Washington, D.C., February 3, 2026 — The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on Yemen’s internationally recognized government to immediately launch a swift and transparent investigation into the Sunday attack on the headquarters of independent Yemen-based media outlet Aden Al-Ghad, and to hold those responsible accountable.
According to a statement by Aden Al-Ghad, the attack was carried out on February 1, 2026, by armed elements affiliated with the recently dissolved, UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC). Two staff members were injured, the outlet said, adding that the newsroom and its contents were damaged, and its equipment and work devices looted. A local press freedom organization told CPJ those injured were journalists.
“It is time for Yemen’s internationally recognized government to end the impunity enjoyed by those who attack journalists and media outlets, creating a hostile environment that silences independent reporting,” said CPJ Regional Director Sara Qudah. “Holding those responsible for the attack on Aden Al-Ghad accountable will send a clear message that assaults on journalists will not be tolerated.”
Fathi Bin Lazraq, editor-in-chief of Aden Al-Ghad, told Saudi state-media Al Hadath that the outlet was targeted for exposing corruption within the STC prior to its dissolution. “I personally received warnings and threats of assassination… what happened is the translation of those earlier threats,” he said.
In September 2025, forces associated with the STC briefly detained Bin Lazraq for a few hours and attempted to shut down the outlet, claiming the attack was over registration issues. Bin Lazraq said the raid was in response to the outlet’s reporting on financial corruption.
In response to his coverage of Sunday’s attack, Al Araby Television correspondent in Aden, Omar Al-Maqrami, received threats and incitement from security forces affiliated with the STC, according to human rights groups.
Since December 2025, Yemen has witnessed major political transformations. STC forces seized oil-rich provinces, including Hadramawt governorate along Saudi Arabia’s border. Within days, Saudi-backed troops reversed their gains. A delegation from the STC later announced its dissolution in Riyadh, and its leader fled to the UAE.
CPJ contacted the Yemeni embassy in Washington for a comment on the attack.
This content originally appeared on Committee to Protect Journalists and was authored by CPJ Staff.