The killing of Wissam Qaid is a systematic assassination crime targeting national competencies in Aden.

The Yemeni Center for the Rehabilitation of Victims of Violations and Torture Condemns the Abduction and Assassination of Engineer Wissam Qaid in Aden

The Yemeni Center for the Rehabilitation of Victims of Violations and Torture (Will and Hope) condemns in the strongest terms the heinous crime committed by armed elements in Aden, involving the abduction and murder of Engineer Wissam Qaid, Deputy Director General of the Social Fund for Development (SFD) and current Acting Executive Director of the Fund.

These elements abducted him this afternoon from in front of his home in the densely populated “Inma” neighborhood, in a treacherous operation that ended with his physical liquidation and the disposal of his body. This crime does not represent an isolated incident; rather, it comes as part of a systematic pattern of assassinations targeting national competencies and active cadres in the state-building process.

Watch the murderous kidnappers here: https://youtu.be/idBP1J_jH4o?si=R424j69X33E11Rzs And also here: https://youtu.be/xWe8XHX0HIU?si=0urgDMhKNf63Ru4F

Targeting the leadership of the Social Fund for Development is a direct attack on the country’s development project, given the pivotal role the Fund plays in preparing qualified cadres within an advanced academic system, and creating a generation of development leaders and makers of positive change.

These ostensibly unidentified elements in Aden were moving with weapons and a vehicle with tinted windows, in a scenario where it is impossible to pass through security checkpoints without permits, facilitation, and joint coordination. This reinforces suspicions regarding the connection of these elements to security entities working in favor of the Southern Transitional Council (STC).

The Yemeni Center for the Rehabilitation of Victims of Violations and Torture questions: What is the role of the Governor of Aden in what is currently happening?

Proceeding from this, the Yemeni Center calls upon the United Nations, the international community, and the sponsoring countries of the Gulf Initiative to:

Assume their legal and humanitarian responsibilities and take immediate actions for accountability and direct prosecution of anyone proven to be involved. No suspects should be exempted—whether from security or military commands affiliated with the Transitional Council, or a Houthi cell coordinating with others—regarding the extent of their connection and full responsibility for this heinous crime.

The Yemeni Center also demands that the UN classify the elements involved in these violations on the list of war criminals, due to their involvement in abduction, torture, and physical liquidation.

Furthermore, the Yemeni Center calls for the formation of an independent international investigation committee and the launch of an urgent and transparent investigation into the security situation. Some affiliates of the security apparatuses in Aden still owe allegiance to the Transitional Council, led by the so-called Aidarous Al-Zubaidi, which makes them a party to the violations rather than a law enforcement body.

The Yemeni Center also calls for a firm international stance to protect development and educational cadres from the terrorism machine that has turned Aden into an open arena for physical liquidations, amid the absence of state institutions and the rule of law. It is deeply unfortunate that Aden has become militia-ruled, just like Sana’a, instead of being governed by state institutions. The blood of Engineer Wissam Qaid, and before him Mr. Abdulrahman Al-Shaer, Director of Al-Nawras Schools, will remain a living witness to the scale of violations against civilians in Aden, as part of systematic killings and shameful crimes.

The Yemeni Center affirms its continuous commitment to monitor and pursue all perpetrators of violations until they receive their just punishment.

Issued by: The Yemeni Center for the Rehabilitation of Victims of Violations and Torture (Will and Hope) May 3, 2026 – Republic of Yemen