Brig. Gen. Yahya Al-Wahish, commander of the First Division of the National Resistance in the West Coast, was killed by a Houthi-planted explosive device. His death marks a significant loss for Yemen's military and resistance movement, removing a prominent figure who played a crucial role in the early confrontation with the Houthi militia and key battles on the West Coast.
Al-Wahish, who transitioned from religious studies to become a frontline commander, dedicated over two decades to combat, serving in various critical locations including Saada, Kataf, Dammaj, and the West Coast. His military career culminated in his martyrdom in the Al-Jashah area, south of Al-Khokha city, a direct result of a Houthi terrorist act. He was known for his hands-on leadership, often present on the front lines and actively directing engagements under challenging circumstances, earning him widespread respect among his peers and fighters.
Brig. Gen. Farouq Al-Khulani, Chief of Staff of the Hodeidah front and commander of the 21st Infantry Brigade, described Al-Wahish's death as a grievous loss to the military institution but also a testament to the sacrifices made in defending Yemen. He affirmed that the terrorist act would not dampen the resolve of the armed forces and National Resistance, but rather strengthen their determination to continue the fight for state restoration and against the Houthi project. Al-Khulani characterized the deceased as a model of a loyal military leader, combining bravery, discipline, and patriotism, known for his humility and proximity to his soldiers.
Brig. Gen. Fouad Baqadi (Jahanam), commander of the 22nd Infantry Brigade of the National Resistance, echoed these sentiments, stating that Al-Wahish was a symbol of steadfastness and belief in the national cause. He emphasized that the National Resistance fighters renew their pledge to follow in the footsteps of Al-Wahish and all martyrs, upholding the principles they fought for, including the restoration of state institutions and security. Baqadi stressed that the sacrifices of martyrs are a trust held by the living, obligating them to continue the path towards victory and the full recovery of national territory.
Brig. Gen. Zayed Manser, commander of the Hodeidah front and the Second Division of the National Resistance, described Al-Wahish as a comprehensive military and national school, leaving indelible marks on various stages of the confrontation with the Houthi militia. Manser highlighted Al-Wahish's dual role as a resilient military leader and a figure who boosted the morale of fighters, instilling values of sacrifice and national belonging. He assured that investigations into the assassination are ongoing to bring the perpetrators to justice and that the sacrifice of Al-Wahish and his comrades will not be in vain.
Dr. Al-Hassan Taher, Governor of Hodeidah, considered Al-Wahish's passing a loss not only for the National Resistance but for Hodeidah province and Yemen as a whole, given his significant contributions. He recalled Al-Wahish as one of the foremost field commanders dedicated to defending the Republic and restoring state institutions, with a prominent presence on critical battlefronts. The governor reaffirmed that justice would be served and that the incident would not deter Yemenis from continuing their national struggle, with the martyrs' sacrifices serving as inspiration for state restoration and the end of the coup.
