Pro-Saudi military commander killed in Yemen’s western coast

HODEIDA, June 07 (YPA) – A prominent commander in the Saudi-backed forces was killed on Saturday alongside several bodyguards when an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) targeted his vehicle in the coastal city of Al-Khokha, south of Hodeida governorate, local sources reported.

Yahya Abdullah Wahish, the commander of the “First Division” in the forces led by Tariq Saleh, died instantly in the blast. Wahish, who is closely affiliated with the Islah party, had recently been appointed to his position as part of a restructuring process of armed factions in southern and eastern Yemen.

While no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, sources close to the late commander indicated that his appointment had sparked internal tensions with Tariq Saleh. The ongoing restructuring follows a shift in territorial influence, as Saudi Arabia consolidates its control over these strategic regions.

Local authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, though security in the volatile coastal strip remains highly precarious.

YPA