Local Authority in Taiz Condemns Escalation of Crimes Against Professionals and Civil Figures

Taiz: The leadership of the local authority in Taiz Governorate condemned the ongoing organized crimes committed by extremist groups operating outside the law in areas under the control of forces loyal to the Aggression Coalition. According to Yemen News Agency, the Taiz local authority stated in a press release that these ongoing organized crimes-manifested in kidnappings, targeted killings, and assassination attempts carried out by lawless extremist groups operating in areas controlled by forces loyal to the Aggression Coalition, and under the sponsorship of influential entities providing cover for these crimes and violations-pose a direct threat to society, its security, and its stability. The statement strongly denounced these serious violations of human rights, particularly the rights to life and physical safety, which target competent professionals, public figures, and civil personalities. Among the most egregious incidents highlighted was the brutal crime that occurred today, Thursday, 26 Rabi' al-A wwal 1447 AH, claiming the life of Iftihan Al-Mashhari, a staff member of the Sanitation and Improvement Fund in the city center, known for her dedication, professionalism, and strong sense of responsibility. The statement emphasized that the late Al-Mashhari was a unique example of dedication and service. Despite numerous challenges, she was able to develop the Sanitation Fund in the city center through exceptional efforts, which visibly benefited citizens and supported humanitarian initiatives aimed at alleviating community suffering. Targeting professional and service personnel, as well as civil figures working to mitigate humanitarian suffering under these exceptional circumstances, constitutes a fully-fledged crime aimed at sabotaging and undermining any initiatives intended to reduce that suffering. The statement held the de facto authorities in the governorate fully responsible for apprehending the perpetrators of this and previous crimes and for putting an end to the activities of extremist groups and militias executing well-known foreign agendas. It called on society, along with all official and popular entities, to cooperate in combating crime and bringing its perpetrators to justice. It also called for serious and responsible action to protect the lives and property of civilians and to ensure a minimum level of security and stability for the community. The Taiz local authority urged local and international media, civil society organizations, and human rights and humanitarian institutions to assume their responsibilities in monitoring and documenting these crimes and violations, and to apply pressure through all available mechanisms to prosecute the criminals and hold them accountable before justice, free from narrow political considerations. Finally, the statement warned that the continued international silence and disregard for the facts and crimes against humanity constitute unacceptable complicity with the perpetrators.