AL-MUKALLA: Security forces in Aden, Yemen’s interim capital, have launched a campaign against the sale of weapons and the carrying of firearms, in the wake of a series of deadly shootings that have claimed several lives.
Dozens of armed security personnel and vehicles have been stationed at the city’s entrances, intersections, and roads to enforce the ban on civilians, military, and security personnel carrying unlicensed firearms.
Forces have been observed inspecting vehicles for weapons, while a media campaign has been launched on social media and local television to educate the public about the importance of not carrying weapons.
Aden's ban on people carrying unlicensed firearms was enforced by dozens of security officers. (Supplied)
“Carrying a firearm terrifies citizens and promotes the proliferation of crime,” one of the security forces’ Facebook posters says.
Another reads: “Together, we’ll put an end to carrying weapons and shooting at parties. Aden is more attractive without (the proliferation of) weapons.”
Local officials have said that even security and military personnel authorized to carry firearms will not be permitted to tote them on public streets.
The campaign comes after a week of shootings in the city.
In one incident, an armed man opened fire on another man’s car, killing his toddler and injuring another.
A soldier was killed and another injured in the city when a man opened fire on security agents who arrived to apprehend him.
Members of the public have voiced their support for the campaign, while urging peace and safety to be restored to the city.
A group of people gathered on an Aden street, carrying posters in support of the campaign and photographs of the child killed in the shooting.
“Your weapon should only be used on the front lines, not on the streets and highways,” read one of the signs.
Aden residents stressed their support for the arms ban on social media.
Najib Alkaldi, an activist based in the city, said: “We must all stand with the security forces and military forces in the campaign to prevent the carrying of arms in Aden.
“Let us all know that the security forces will not succeed in achieving the goals of this campaign, and they will not continue it, unless we all stand with them.”
It has been claimed that an arms license can be obtained from security offices in Aden for $14.50.
Critics say that the campaign was quickly organized in response to public indignation over the killing of the child, and is likely to end when the outrage subsides.
Fatehi bin Lazerq, editor of Aden Al-Ghad newspaper, told Arab News that for any campaign to be successful, security units and armed groups must be rebuilt and brought under the command of a single security authority.
Bin Lazerq added: “All security operations in Aden to restore security in the city and remove weapons are a response to the violent events that rocked society, and as a result they are limited and their impact is temporary, lasting only a few days.”
