Taiz (South24)

The governor of Taiz, Nabil Shamsan, aligned with the recognized Yemeni government, has directed a joint military-security campaign in the Ash-Shamayatayn district, including the city of Turbah, south of Taiz city.

A statement released on the official Facebook page of the Taiz Security Department page yesterday detailed that Governor Shamsan met with the commanders of the security committee, where they decided to declare the city of Turbah, the capital of Ash-Shamayatayn district, a weapons-free zone.

"The meeting approved the activation of work in the joint operations room, which includes various security and military units, to intensify efforts to maintain security and stability," the statement said.

The statement also revealed that multiple cells linked to the Houthi militia had been arrested in the Ash-Shamayatayn district, with the governor warned of ongoing Houthi threats in Taiz districts under government control.

The committee also decided to enhance cooperation between the security and military agencies of Taiz and Lahj governorates to counter Houthi threats and associated cells.

This campaign marks the first significant security operation in Turbah, which is believed to be a stronghold for armed groups wanted or designated as terrorists by security services in the capital, Aden.

According to a security source speaking to South24 Center, these groups are led by the commander of the Yemeni Transport Brigade, Brigadier General Amjad Khaled, who reportedly fled from Aden to Turbah after being defeated by Southern Transitional Council forces in 2019.

On May 28, the Specialized Criminal Court sentenced Amjad Khaled to death in absentia for his involvement in violent terrorist acts that struck Aden in 2021, along with six others. 

Related: Death sentence for Yemeni officer convicted of terrorist attacks in Aden 

His crimes included direct involvement in the bombing of the convoy of Aden Governor Ahmed Lamlas and another bombing at the entrance to Aden International Airport in October of the same year.

Related: The Revealing of a Yemeni Cell Identity Accused of Carrying Bombings in Aden 

The assassination attempt on Governor Lamlas resulted in the deaths of six of his companions, including three journalists, and five civilians. 25 others were injured in the bombing outside Aden Airport.

Video confessions from suspects arrested by Aden security forces confirmed they had received direct guidance and support from Amjad Khaled, with financial backing linked to the Houthi militia. 

Amjad Khaled has repeatedly denied the charges in video statements, calling for an independent investigation committee.

In July 2023, the city of Turbah witnessed the assassination of Moayad Hameidi, a World Food Program official from Jordan, by unidentified gunmen.

Related: The Killing of a UN Employee Raises Security Issues in Taiz Again 

Despite the Taiz police announcing the arrest of dozens of gunmen shortly after during a campaign following the incident, the circumstances and identities of the perpetrators remain unclear.

Taiz Governorate has been divided between the Yemeni government and the Houthis since 2015, including Taiz, the most populated city in the country.