Yemen : Civilian Killed by Houthi Gunfire in Northern al-Jawf

Al-Jawf — Local sources reported Wednesday that a civilian, Mohammed Abdullah al-Laghb, was shot dead by armed members of the Iran-backed Houthi militia in the Khabb wa ash Sha’af district of northern al-Jawf province.

Witnesses said al-Laghb and his brother Amer were traveling unarmed on a motorcycle when they were stopped at a checkpoint run by the Houthis’ so-called Anti-Smuggling Unit, accused of carrying hashish. The brothers fled on foot, prompting armed pursuit.

Al-Laghb was struck in the thigh but managed to reach a nearby tent belonging to local resident Saleh Sa’fan al-Salahi, where he sought refuge. According to eyewitnesses, Houthi fighters followed him to the tent, ignoring pleas from al-Salahi and his mother that the wounded man was unarmed.

Despite attempting to surrender, al-Laghb was shot multiple times inside the tent, collapsing in front of women and children. The gunmen then withdrew, leaving his body behind.

The killing has sparked widespread outrage among residents, with calls for accountability and justice against those responsible. The incident adds to a growing list of abuses attributed to Houthi forces in the region, further fueling public anger over their conduct.