Leaks circulate about liquidation of former minister “Al-Daeri” in Riyadh

ADEN, May 11 (YPA) – A hashtag “#where_minister_of_defense” trended on social media on Monday amid a campaign in southern Yemen demanding clarification from Saudi authorities regarding the fate of former Defense Minister in the Saudi-backed Aden government, Mohsen Al-Daeri, following unverified reports suggesting he may have died in Riyadh.

Activists circulated claims that Al-Daeri, who was summoned to Saudi Arabia in early January, was subjected to ill-treatment inside a Saudi detention facility, particularly after reported advances by UAE-aligned forces in parts of Hadramout. These claims could not be independently verified.

Social media users also alleged that Saudi intelligence services and a “special committee” bore responsibility for his alleged death, further claiming—without evidence—that his body was transferred to a hospital refrigerator near a detention facility in Jeddah. Saudi authorities have not issued any confirmation or response to these allegations.

The campaign also renewed calls for the release of Abdul Nasser Ahmed Al-Wali, who activists say has been under house arrest in Riyadh since January, with appeals citing concerns over his health condition and right to return.

Separately, activists referenced past cases involving southern military and security figures who allegedly died in traffic incidents or were detained after being summoned to Saudi Arabia, including Fadl Al-Omari Al-Radfani, though these claims remain disputed and lack independent verification.

AA