Aden (South24 Center)

The Aden Security Directorate announced on Wednesday (April 29) the arrest of several suspects in the assassination of educator Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Shaer, uncovering an organized criminal cell behind the operation.

In a statement, the Security Directorate said that since the moment the crime occurred, security units had launched intensive field and investigative operations, deploying tracking teams and conducting precise intelligence work. This resulted in "tangible progress in record time."

The statement explained that the security operations led to the arrest of four primary suspects in multiple targeted missions. Additionally, the vehicle used in the crime was located and seized, along with one of the weapons used in the operation.

The Security Directorate noted that the arrests took place across multiple locations, including the Sheikh Othman district in Aden. Field operations were also carried out in Abyan Governorate in coordination with its security branches, where several suspects were tracked and apprehended following joint monitoring. Another suspect was arrested in cooperation with supporting security units, reflecting the integration of efforts between different agencies.

Preliminary investigations revealed that an organized criminal cell was behind the crime, planning to target several preachers and mosque imams after conducting prior surveillance. This reflects, according to the security statement, "the gravity and expanding scope of the criminal activity."

The statement added that investigations also led to the discovery of another linked cell, with several of its members arrested, while efforts continue to track the remaining individuals involved and complete the dismantling of the network and its extensions.

The Aden Security Directorate emphasized that it is continuing to pursue fleeing suspects and will spare no effort in bringing them to justice. It noted that this announcement aims to inform public opinion of the case’s developments, while withholding further details until investigations are fully completed.

The Directorate also called on media outlets and activists to verify information and rely on official sources, warning against publishing inaccurate reports that could hinder security operations or alert fugitives.

In a related context, a source in the Security Forces Operations reported the death of a wanted individual named "Saber Abu Ali," who was subject to mandatory arrest warrants issued by the Public Prosecution. He was killed during a specialized operation in the Dar Saad district after opening fire on the force attempting to arrest him, leading to a fatal exchange of fire.

The source explained that the operation followed intensive investigations that led to locating the suspect, who was involved in murder, banditry, and terrorism-related cases, and was classified as one of the most dangerous wanted individuals.

Security agencies stressed that this operation is part of ongoing efforts to pursue terrorist elements and enhance stability, emphasizing that the security of the capital, Aden, is a "red line" that will not be compromised.

Unknown gunmen had assassinated Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Shaer on Saturday (April 25) near Al-Nawras Schools in the Mansoura district, an incident that sparked widespread condemnation and refocused attention on security challenges in the city.

The incident drew condemnations from several embassies, including Russia, the United States, France, and the United Kingdom, as well as the European Union.