A Yemeni lawmaker has initiated legal action in a U.S. federal court, alleging that former American special forces operators, hired as mercenaries by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), attempted to assassinate him as part of a clandestine operation. The lawsuit was filed in California by Anssaf Ali Mayo, a prominent member of the Yemeni parliament and a key figure within the Islamist al-Islah party.
### Lawsuit Overview
Under the Alien Tort Statute, which grants foreign nationals the right to sue in U.S. courts for international law violations, Mayo’s lawsuit names three defendants: Abraham Golan, an Israeli-Hungarian national, and Americans Isaac Gilmore and Dale Comstock. These individuals are reported to have held roles with Spear Operations Group, a private military firm based in the United States. The lawsuit accuses them of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and attempted extrajudicial killing.
The court documents contend that the UAE contracted Spear Operations Group to execute a series of targeted assassinations against perceived political rivals in Yemen, including Mayo himself. It is alleged that the UAE financed these operations at a rate of $1.5 million a month, with additional bonuses for successful kills.
### Background and Alleged Assassination Attempt
The court filing details an assassination attempt that reportedly occurred on December 29, 2015. The document states that the Spear Assassination Team tracked Mayo to his political party’s headquarters and aimed to kill him by detonating an explosive device at the building’s entrance.
Mayo recounted the events that evening to reporters, explaining that he was at his office in Aden discussing various topics with journalists. He noted that he initially heard about disturbances nearby and decided to leave for home. Just as he arrived, he heard the first explosion, followed closely by a second. Initially believing it to be the result of armed conflict in a war-torn city, he only later learned that the blasts were aimed squarely at him.
### Implications of the Case
The lawsuit has broader implications, shedding light on the involvement of former U.S. military personnel in private military contracts abroad and the role of the UAE, a U.S. ally, in the ongoing Yemeni civil war. Ela Matthews, a representative from the Center for Justice & Accountability, expressed concerns over the actions of these former service members, stating, “They used their skills and military know-how to sell essentially a killing program to the highest bidder.”
Spear Operations Group has previously come under scrutiny for its activities in Yemen. In discussions with media, Golan acknowledged the company’s engagement in a sanctioned assassination program, stating that the UAE provided them with lists of targets, including Mayo.
### Current Status of the Defendants
The defendants, who reportedly do not have legal representation according to court records, are Golan, Gilmore, and Comstock. Golan, the CEO of Spear, is based in Connecticut, Gilmore is a former Navy SEAL, and Comstock is a former member of the U.S. Army Special Forces. Calls to Comstock were unanswered as of the latest reports.
Meanwhile, the UAE Embassy in Washington has yet to provide comments regarding the allegations; however, the nation has previously denied involvement in such operations.
### Mayo’s Life Post-Assassination Attempt
Mayo has lived in exile in Saudi Arabia since the attempt on his life, and he expressed serious concerns over the psychological impact of the incident, stating, “I’ve been living with fear and anxiety.” His new life has also created distances between him and his constituents, as well as between him and his family.
With this lawsuit, Mayo aims to seek justice not only for himself but also hopes to deter similar actions against others in the future. He articulated a desire for accountability, reflecting the broader call for responsibility in international conflicts often obscured by political alliances.
### Conclusion
As the legal proceedings are set to unfold, the case underscores the intertwining of global military actions and local politics, raising significant questions about the ethics and legality of private military operations, particularly in volatile regions like Yemen. The outcome could potentially have far-reaching implications for how mercenaries operate under the guise of government contracts, and for policymakers involved in the ongoing conflict in Yemen.
Source: Original Reporting
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