Taiz (South24 Center) 

A senior official of North Yemen's Taiz governorate was killed on Thursday morning (August 21) when an improvised explosive device planted in his vehicle detonated while he was travelling through Jamal Street in the city center, according to an announcement by the Yemeni Interior Ministry.

The ministry reported that the explosion left Colonel Abdullah Al-Naqeeb, Director of Security for Taiziyah District, with severe injuries that proved fatal. It said that security forces arrived at the scene and launched an investigation to identify those responsible for the attack.

A journalistic source speaking to South24 said that Al-Naqeeb was among the most prominent security figures in Taiz, having led security campaigns to enhance stability and combat crime within the district.

#BREAKING
Yemeni Interior Ministry: Colonel Abdullah Al-Naqeeb killed by IED explosion targeting his vehicle in Taiz governorate#south24 pic.twitter.com/VLf9koCLJN

— South24 | English (@South24E) August 21, 2025

His assassination comes at a time when the province faces a fragile security situation, marked by ongoing intermittent clashes between government forces and the Houthi group, in addition to activities by other armed factions.

The ministry indicated that security agencies in Taiz are pursuing those involved in the car bombing, emphasizing that such attacks represent a serious threat to civilian security.

Taiz has witnessed repeated incidents targeting officers and military leaders affiliated with government forces since 2014.

Yemen's most populous city has experienced geographical and military division between government forces and the Houthi group since 2015, with the government controlling most inner neighborhoods while the Houthis maintain a siege on the city's Northern, Eastern, and Western approaches.