Taiz - armed forces affiliated with the Islah Party reportedly stormed the home of journalist Wiam Al-Soufi in the city of Taiz earlier this week. 

The incident has sparked widespread condemnation from local residents and media watchdogs, raising concerns about the safety of journalists operating in conflict zones.

According to local sources, the raid was carried out by members of the 22nd Mika Brigade, part of the Taiz Axis Forces loyal to the Saudi-led coalition and politically aligned with the Islah Party. 

The operation involved five military vehicles and was led by Bakr Sadiq Sarhan, son of the brigade’s former commander and a prominent figure within its ranks.

The forces allegedly entered Al-Soufi’s residence in the Majaliya neighborhood of the Al-Muzaffar district without a warrant or prior warning. 

Although no casualties were reported, the intrusion has been described as an act of intimidation targeting a journalist known for her critical coverage of political and military affairs in Taiz.

Residents of the area expressed outrage over the raid, calling it a violation of civil liberties and an attack on press freedom. “This is not just about one journalist—it’s about silencing voices that speak truth to power,” said one local activist who asked to remain anonymous for safety reasons.

The incident is part of a broader pattern of harassment and violence against journalists in Taiz. 

A recent investigative report by the Free Media Center for Investigative Journalism documented the targeted killing of five photojournalists in the city, underscoring the dangers faced by media professionals in Yemen’s volatile southwest.

Human rights organizations have called for an independent investigation into the raid and urged Yemeni authorities to hold those responsible accountable. 

They also emphasized the need for stronger protections for journalists, especially in regions plagued by armed conflict and political instability.

As of now, neither the Islah Party nor the Taiz Axis Forces have issued an official statement regarding the raid on Wiam Al-Soufi’s home. The journalist herself has not publicly commented, reportedly due to security concerns.

This incident adds to the growing list of violations against journalists in Yemen, where freedom of expression remains under siege amid ongoing conflict and political fragmentation.