Presidential Candidate’s House Bombed
The home of businessman Tawfiq Al-Khamari came under fire. A special source to NewsYemen stated that armed men attacked the residence around 8:30pm in the west of the capital. Mr. Al-Khamari called NewsYemen but did not place blame on anyone. He stated that, “the security forces came and we are awaiting the results of the investigation.”
Al-Khamari has announced his candidacy for president and is a well-known businessman. He recently announced that his company The Yemeni Company for Hotels and Investment is working with an international consultant specializing in commercial negotiations to set up a number of projects related to hotels. In a study, it was indicated that a number of projects concerning housing units and commercial centers would be undertaken at a cost of around $110M.
Yemeni businessmen have complained about similar incidents that they consider are anti-investment. They also expressed their concern that the government is unable to protec them.
Al-Khamari is the secretary general for the Hotel Union as well as the deputy director for the Yemeni Association of Businessmen and Investors. In a previous interview with NewsYemen he indicated that security breaches are the number one obstacle to tourism in Yemen. Earlier, the YABI condemned threats that target the stability and public safety. These threats defame the country and only lead to many economic losses.
Previously, he stated that, ”businessmen, investors, both foreign and Arab, who wish to invest in Yemen are frightened to do so. Their fear is not tied only to their investments and money, but their lives as well. This is of very grave concern and is damaging to the state and to the principles of religion.”
The parliament holds the Ministry of Interior, security divisions, intelligence units, and the military responsible for putting an end to these threats. The parliament also praised the president and several government institutions for taking the responsibility to fix this problem.
