[01/08/2026 06:15]

MUKALLA-SABA

Security authorities in Hadramout have arrested the two main suspects in the killing of journalist Mohammed Ayda, a correspondent for Al Arabiya and Al Hadath, and uncovered a wider network linked to the attack, the province's Security Committee announced on Friday.

The committee said the breakthrough followed an extensive investigation launched immediately after the June 24 assassination under directives from President Dr. Rashad al-Alimi. Security, military, and intelligence agencies worked jointly to reconstruct the crime, combining forensic evidence, digital analysis, surveillance footage, and intelligence gathering.

Investigators concluded that the perpetrators were part of a cell operating on behalf of the Iran-backed Houthi terrorist militia. In addition to the two principal suspects, several others accused of providing operational and logistical support have also been taken into custody.

Authorities recovered a van and a motorcycle allegedly used during the assassination, along with other evidence that has been transferred to the competent judicial authorities as part of the prosecution's case.

The committee said the investigation remains active as security agencies continue pursuing anyone suspected of participating in or facilitating the attack. The case has been referred to the Specialized Criminal Prosecution in Mukalla to complete legal proceedings.

---