NYN | News
Sana’a has accused the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of being behind the execution of Issa Al-Afeeri, a captured fighter from its forces in Taiz Governorate, describing the act—allegedly carried out by factions affiliated with the Islah Party, which is backed by the Saudi-led coalition—as a dangerous escalation that threatens ongoing humanitarian negotiations and the prisoner exchange process.
In televised remarks, Abdulqader Al-Murtadha, head of the National Committee for Prisoners’ Affairs in Sana’a, revealed new details about the crime, which was reportedly carried out secretly and without prior notice. He described the execution as a “brutal act that violates all international agreements and conventions,” carried out under a sham trial and based on false charges.
Al-Murtadha explained that Al-Afeeri had been listed for release in a recently agreed prisoner exchange deal, finalized about a month ago. He noted that three local mediators were dispatched to Taiz to facilitate the exchange, but all efforts failed due to what he described as deliberate sabotage.
He added that the actions occurring in areas under Islah-controlled forces cannot be separated from Saudi directives, as the kingdom maintains control over both the security and military files in Taiz. Al-Murtadha warned that Sana’a will not remain silent in the face of executions targeting its prisoners.
He concluded by stating that the continuation of such violations undermines trust in any future humanitarian initiatives, holding the entire Saudi-led coalition responsible for crimes committed against detainees and prisoners in territories under the control of its allied factions.
The execution took place at a critical moment, as the prisoner exchange file was seeing renewed movement under UN sponsorship aimed at resuming negotiations between warring parties—potentially jeopardizing any progress in this key humanitarian matter.
