SOUTH24 CENTER FOR NEWS & STUDIES
SOUTH24 CENTER FOR NEWS & STUDIES
People watch as a vehicle that was traveling with Yemeni Defense Minister Taher Al-Aqili’s convoy burns during protests and armed tensions in Al-Dhalea, South Yemen, September 9, 2026. (Screenshot from video footage reviewed by South24 Center)
Last updated on: 09-09-2026 at 8 PM Aden Time
ADEN (South24 Center)
A soldier and two children were wounded on Wednesday (September 9) amid armed tensions and protests that disrupted a visit by Yemeni Defense Minister Lieutenant General Taher Al-Aqili to Al-Dhalea Governorate, according to a medical source who spoke to South24 Center.
A South24 Center correspondent said protesters blocked several streets in Al-Dhalea city and the Naqil Al-Rabd road with burning tires in opposition to Al-Aqili’s visit, causing traffic congestion and bringing vehicle movement to a halt on several roads.
Gunfire was heard in the city as tensions escalated following the minister’s field tour. Video footage reviewed by South24 Center showed a vehicle that had been traveling with Al-Aqili’s convoy on fire, while separate footage showed a military pickup that had been damaged and disabled.
#BREAKING
— South24 | English (@South24E) September 9, 2026
Video shows a vehicle from the convoy of Yemeni Defense Minister Taher Al-Aqili burning during his visit to Dhalea Governorate#south24 pic.twitter.com/qjGYU5vw1d
#BREAKING
— South24 | English (@South24E) September 9, 2026
South24 Video: A military vehicle from the convoy of Yemeni Defense Minister Taher Al-Aqili was disabled during his visit to Dhalea Governorate#south24 pic.twitter.com/hO20RuFNoY
It was not immediately clear how the two vehicles were targeted, who was responsible, or under what circumstances the soldier and the two children were wounded. No official casualty figures were issued.
A local source separately told South24 Center that three members of Al-Aqili’s entourage were reportedly detained during the unrest. South24 Center could not independently verify the reports or determine whether they were subsequently released.
Local sources said the protests reflected anger among residents and relatives of Southern forces personnel killed in Saudi airstrikes in Hadramout and Al-Dhalea earlier this year. Some viewed the minister’s visit as a provocation.
According to the official account, Al-Aqili visited the frontlines in Al-Dhalea to inspect troop readiness and review developments in the fighting against the Iran-aligned Houthi militia.
Yemen’s official Saba news agency said Al-Aqili was accompanied by Al-Dhalea Governor and Military Axis Commander Major General Ahmed Al-Qubba, Eighth Military Region Commander Major General Hadi Al-Awlaqi, and 33rd Armored Division Commander Major General Wajdi Al-Zubaidi.
The agency said Al-Aqili received a briefing from field commanders on troop deployments, combat readiness, and military operations. The official report made no reference to the protests, gunfire, damaged vehicles, or reported casualties.
Al-Aqili’s visit came hours after renewed fighting on the Al-Masharih–Al-Thawkh and Maris fronts, north and northwest of Al-Dhalea. Military sources and a South24 Center correspondent said Southern forces had engaged in heavy overnight clashes with the Houthis, while Houthi forces fired mortar shells toward villages and civilian areas west of Qa’atabah.
Local media later reported that Al-Aqili had left Al-Dhalea and arrived in Aden on Wednesday evening. The government did not immediately issue a statement regarding his departure or the unrest that accompanied the visit.
