Yemeni authorities announced on Tuesday the arrest of Houthi-affiliated and Al-Qaeda cells in Aden and Taiz following intensive surveillance and intelligence tracking.

Aden police issued an official statement confirming the capture of a specialized Houthi cell tasked with monitoring the movements of military and security officials within southern forces. The arrested individuals confessed to undergoing combat training in Houthi-run camps before being deployed to Aden for espionage missions.

Meanwhile, Taiz’s Supreme Security Committee reported the detention of several extremist operatives linked to Al-Qaeda. According to preliminary investigations, these operatives coordinated with Houthi militias to execute sabotage operations and target security, military, and civilian leaders in the province and liberated areas.

Officials revealed that these individuals were directly involved in acts of assassination and destruction, including their suspected role in the murder of World Food Program employee Moayad Hamidi in Al-Turba in 2023.

Security forces also uncovered explosive materials, light and medium weapons, along with vehicles rigged for terrorist attacks inside residences belonging to the detained cells. Authorities suspect these groups planned assaults on government institutions and security facilities in both Aden and Taiz.

The Yemeni government hailed the operation as part of ongoing efforts to reinforce security and stability, pledging to counter the threats posed by Houthi militias and extremist organizations seeking to destabilize the nation.