The Yemeni Ministry of Interior, recognized by the international community, reported on Monday, August 26th, 2024, a disturbing rise in suicide and attempted suicide cases in the first half of the year. The ministry recorded 113 incidents, resulting in 90 deaths and 23 injuries.

According to the ministry's security media, suicide statistics have doubled compared to the previous year. In 2023, the police in liberated governorates recorded 148 suicide cases across all age groups, along with 23 attempted suicides.

The report revealed that Taiz Governorate recorded the highest number of suicide cases with 44, followed by Marib with 25 cases. The temporary capital, Aden, came in third with 24 cases. Other governorates with significant numbers include Shabwa (15), Hadhramaut Valley and Desert (10), Abyan (9), Hadhramaut Coast (8), Hodeidah (6), Dhamar (5), Mahra (2), and one case each in Al-Hudaydah, Shabwa, and Hadhramaut Coast.

The security media also reported that Aden recorded 7 attempted suicide cases, followed by Taiz with 6, Marib with 3, Mahra with 2, and one case each in Dhamar, Al-Hudaydah, Shabwa, and Hadhramaut Coast.

The annual report issued by the Ministry of Interior's Police and Security Sector attributed the rise in suicide cases to mental illnesses, psychological trauma caused by the ongoing war with the Houthi militia (internationally recognized as a terrorist group), and the dire economic situation. The report also highlighted the lack of religious and moral guidance as a contributing factor to most suicides recorded last year. Other factors included family disputes, weak personality development, and a lack of awareness regarding the severity of suicide.

The report pointed out that recent trends indicate a worrying increase in suicide attempts, which experts attribute to the inability of many individuals and families to cope with the harsh realities of life exacerbated by the Houthi war.

The report concluded that the rising suicide rate among young people, primarily due to economic factors, is a concerning trend that has emerged in recent years.