Yemeni Journalist Killed by Houthi Shelling in Marib

Yemeni journalist and television director Musab Abdelhafiz al-Hattami was killed on Saturday, April 26, when a mortar shell— launched by Houthi militia—struck him while covering events in southern Marib governorate, according to information gathered by Women Journalists Without Chains (WJWC).

His brother, Sohaib al-Hattami, a photographer, was also injured in the attack. The two were preparing media coverage related to the ongoing conflict when they were hit.

Al-Hattami had worked with several regional satellite channels and contributed to a number of documentaries documenting the war in Yemen. He held a degree in film directing from Jordan and had previously resided in the Netherlands, where he acquired citizenship. He had returned to Yemen with his family just over a month ago to continue his work in journalism and media production.

Women Journalists Without Chains strongly condemned the killing, describing it as a deliberate targeting of a journalist and a violation of international humanitarian law.

“This attack is not only a personal tragedy but a serious assault on press freedom and the right to information,” WJWC said in a statement. “Targeting journalists in conflict zones is a crime that cannot go unpunished.”

The organization called for the establishment of an independent international investigation into violations against journalists in Yemen and urged all parties to the conflict to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law, particularly provisions related to the protection of civilians and media professionals during armed conflict.

WJWC also reiterated its demand for stronger international action to ensure accountability for crimes against journalists and emphasized the critical role of independent media in documenting human rights violations and war crimes.

The death of Musab al-Hattami underscores the increasingly dangerous conditions facing journalists in Yemen. Over the past decade, media workers across the country have faced threats, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance, and targeted violence from multiple parties to the conflict.

WJWC continues to document these violations and advocate for the safety and protection of all journalists, as well as for the broader right to free expression and access to information in Yemen.