Yemeni security authorities in Taiz governorate have announced the arrest of several individuals suspected of involvement in the assassination of UN official Moayad Hamidi, who was gunned down in the city of Al-Turba in July 2023.

According to the Taiz Security Committee, the arrests were made during a joint security operation in the Al-Shamayatayn district, south of the city. The detained individuals are believed to be part of a terrorist cell linked to the Houthi militia, and are accused of carrying out acts of sabotage, murder, and resistance to law enforcement in Taiz, Aden, and Lahj.

Authorities confirmed that the suspects have direct ties to the killing of Hamidi, a Jordanian national and head of the World Food Programme’s office in Taiz, who was assassinated just days after assuming his post.

The operation also led to the seizure of explosives, light and medium weapons, and vehicles rigged for attacks, which were allegedly intended for use in targeting military, security, and civilian leaders in Taiz and other regions.

The security committee emphasized that investigations are ongoing and pledged to bring all perpetrators to justice, reaffirming its commitment to combating terrorism and protecting humanitarian workers operating in Yemen.