International Report Warns of Deepening Security Collapse in Aden Amid Rising Assassinations

A new analytical report published by the London-based think tank Chatham House warned of escalating security chaos in the occupied city of Aden, stating that the deteriorating situation is eroding confidence in the Saudi-backed government.

The report said the assassination of Wissam Qaed, a UN-linked official killed last week in Aden, highlights the worsening security collapse in coalition-controlled areas and weakens confidence in the authorities’ ability to provide protection.

It noted that the rise in assassinations has shocked humanitarian and development circles in Aden, especially given Qaed’s role in development and peacebuilding efforts.

According to the report, the continued attacks reinforce perceptions that the aggression-backed authorities are unable to maintain stable security despite regional and international support.

The report added that the deteriorating situation complicates the position of Saudi Arabia, which holds major influence in Aden and southern Yemen amid tensions with the UAE.

Public anger continues to grow in Aden following the repeated assassinations, including the killing of Wissam Qaed and other coalition-linked figures.

International statements from the United Nations and the embassies of United States and Japan stressed the need for Aden to be safe for both officials and civilians.

Coalition-aligned political parties blamed the worsening security crisis on the lack of accountability and warned that Aden could face a major security collapse if decisive measures are not taken.

The report warned that continued assassinations could lead to deeper fragmentation and possible internal conflict among Saudi- and UAE-backed factions in southern Yemen.

Meanwhile, authorities in Sana’a say they continue to achieve security successes by uncovering espionage networks linked to American, Saudi, British, and Israeli intelligence agencies, presenting their areas as more stable compared to coalition-controlled regions.

Aden has served as the seat of Saudi-backed authorities since the outbreak of the aggression, but has remained fragmented among rival armed groups aligned with Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Repeated attempts to consolidate control under a unified administration have faltered amid disputes over power-sharing, security arrangements, and economic management, leaving residents exposed to recurrent instability and service breakdowns.