Iran-backed Houthis Release Three Leaders Linked to Civilian Home Bombings in Yemen's Rada'a

The Iran-backed Houthis have released three of their senior security officials accused of orchestrating the bombing of civilian homes in the Al-Hafrah neighborhood of Rada'a city, Al-Bayda governorate (central Yemen), during Ramadan last year.

The attack claimed the lives of 16 civilians, including women and children. The release, which occurred a year after the incident, has ignited widespread outrage among the victims' families and local residents.

The released individuals, identified by local sources, include:

Mohammed Saleh Al-Awkabi (alias "Abu Hussein Al-Harman"), former commander of central security and director of investigations in Rada'a.

Abu Saleh Saran, former security director of Rada'a districts.

Mujali Al-Jawfi, former security director of Wadi Rabea district.

The decision to release the three leaders was directly ordered by Houthi leader Abdulmalik Al-Houthi, despite their alleged involvement in severe human rights violations against the residents of Al-Bayda. The Sources said.

The move has been perceived as a deliberate provocation by the people of Rada'a, particularly after images surfaced showing the released officials being hosted by Abu Hussein Al-Arabji, the former police chief of Al-Bayda and a key suspect in the bombing.

The victims' families had been promised by the Houthis that those responsible for the attack would be arrested and brought to justice. However, the group released the accused without any legal proceedings, further deepening the community's frustration.

The bombing in Rada'a occurred following a dispute between the Al-Zailai family and the Houthi militias. The militias targeted the family's home, resulting in the destruction of neighboring houses and the deaths of innocent civilians. The incident drew widespread condemnation from local and international observers.

Since seizing control of Sanaa, the Houthis have been accused of systematically targeting their opponents. Human rights organizations have documented the group's involvement in the destruction of nearly 900 homes across 16 governorates, highlighting a pattern of deliberate violence against civilians.