On the morning of September 20, 2021, Nasser Ali Al-Quhati, the director of the Harib district in southern Marib, inaugurated three high schools in the city as part of his ongoing efforts to enhance public services, particularly in education.

The following day, the Houthi group, listed as a terrorist organization, surged into the Al-Ain district in northwestern Shabwa province, advancing towards Harib with the intent of regaining control after being driven out in March 2016.

Faced with this threat, Al-Quhati donned military attire and joined the front lines to confront the Houthi assault, which was backed by the group's considerable resources. He and his comrades bravely defended the district against overwhelming odds. After hours of fierce fighting, Al-Quhati was martyred by Houthi gunfire in a battle near Al-Ain, marking a heroic stand for his community.

His journey came to a tragic halt on the seventh anniversary of the Houthi invasion of Yemen’s capital, Sana’a, on September 21, 2021, a day that also marked the start of a devastating nationwide conflict that derailed numerous development projects.

Who Was Nasser Al-Quhati?

Born in 1978 in the village of Al-Salabah in Harib, Nasser Ali Al-Quhati came from a family known for its generosity, honor, and commitment to education. His father, Sheikh Ali Al-Quhati, was a prominent leader in the Al-Junah tribe and a respected figure in Harib.

Nasser received his early education in his village before transferring to the nearby Al-Jubah district for secondary school, where he completed his studies. He engaged in Quranic studies every summer and later attended the University of Sana’a, earning a degree in Quranic Sciences.

After graduation, he initiated several educational and charitable community projects and exhibited leadership qualities from a young age.

Leadership and Revolutionary Roles

Al-Quhati ’s activism began in 2005 when he represented Marib in a leadership course organized by the Yemeni government. He ran for local elections twice, becoming a member of the local council in 2001 and again in 2006.

In 2011, he joined the peaceful Youth Revolution at Sana’a University, actively participating in the movement’s struggle. He worked alongside the late Major General Abdulrab Al-Shaddadi in protecting peaceful demonstrators and was injured during an armed attack on protesters at the Kentucky roundabout in Sana’a.

National and Heroic Contributions

As the Houthi group invaded Sana’a and attempted to reestablish the Imamate across the country in 2014, Al-Quhati emerged as one of the foremost defenders of the republic. He initially joined the tribal forces in the Nakhla and Al-Saheel areas of northwestern Marib, later aligning with the Murad tribe’s defenses against Houthi advances from the direction of Al-Bayda province.

In early 2015, he played a crucial role in the battles in Qaniyah, where tribal fighters successfully repelled Houthi incursions into southern Marib, just before the Saudi-led Operation Decisive Storm began to support the Yemeni government against the Houthi coup.

On March 27, 2015, as the Houthis overran Bayhan district in Shabwa and advanced toward Harib, Al-Quhati was at the forefront of the popular resistance fighting back against the attack.

By April 2015, he had taken command of the popular resistance in the southern sector around Al-Jufainah, actively leading efforts to counter the Houthi forces until their defeat in October 2015. He then transitioned to lead the Nakhla sector in northwestern Marib, participating in liberation operations that extended into Al-Jawf and Sana’a provinces.

Nasser Al-Quhati 's legacy as a courageous leader and dedicated community servant continues to inspire many in Yemen.

Liberation and Administration

On March 19, 2016, Nasser Al-Quhati participated in a swift operation to liberate his hometown of Harib. This successful military effort led to the liberation of Harib district in Marib, as well as the Al-Ain district in neighboring Shabwa province and parts of the Usaylan district.

Later that year, Al-Quhati was appointed as the district’s director, launching a significant journey of administration, development, and service provision until his martyrdom on September 21, 2021.

A Difficult Task

When Al-Quhati assumed his role, Harib was in a dire situation due to Houthi control, which had turned the area into a stronghold for its expansionist battles. He worked diligently to activate executive offices and departments, successfully providing essential services to residents in a short time.

A Symbol of Leadership and Valor

Following his martyrdom, Al-Quhati became a symbol of bravery and effective governance in the post-liberation era. Many residents of Harib have shared with "Barran Press" that he set a remarkable example for all leaders in defending their territory and administration. They emphasized that the duty to protect the land and its people was a responsibility that demanded participation from all officials.

As the third anniversary of his martyrdom approached, Mubkhot Mubarak Al-Aqili, the director of the Planning Office in Harib, remarked, “Al-Quhati  never overlooked any opportunity that would benefit his city. Since his appointment, he was tireless, dedicating all his energy to serve the district and its communities.”

He added, “He was a true patriot, always at the forefront of every endeavor, even if it meant sacrificing his life for his beliefs, which ultimately happened.”

Al-Aqili highlighted Al-Quhati ’s selflessness, noting that he prioritized the welfare of his region and country over personal interests, achieving numerous projects that greatly benefited the community.

A Legacy of Sacrifice

Martyr Nasser Al-Quhati was also the brother of Yahya Ali Nasser Al-Quhati , an injured officer in the Special Security Forces and the head of the security belt in Marib, who was paralyzed by an injury sustained during security operations. He was also the brother of Ibrahim Ali Al-Quhati, who bravely fought against the Houthi aggression in Marib, suffering severe injuries that left him paralyzed alongside his brother.

Their family, the Al-Quhati clan, exemplifies the sacrifices made by loyal Marib families committed to defending their land and national gains, no matter the cost.

Achievements and Contributions

According to information obtained by "Barran Press," Al-Quhati focused on educational initiatives, establishing a contract fund for 350 teachers and ensuring that all schools in Harib were staffed. He completed a stalled project at Al-Thawra School, reopening it in 2019, and added new classrooms in 2021, along with constructing other school facilities.

He also provided transportation for university students from Harib to Saba University, renting buses and ensuring fuel and maintenance. Additionally, he resumed operations at the vocational institute in Harib after years of inactivity.

Al-Quhati significantly increased funding for Harib General Hospital, raising monthly support from 1.3 million to 10 million riyals, and worked to retain medical staff, particularly in surgery. He sought international support for operational costs and the hospital’s medical supplies.

He played a vital role in enhancing health units, ensuring they were staffed, operational, and equipped with first aid supplies. He also upgraded local health centers and implemented waste disposal systems to improve public health.

In the energy sector, he established a dedicated power station for the district, increasing its capacity significantly and ensuring diesel supplies for emergency plans.

Al-Quhati also prioritized water and sanitation, implementing solar-powered systems for the water authority and completing essential sewage projects for the city. He revived the sanitation office after years of inactivity, providing the necessary equipment and staff.

In the fuel sector, he increased the district’s allocation of household gas and established agencies in rural areas to meet residents' needs.

The Al-Thawra Secondary School in Harib, which he inaugurated just a day before his martyrdom, now bears his name, symbolizing his commitment to responsibility and service. Al-Quhati is remembered as an exemplary local leader dedicated to serving his country and community, embodying the spirit of sacrifice.