Senior Military Intelligence Officer Killed in Southern Yemen Clashes

A senior military intelligence officer and another armed individual were killed, and five others were injured in violent clashes that erupted in Al-Habileen city, Rofaan district, in Yemen's southern Lahj province.

Local sources and eyewitnesses reported that Brigadier General Adel Amis, intelligence chief of the 5th Support and Assistance Brigade, died as a result of armed confrontations that broke out inside a crowded restaurant and near the Qat market in the city center. The incident also resulted in the death of a soldier identified as Mohammed Ahmed Hussein and the injury of Amis's son and three others, including civilians who happened to be at the scene.

Accounts of the incident's background and causes varied. One narrative suggests the dispute originated from a decision by Brigadier General Amis to halt the salaries of several soldiers, including Mohammed Ahmed Hussein, due to prolonged absence from duty. This reportedly led to escalating tensions and mutual threats in the preceding days.

Another account states that soldier Hussein, accompanied by armed individuals, went to the restaurant where Amis was located and opened fire. Amis's escorts immediately retaliated, leading to the deaths of both parties and the escalation of the situation into a wider exchange of fire in the crowded market.

According to residents' testimonies, the incident was preceded by verbal altercations and fistfights in the city market days earlier. Local mediation efforts failed to de-escalate the situation after soldier Hussein reportedly threatened Amis at his home, and Amis attempted to reciprocate the visit with similar intent.

The incident caused panic among civilians in Al-Habileen city. As of the time of reporting, neither the command of the 5th Support and Assistance Brigade nor the security authorities in Lahj province have issued any official statement clarifying the circumstances of the incident or revealing the measures being taken to contain the tension.