"تقرير عن القبائل العربية المجاورة لعدن" [ظ‎‎١‎٧] (٤٠٤/٣٩)

22 ARAB TRIBES IN THE VICINITY OF ADEN.
’Abdali villages, owing to the Sultan’s action in stopping the
importation of arms. In November 1899 they attacked the
’AbdaH’s post at Dar A 1 Kudaimf. The ’Abdalf raised a large
force upon which the Atiffs submitted and gave hostages.
The Atiffs continued to import arms and numerous
outrages were committed by the other Subehf tribes. In
April 1900 Muhammad Saleh Jafer, the Native Assistant
Resident, on being accused of corrupt practices, absconded
from Aden and tried to induce the Subehfs to co-operate in
plundering the trade routes and ravaging ’Abdalf territory.
He died shortly afterwards in the Makhdumf country but
the outrages did not cease and they became so serious that
steps had to be taken to check them. As the Subehf sti
pends are drawn in lieu of transit dues which were formerly
levied upon passing caravans it was deemed inadvisable to
stop these. And so the ’Abdalf Sultan was advised to raise
a sufficient force to effectively suppress the Subehfs and offered
certain assistance. An expedition actually started against
the Subehfs accordingly but proved fruitless as Government
disapproved of Residency interference in the matter, and the
’Abdalf proved unable to proceed unaided.
In 1902 and 1903 the Atiffs fired on one of our armed
dhows; the Makhdumfs and Mans'drfs looted 263 ’Abdalf
camels ; the Somdtfs continually plundered kafilas ; the Jura-
bfs sniped our post at Nobat Dakim and an escort was fired
on near Dar Akkam. The matter was again referred to Gov
ernment, who decided to postpone punitive measures till
the Boundary Commission had completed their work.
In January 1904, however, Government reconsidered the
matter and authorised a punitive expedition provided that
the Boundary Commission’s progress would not be hindered
thereby. The Commission entered Subehf territory on the
7th February and the expedition was abandoned. The
Subehfs were, however, informed that if they offered any
opposition they would be attacked immediately. A column
was sent from Aden to Dar A 1 Kudaimf to support the Com
mission in case of need. On gth February the advance,
guard of the escort was fired on by the Khuleff, ’Alawf and
Jazirf. They were driven from their position and Dar Ibra
him was destroyed by gun-fire. After this except for some
sniping by night practically no opposition was experienced.
On 3rd March Captain Warneford was murdered at Am