the release of fellow-tribesmen or financial incentives.
Analysts have actually warned against the trend, noting that the state's apparent and prolonged inability to enforce its will and the rule of law over its territories is jeopardizing Yemen institutions, putting a question mark over the de facto hierarchy of power.
The longer the central government allows factions and militias to act according to their ow sets of rules, in direct violation with the laws of Yemen, the longer Yemen will remain fragmented and thus unstable.
Moreover, with every kidnapping the state has to redirect precious resources toward solving the issue, preventing officials to concentrate on other pressing matters, such as counter-terrorism.
Only last month 11 soldiers were kidnapped by tribesmen over a similar issue, the release of a tribal detainee. Only after the intervention of a senior commander was the men releases, under the promise officials would be notify of the tribe's demands.
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