Major General Naji Ali Munif, the head of the Military Police in Marib, praised the late Major General Abdulrab al-Shaddadi for his early resistance against the Houthi rebellion alongside Colonel Hamid al-Qushaybi, thwarting their attempts to seize control of Marib province in northeastern Yemen.

In a video statement to Barran Press, coinciding with the eighth anniversary of al-Shaddadi's martyrdom on October 7, 2016, Munif reflected on the general’s significant contributions in the fight against the Houthis. He noted that al-Shaddadi played a crucial role in defending the republic since he was a battalion commander in the 310th Armored Brigade, actively participating in several fronts in Saada province and sustaining injuries multiple times.

Al-Shadadi was later appointed as the chief of staff for a Republican Guard brigade, where he fought against the Houthi expansion in Harf Sufyan, north of Amran province. He subsequently joined the protection of peaceful protesters during the youth revolution in 2011.

In 2012, he became the commander of the 312th Brigade in the Kofal area of Sirwah, which Munif described as the first line of defense against the Houthi coup. The brigade faced intense confrontations at the Nham front, where the Houthis aimed to oust al-Shaddadi from command rather than to take control of Sirwah.

Responding to the Houthis' intentions, the security committee in Sana’a decided to relieve al-Shadadi from his command and granted him an indefinite leave. Despite this, al-Shaddadi moved to Marib, where he rented a house and continued to meet with military and political leaders to prepare for an impending conflict with the Houthis.

Munif recounted how al-Shaddadi urged readiness to counter the Houthis and successfully thwarted their attempts to gain control of Marib, having recognized their treacherous tactics. He recalled that the Houthis launched attacks against the 312th Brigade, ultimately capturing Sirwah.

In late 2014, al-Shaddadi called Munif and other officers to quickly return to Marib, expressing his desire to secure the province. He briefed them on military plans, distributing responsibilities to ensure the region's safety.

During al-Shaddadi’s leadership, the area faced fragmentation, with the 13th Infantry Brigade being tasked in Al-Jawf and some of its members defecting to the Houthis. However, the commander of the 14th Armored Brigade, Mohsen al-Dhari, remained loyal to al-Shaddadi.

Munif emphasized that al-Shaddadi played a pivotal role in rebuilding the military institution, which had been nearly depleted, coordinating efforts between tribal forces, popular resistance, and military reinforcements.

He described al-Shaddadi as the "engineer of liberation," leading the defense of Marib and the subsequent liberation battles, including the crucial Al-Balq fight. Al-Shaddadi was known for his tactical prowess and direct involvement in combat, often participating alongside frontline soldiers in strategic planning.

Al-Shaddadi’s distinctive military strategy involved transitioning from defense to offense, allowing the enemy to exhaust themselves before launching counterattacks. Munif credited him with numerous victories due to his intelligence and battlefield experience.

Reflecting on their time together, Munif noted that al-Shaddadi was not only a military leader but also a compassionate figure who inspired young soldiers during their military training. He remembered al-Shaddadi’s kindness, as he often engaged with children and those in need, demonstrating his humanity amid the chaos of war.