Rising Crime and Disorder in Ibb Amid Security Failures

Increasing Incidents of Armed Robbery

The province of Ibb, currently under Houthi control, is witnessing a disturbing rise in armed robbery and chaos. Local reports indicate that armed gangs, allegedly connected to militia leaders, are instilling fear among residents. This alarming trend underscores a growing sense of disorder in the region.

Vandalism Targeting Citizens’ Property

In the Al-Qaryat area of Dar Al-Sharaf, residents have reported that unknown individuals set fire to a water pump, which previously supplied water for free to mosques and provided irrigation for crops at minimal costs. The destruction of this vital resource has severely impacted local agriculture and community well-being.

Additionally, citizen Mohammed Udaib suffered an attack when a gang stormed his shop in Al-Jabala. The assailants not only destroyed his merchandise but also damaged the store’s decor. They subsequently shot at his vehicle parked outside his home in Dar Al-Sharaf. Udaib confirmed that this gang had targeted him previously in early April.

Escalating Armed Assaults

The violence does not end there. Citizen Nasser Mohammed Al-Sufi experienced gunfire from unknown assailants in the Al-Mamsa Al-Sufi area of Habish, which resulted in damage to his vehicle. Such incidents are becoming increasingly common across various regions of the province, heightening concerns among the local population.

In recent weeks and months, Ibb has witnessed a significant escalation in robbery crimes affecting citizens’ properties, including water pumps, farms, beehives, and livestock. Furthermore, incidents of arson and gunfire targeting vehicles and shops have occurred in multiple districts, reflecting a stark absence of effective law enforcement by the militia. Organized gangs are exploiting the chaos to expand their criminal activities.

Residents are urgently calling for action from the relevant authorities to end these violations and restore safety and security to their communities.