A journalist working for Saudi-owned television channel Al Arabiya was killed in a car bomb attack in eastern Yemen, according to reports from the media outlet.
Mohamed Aida died when an explosive device planted beneath the seat of his vehicle detonated in the city of Mukalla. The blast destroyed the car and left it completely burned in a downtown area.
According to Al Arabiya, Aida had just driven his family home before the attack occurred. He was alone in the vehicle when the explosion took place.
The Riyadh-based broadcaster reported that local security authorities had warned the journalist about threats to his life approximately one month earlier. However, no further details regarding the threats were immediately disclosed.
Aida worked as a cameraman and correspondent for Al Arabiya in eastern Yemen since 2019. The channel also revealed that he had previously survived an attempted arrest by armed men in the capital, Sanaa, in 2018.
Meanwhile, Yemeni authorities launched an investigation into the incident. According to the official Saba news agency, Chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, Rashad al-Alimi, ordered a formal inquiry into the attack.
The bombing occurred in Mukalla, the capital of Hadramawt province. The region has witnessed significant political and military tensions in recent years.
Hadramawt became a focal point of conflict during an offensive launched by the Southern Transitional Council (STC) in December. The STC has been engaged in a prolonged struggle with forces loyal to Yemen’s internationally recognized government.
The separatist group, backed by the United Arab Emirates, previously seized control of Hadramawt and neighboring Mahra province. However, government forces later regained territory with support from Saudi-led military operations.
Journalists in Yemen continue to face serious security risks amid ongoing instability. Several media workers have been killed, detained, or reported missing since the civil war began more than a decade ago.
Although violence has declined since a United Nations-brokered truce in 2022, Yemen continues to experience political uncertainty and a severe humanitarian crisis. Press freedom organizations also rank the country among the world’s most challenging environments for journalists.
