Two prominent Islah Party leaders in Taiz, Ibrahim al-Shara'i and Muhammad Mughallis, have been killed in a bomb blast targeting the party's HQ on Jamal Street. The attack injured 13 others, including children and women, and sparked widespread outrage.
These leaders were known for their tireless community work - al-Shara'i managed a school and was a social activist, while Mughallis was a prominent educator and social leader. "They were role models of noble character and tireless work," says Abdul Basit al-Himyari, a colleague of Mughallis.
The attack's seen as part of a systematic campaign targeting Islah leaders who prioritize national unity over extremism. "Islah's being targeted for its unwavering national approach," says Ahmed Othman, Islah's media chief in Taiz. Former Taiz Governor Ali al-Maamari called for unity to maintain security and stability.
The National Coalition of Political Parties expressed solidarity with Islah, warning against incitement and attacks on political forces. The incident highlights Yemen's fragile security situation and the need for collective action against extremism.
For his part, the deputy head of the Islah Party's media department, Adnan al-Odayni, stated, "The crime that targeted the headquarters and killed its leaders was preceded by incitement campaigns, hate speech, and accusations of treason, paving the way for such crimes and the shedding of innocent blood."
He added, on the "X" platform, "Normalizing this dangerous rhetoric opens the door to more violence and transforms political differences into a real threat to innocent people and the fabric of society." He emphasized, "This is an attack on society as a whole, not just on Islah."