Aden (South24 Center)

Security forces in the capital Aden announced on Sunday (November 16) that they had thwarted a "large-scale coordinated terrorist plot" by dismantling a cell described as one of the most dangerous cells recruited and trained within areas controlled by the Houthi militia, under the direct supervision of Amjad Khaled, who is classified by security authorities as one of the most wanted individuals.

The security statement indicated that Dar Saad Police carried out a precise operation resulting in the arrest of several members belonging to an organized network who were "preparing to execute a series of operations targeting military and security leaders in Aden with the aim of destabilizing the region."

It added that investigations confirmed that the cell members underwent systematic recruitment processes within Aden before being transferred to secret training camps in the Houthi-controlled Al-Huban area of Taiz Governorate.

The statement added that during weeks of training, the members received intensive instruction in the use of light and medium weapons, including RPG launchers, alongside advanced courses in manufacturing and planting explosive devices, and training programs related to drone technologies, which the security agencies considered a clear indicator of the "sensitive nature of the operations" required of them.

The statement also noted that interrogation records revealed "highly dangerous ideological indoctrination" received by the recruits, including the promotion of inciteful ideas targeting Southern forces, and subjecting them to visits to areas controlled by the Houthi group in Saada, Sana'a, and Dhamar to solidify their affiliation with the group and enhance their loyalty.

According to the findings presented in the statement, the cell was tasked with monitoring and tracking the movements of several military and security leaders, including Colonel Maslah Al-Darhani, Commander of Dar Saad Police, Brigadier General Jalal Al-Rubaie, Commander of the Security Belt in Aden, along with other leaders in the Southern Land Forces and security units.

The security statement confirmed that investigations revealed Amjad Khaled received "consistent financial and logistical funding" to manage these cells, including disbursing monthly salaries in Saudi Riyals and providing full coverage for transportation and accommodation expenses. The statement noted that this points to the existence of a behind the scene "broad external support network".

The statement added that following the completion of training, Amjad Khaled directed his elements to return to Aden and surrender to authorities through intermediaries - a step described in the statement as a "calculated deception attempt aimed at concealing the cell's intentions and facilitating their subsequent movements."

The statement concluded by affirming that Aden's security agencies "will continue their specialized operations to track all cells and elements working to target the security and stability of the capital," announcing that the confessions of the cell members will be broadcast later via Aden Al-Mustaqila channel.

Amjad Khaled is the former commander of the Transport Brigade affiliated with the Yemeni government, closely associated with the Islah Party, and accused of having ties with the Houthis. In May 2024, the Specialized Criminal Court in Aden sentenced him in absentia to death, along with several of his aides, in connection with bombings and assassination cases.

 Read more at: Yemeni Government Pursues Amjad Khaled After Years of Southern Appeals

 Read more at: Death sentence for Yemeni officer convicted of terrorist attacks in Aden