Houthi Gang Shoots Merchant in Ibb Amid Security Collapse

A merchant was critically injured after being shot by a Houthi-affiliated gang in Ibb Governorate, central Yemen, amidst a severe security breakdown plaguing the region.

Local sources in Ibb reported that the victim, identified as Yassin Sinan Al-Tayeb, was targeted by an armed group linked to the Houthi militia, which has been engaged in looting and highway robbery. The incident occurred on the main road connecting the Al-Suhool area with Ibb city, the governorate's capital.

Al-Tayeb was reportedly returning to his shop in the Mifraq Habish area of Al-Makhader district, north of the city, when the armed group intercepted his vehicle. The gang attempted to stop him with the intention of robbing him, but he refused to comply, prompting them to open fire.

The injured merchant was subsequently transported to a hospital in Ibb city, where he is reported to be in critical condition. Sources confirmed the gang's close ties to the Houthi militia, stating they regularly conduct robberies and extort travelers and merchants on the Ibb-Al-Suhool road, using the latter area as their base.

Ibb Governorate has been experiencing a significant increase in crime, including murder, looting, and property theft, across its various districts, exacerbating the existing security instability.