Thousands of demonstrators poured into the streets of Taiz on Sunday morning in a massive show of anger following the assassination of Iftihan Al-Mashhari, executive director of the Cleaning and Improvement Fund. Three major marches—originating from the city center, Taiz University, and rural districts—converged on Jamal Abdul Nasser Street in the heart of the city.
The crowds rallied first outside the temporary headquarters of the local authority, before moving across main streets toward the provincial police command. Protesters denounced the killing of Al-Mashhari, condemning what they described as chronic lawlessness that has turned Taiz into a “safe haven for terrorism.”
The city witnessed an almost complete shutdown as public and private offices closed, with employees joining the mass demonstration. Protesters demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of Al-Mashhari’s killers and other wanted suspects, accusing certain military and security commanders of collusion and providing protection to perpetrators.
The demonstrators called for the dismissal of all senior security and military officials in Taiz—including the commander of the military axis, the police chief, brigade commanders, and other security units—as well as the removal of the local authority leadership and executive offices.
They urged a sweeping “cleansing” and restructuring of both the security and military institutions on a strictly national basis, alongside accountability for those complicit in abuses or in shielding fugitives.
Marchers carried photos of victims of insecurity and terrorism in the city, including Marsal Aidroos and Aseel Al-Jubzi, and raised banners rejecting extortion and illegal levies imposed by armed groups. Slogans were chanted against terrorism, calling instead for a genuine national army and a responsible security institution capable of protecting citizens from armed gangs.
Protesters held the Presidential Leadership Council, the government, and top military, security, and local officials fully responsible for the deteriorating situation in Taiz. They warned against continued collusion and lawlessness, which they said has “turned the city into a haven for terrorists.”
The demonstration concluded with a mass sit-in outside the local authority headquarters on Jamal Abdul Nasser Street, where participants vowed to continue their protests until their demands are met.
