Recruit found dead by suicide in Shabwa, military commander dies under mysterious circumstances in Abyan

SHABWA, ABYAN, May 23 (YPA) – Two separate incidents in Yemen’s southern provinces of Shabwa and Abyan have sparked widespread controversy, after a Saudi-backed recruit reportedly died by suicide in Shabwa, while a military commander was found dead inside his office in Abyan under mysterious circumstances.

The incidents come amid growing tensions between factions loyal to Saudi Arabia and UAE in southern and eastern Yemen.

Local sources said a recruit affiliated with Saudi-backed factions took his own life by hanging in Shabwa, in an incident that reflects worsening economic and living conditions among members of those factions.

According to the sources, the recruit, identified as Abdulrabah Ahmed Abdulrabah al-Khouri — a member of the Al Ba Ali tribe in Hatib district — died on Friday after enduring harsh economic conditions and worsening mental health.

Sources added that al-Khouri was a member of the “Fourth Brigade,” which recently witnessed withdrawals from Al-Kharama camp in the Azzan area of Radum district earlier this month.

The incident comes as fighters affiliated with Saudi-backed factions face mounting economic pressure and difficult living conditions.

In a separate incident, the commander of the so-called “First Infantry and Support Axis,” pilot Abdulbasit al-Ameri, was found dead inside his office in Abyan province under unclear circumstances, sparking widespread speculation and concern locally.

The incident has sparked accusations against al-Ameri’s rivals. Al-Ameri was affiliated with the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC), and some local sources described the case as a “silent assassination” amid escalating tensions on the ground with Saudi-backed forces in Abyan.

So far, local military and official authorities in Abyan have not issued any statement clarifying the cause of his death, limiting their response to condolences over the incident.

According to the sources, al-Ameri had not reportedly suffered from any health issues before his death.

@E.Y.M