In video: Wounded soldier sets himself on fire in Marib amid growing economic hardship

MARIB, May 12 (YPA) – Surveillance cameras in the Saudi-held city of Marib captured scenes after a wounded soldier affiliated with coalition-backed forces reportedly set himself on fire outside a mosque following the Maghrib prayer.

The soldier, identified as Abdul Wahid Ali Hassan from Ibb province, carried out the act in front of worshippers leaving the Baqma Mosque, in an incident that sparked widespread reactions and concern on social media.

According to local accounts, the soldier’s action was linked to deteriorating living conditions and frustration over unpaid salaries, despite injuries he sustained while fighting on the frontlines.

The incident has drawn renewed attention to the worsening economic situation facing many military personnel and public employees in areas controlled by the coalition-backed Aden government.

Critics say growing poverty and delays in salary payments have intensified public anger, particularly as oil and gas revenues continue to be a source of political controversy amid accusations that influential figures benefit from the country’s resources while many fighters and wounded personnel struggle to secure basic living needs.

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