Senior commander killed in clashes with Houthi militia in Taiz, Yemen

Yemen’s Ministry of Interior on Friday announced the death of Maj. Gen. Staff Muhammad Salem Al-Khawlani, Chief of Staff of the ministry’s Emergency Forces, who was killed while performing his duties on the front lines in Taiz province.

In an official statement posted on its X account, the ministry said Al-Khawlani “rose as a martyr while carrying out his national duty at the forefront of the ranks in defense of Taiz governorate, protecting its security and stability, and remaining faithful to his military oath.”

The statement described the general as a distinguished national cadre who held several leadership positions in the Interior Ministry and across various provinces before serving as Chief of Staff of the Emergency Forces. It praised his discipline, competence, and dedication, noting that he contributed significantly to strengthening the security institution.

Al-Khawlani was killed on the Al-Kadha (also spelled Al-Kadaha or Al-Kedha) front west of Taiz during ongoing clashes with Houthi forces. Multiple Yemeni sources reported that his death occurred amid intensified fighting on several fronts in the province, including Al-Kadha, Jabal Habashi, Maqbanah, and Al-Misrakh.

The Interior Ministry extended condolences to his family, colleagues, and the Yemeni people, praying for mercy upon him and patience for his loved ones. Interior Minister Maj. Gen. Staff Ibrahim Ali Haidan also issued a separate message of condolence, describing the loss as a significant blow to the security establishment while stressing that Al-Khawlani’s sacrifice would strengthen resolve among forces confronting the Houthis.

Thousands of residents in Taiz later participated in the funeral procession for Al-Khawlani and other soldiers killed in recent fighting.

The death marks one of the highest-ranking security officials from the internationally recognized Yemeni government to be killed since a new escalation of hostilities began in the region in July. Fighting in Taiz, a strategically important province that has seen prolonged conflict since 2015, has intensified in recent days with ground clashes and airstrikes reported on multiple fronts.

The Ministry of Interior’s statement concluded with a Quranic verse commonly cited in such announcements: “And never think of those who have been killed in the cause of Allah as dead. Rather, they are alive with their Lord, receiving provision.”