Yemen : Details Emerge on Security Operation That Captured Houthi Cell Behind Journalist’s Killing

Aden – Local media revealed Sunday new details of the security operation that led to the arrest of members of the Houthi cell accused of assassinating Al Arabiya correspondent Mohamed Ayda, as well as the capture of a third suspect in Hadramout province.

According to Al‑Umanaa newspaper, two members of the cell fled to Aden immediately after detonating the car bomb that killed Ayda on the Corniche in Mukalla. 

The pair allegedly plotted another assassination targeting a senior commander in the National Resistance forces led by Presidential Leadership Council member Brig. Gen. Tareq Saleh, who had recently defected from the Houthis.

Sources said the suspects contacted the commander, claiming to carry a message from Saleh, and arranged a meeting at a hotel in Aden. 

Suspicious of their approach, the commander alerted his leadership, which investigated and discovered the men were linked to a Houthi cell. Security forces were then informed of the time and location.

When the commander arrived at the hotel under a security plan, forces raided the suspects’ room and arrested them. During interrogation, the two confessed to Ayda’s assassination and identified a third accomplice still in Hadramout.

Authorities in Mukalla were alerted but initially failed to locate him. Following directives from the Presidential Leadership Council, a specialized security team was formed. Intelligence later indicated the suspect was in Seiyun, where the team moved in and successfully apprehended him.

The third detainee reportedly admitted his role in the journalist’s killing during questioning, confirming the cell’s involvement in the high‑profile attack.