Hadramout – Assault on Child in Mukalla Sparks Widespread Outrage

The 13-year-old boy Shadi Bashar was brutally assaulted on Monday afternoon in a popular market in the Al-Sharj area of Mukalla city, Hadramout governorate, after leaving school. The attack left him with bruises and swelling around his eye, and he was taken to the hospital for treatment.

The child’s father, Bashar Al-Sulmi, stated in a social media post that the attackers were of African origin, noting that Mukalla’s security authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

The father’s post, which included a photo showing the child’s injuries, sparked a wave of anger and condemnation on social media, with calls for the perpetrators to be held accountable and for measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Local observers warned that the incident could fuel social tensions if not addressed promptly and transparently, especially given the sensitivity surrounding issues of migration and foreign labor in some areas.