Taiz Mourns Teenager Killed by Sniper in Yemen Conflict

A 14-year-old boy was killed by a suspected Houthi sniper while walking to school in Taiz, Yemen on Sunday. The victim, Ibrahim, was shot along with his younger siblings, who were also present at the scene. The family and local residents have attributed the killing to the Houthi rebels, who have been besieging the city for 11 years.

Ibrahim’s mother, Umm Ibrahim, expressed her grief and outrage over the loss of her son, describing him as her “source of strength.” She had previously lost her husband under unclear circumstances. The family’s neighborhood in northeastern Taiz has become a scene of sadness, with families warning their children to stay indoors due to concerns about further killings.

A government soldier warned locals that the area was still considered dangerous, pointing out measures taken by the Houthis to block sniper views, but noting that these efforts have been ineffective. The city’s geography provides numerous vantage points for snipers, leading to a high number of civilian casualties.

According to a 2025 report from the United Nations Civilian Impact Monitoring Project, 66 percent of sniper killings in Yemen took place in Taiz and its surrounding governorate, resulting in 21 deaths, including nine children. Civilians in Taiz have also been affected by shelling and drone attacks.

The killing has sparked an outpouring of anger in Taiz, with a large turnout at Ibrahim’s funeral and protest vigils organized by local schools. Students held up banners denouncing the killing and expressing fear for their own futures.

Source: Al Jazeera