A taxi driver was shot and killed on Wednesday, May 22, in Dhamar province, central Yemen, following a dispute with a Houthi security officer.

According to local sources in the Houthi-controlled city of Dhamar, Faisal Qaed Ahmed Faraj, a taxi driver, was killed yesterday by Faris Ahmed Al-Sha'ri , a security officer with the Dhamar provincial criminal investigation department, after a verbal altercation ensued when the officer refused to pay the agreed-upon fare.

The sources explained that the taxi driver, who hails from the Mashnah directorate in Ibb province, central Yemen, had picked up the security officer from the capital Sana'a and driven him to Dhamar. Upon arrival, the officer refused to pay the fare and proceeded to pull out his gun and shoot the driver, killing him instantly.

The sources further stated that the Houthis are covering up for the perpetrator and pressuring Faraj's family to accept a settlement and receive his body. They also pointed out that the family is still refusing the Houthis' offer and is demanding that the perpetrator be held accountable for his crime.

Dhamar and other provinces under the control of the Houthi militia, which is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, are experiencing widespread security chaos. The Houthis have also been accused of protecting perpetrators of crimes, as evidenced by previous incidents.