Yemen’s ex-president Saleh reported dead in Sanaa fighting
Broadcaster Al Jazeera says death has been confirmed by former leader’s political party

Yemen’s former president Ali Abdullah Saleh has reportedly been killed in fighting with the Iran-aligned Houthi militia in the capital Sanaa, a development expected to unite Yemenis and to have major implications for the poverty-stricken Arab country.
Al Jazeera says Saleh’s death was confirmed by his political party, the General People’s Congress (GPC). A source told al-Arabiya television that he was killed by sniper bullets.
A pro-Houthi television channel aired a video that appeared to show Saleh lying dead on a blanket, with a wound in his head, surrounded by Houthi militias celebrating his death. Houthi rebels claim to have killed Saleh as he fled the capital, the Financial Times reports. There were also reports of an explosion in Saleh’s home in Saana.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Hakim Almasmari, editor-in-chief of the Yemen Post, told Al Jazeera that while the death would not be the end of Saleh's political movement, “but it’s a very big blow”.
Saleh ruled Yemen for more than three decades and remained a key behind-the-scenes player. Until last week, Saleh’s supporters were fighting alongside the Houthis in a war against Yemen’s president, Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi.
“But longstanding political tensions and a dispute over control of the main mosque in the rebel-controlled capital, Sanaa, triggered fierce clashes that have left more than 125 people dead and 238 wounded since Wednesday night,” the BBC says.
On Saturday, Saleh offered to turn a new page, with the Saudi-led coalition backing Hadi. But, the BBC says, Houthis accused Saleh of staging a “coup” against “an alliance he never believed in”.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Almasmari said that while the death would not bring Yemen closer to an end in fighting, it would unite Yemenis under one leadership.
“Before there were two leaderships, two different agendas, two different ways how to win the war,” he added.
The Yemeni conflict is essentially a proxy war between Saudi Arabia, the region’s Sunni powerhouse, and Shia Iran, reports the FT.
-
Russia is ‘helping China’ prepare for an invasion of Taiwan
In the Spotlight Russia is reportedly allowing China access to military training
-
Interpol arrests hundreds in Africa-wide sextortion crackdown
IN THE SPOTLIGHT A series of stings disrupts major cybercrime operations as law enforcement estimates millions in losses from schemes designed to prey on lonely users
-
China is silently expanding its influence in American cities
Under the Radar New York City and San Francisco, among others, have reportedly been targeted
-
How China uses 'dark fleets' to circumvent trade sanctions
The Explainer The fleets are used to smuggle goods like oil and fish
-
The return of the Houthis: violence in the Red Sea
In the Spotlight The Houthis are back with their strongest attack yet
-
One year after mass protests, why are Kenyans taking to the streets again?
today's big question More than 60 protesters died during demonstrations in 2024
-
Israel-US 'rift': is Trump losing patience with Netanyahu?
Today's Big Question US president called for an end to Gaza war and negotiated directly with Hamas to return American hostage, amid rumours of strained relations
-
What happens if tensions between India and Pakistan boil over?
TODAY'S BIG QUESTION As the two nuclear-armed neighbors rattle their sabers in the wake of a terrorist attack on the contested Kashmir region, experts worry that the worst might be yet to come