At the beginning of 2015, Marib and its tribes emerged as a frontline in the resistance against the Houthi movement, which was rapidly expanding its control across Yemen. Alongside Marib Governor Sultan Al-Arada, who led the official resistance, Major General Abdulrab Al-Shaddadi rose as a steadfast military leader in the fight against this insurgency.

Together, these two figures orchestrated a symphony of liberation, not just for Marib but for Yemen, which was facing an unprecedented crisis and a severe psychological defeat.

In January and February 2015, the Houthi group launched a direct assault on Marib, employing a campaign of fear to consolidate their control. However, they encountered fierce resistance from Marib's defenders, including Al-Shaddadi, who became a symbol of resilience.

In April 2015, then-President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi appointed Al-Shaddadi as the commander of the Third Military Region and the 13th Infantry Brigade, signaling the beginning of a concerted effort to liberate the province from Houthi presence.

Over the next 18 months, until his martyrdom on October 7, 2016, Al-Shaddadi became the talk of the town, a hero of the battlefield, celebrated for his rapid victories that reclaimed much of Marib, with the exception of a small area in the Sirwah district. He had pledged not to return home until Sirwah was liberated and under the control of the state.

Early Life and Military Journey

Born in 1963 in the village of Al-Ghul in the Al-Abdiyah district, Al-Shaddadi grew up in a republican family that fought against the Imamate regime. His father, Qassim Ahmed Abdulrab Al-Shaddadi, and several brothers sacrificed their lives for the nascent republic when he was only five years old.

From a young age, Al-Shaddadi assumed responsibilities in his farming family, preparing himself for a significant role in Yemen's military landscape as he faced off against the Iranian-backed Houthi movement.

In 1981, he joined the military at Khaled bin Al-Walid Camp in Taiz, where he quickly advanced his skills, graduating from multiple military courses. His early career was marked by a commitment to integrity, refusing to back down against corruption among some of his superiors, which led to his imprisonment and eventual discharge.

In 1990, Al-Shaddadi returned to the armed forces through the First Armored Division, where his reputation for bravery caught the attention of its commander, Ali Mohsen Al-Ahmar. He continued to excel, pursuing further education in military leadership while participating in key conflicts, including the 1994 civil war and the six wars against the Houthi insurgency.

A Champion of the People

By 2011, Al-Shaddadi had risen to the rank of colonel and became the Chief of Staff for the 72nd Republican Guard. During the peaceful protests of that year, he sided with the demonstrators, even sustaining serious injuries while protecting them—a testament to his commitment to the people's rights.

His return to Marib in 2014 coincided with a personal loss: the death of his comrade Hamid Al-Qushaybi. This motivated him to rally forces for the resistance against the Houthis in 2015, where he emerged as a leading figure.

As the Houthi assaults intensified in March 2015, Al-Shaddadi continued to lead with strategic brilliance, transforming defensive operations into offensive campaigns. He famously declared that he would not return to Marib unless victorious in Sirwah or martyred in battle.

Final Battle and Legacy

From September 6, 2015, until his martyrdom a month later, Al-Shaddadi remained steadfast on the front lines in Sirwah, resolutely refusing to retreat or command from a distance. He had vowed to either liberate Sirwah or die for his country, a promise he fulfilled.

Today, Abdulrab Al-Shaddadi is remembered as a symbol of resilience and dedication in Yemen's struggle for freedom. His legacy continues to inspire future generations and is celebrated as a vital chapter in the nation's history. His sacrifices and leadership exemplify the spirit of the Yemeni resistance against tyranny and oppression.