"A gallant hero who forged a military career and professional experience, an inspiring national story that generations will remember with pride. He stood out as a valiant knight, an exemplary officer, a committed soldier, and a renewed faithful leader, leaving a good reputation in every position he held. He embodied the honor, principles, and values of the military, fighting for the state and its republican system against the Iranian-backed militias from the very beginning with a firm national republican ideology."

With these words, Yemen's internationally recognized government’s Ministry of Defense mourned the martyrdom of Major General Nasser Al-Dhaibani, Chief of War Operations, on December 13, 2021. He was said to have "martyred while performing his national and combat duty and leading battles against the Houthis on the outskirts of Marib, northeastern Yemen."

Yemen's Ministry of Defense succinctly summarized the story of a "commander" in the Yemeni army who refused to surrender or accept the reality that formed in late 2014, marked by a coup against the state and institutions, starting with the military institution. As his obituary states, he responded to the call of duty, playing pivotal roles and leaving an indelible mark in rebuilding the armed forces, starting from the Empty Quarter desert and laying the first seeds for reorganizing the army's bodies, circles, units, leadership, and regions.

From that critical moment in modern Yemen’s history, Major General Al-Dhaibani positioned himself among the greats. As a high-ranking officer from both the military academy and the field, he continued the work started by Yemeni freedom fighters who once revolted against the Imamate after realizing its danger. This understanding deeply resonated with Al-Dhaibani, who vowed to combat the new, possibly last, version of the Imamate, fighting until his final breath, his body covered in blood and the soil of his sacred homeland.

For his resilience, patience, and countless battles—ranging from the edges of Marib to the outskirts of Sana'a in Nihm and Khawlan, and in Al Jawf and Al Bayda—fighting alongside and planning with his soldiers, and being a strategic tactician known for his bravery, determination, and unwavering belief in the national cause, Al-Dhaibani transformed into a republican symbol and a hero. His mention is indispensable when discussing the republic and its protectors, and the armed forces with all its leaders, heroes, and martyrs.

His enduring legacy is reflected in the fact that four years after his martyrdom, he still holds immense value to every soldier or officer who fought with him in any combat front. Al-Dhaibani's journey to glory as one of the exceptional leaders who never knew surrender inspires all who wish to continue the struggle to reclaim state institutions and free Yemenis from the Houthi menace and their destructive agenda.

Who Was Al-Dhaibani?

Born Nasser Ali Abdullah Saleh Al-Dhaibani, known as "Abu Munir," in 1968 in Al-Radhmah District, Ibb Governorate (central Yemen), he received his primary education locally and his middle education in Kuwait before returning to complete high school in Al-Nadirah in the same governorate.

Military Career

In 1986, Al-Dhaibani began his military career by joining the Military Academy, simultaneously studying at Sana'a University. He continued his military progression, earning a master’s degree from the Command and Staff College in Sudan.

His academic pursuits didn’t stop there. Al-Dhaibani capped his journey with a fellowship certificate from the Military Academy in Sana'a National Defense College, with his thesis titled "Iranian Intervention in the Arab Region and its Threat to Yemeni and Arab National Security and the Strategy to Counter It."

Roles and Positions

Upon graduating from the Military Academy, Al-Dhaibani joined the Military Police, rising through the ranks to hold positions such as company commander and deputy commander for technical affairs. He later worked in the office of the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and then in military intelligence.

Al-Dhaibani held several leadership positions, including Chief of Staff of the 31st Armored Brigade in Aden, Commander of the 130th Brigade, Commander of Sirwah Front, Commander of the 133rd Brigade, Director of War Operations, and Commander of the Seventh Military Region.

He also served as Deputy Chief of War Operations, Commander of the Third Military Region, and finally Chief of War Operations, the highest position he held until his martyrdom.

Training and Honors

Al-Dhaibani participated in numerous training courses, including company commanders’ courses, battalion commanders’ courses at the Infantry Institute (Al-Thalaih Institute) in Aden, courses with the Central Security Forces, the first Republican Guard Officers' course, commando courses, paratrooper courses, security and protection courses, and human rights courses.

He received the Duty Medal in 1994, along with several commendation certificates from the Chief of Staff and military units.

The Final Battle

In one of his interviews, Abu Munir stated, "My duty requires me to be with every soldier and fighter on the front lines, leading battles and participating in them, not just observing. We are present on the front lines when needed, just as we are in command rooms for supervision and follow-up."

This commitment remained until his final battle, even though his position allowed him to manage battles from a distance. He chose to be among his soldiers, especially during the intense clashes on Marib’s outskirts, where Iran threw its full weight to capture Marib. However, Al-Dhaibani and his comrades halted this advance in a battle dubbed the Second Battle of Qadisiyyah.

Al-Dhaibani led his last battle with fierce determination, terrifying the Houthi and Iranian forces, achieving a significant victory and forcing their scattered forces to flee, only seeing the fires of the heroes tearing through their ranks.

A Distinguished Leader

By shedding his blood, Al-Dhaibani penned the penultimate line in the epic of victory for Yemenis, as a steadfast Yemeni leader. "The military institution lost a distinguished leader loyal to his country and the fateful battle of Yemen and Arabs," stated former President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi in his condolence message.

In his message, Hadi said, "General Al-Dhaibani was at the forefront, armed with his courage and republican faith in the necessity of defeating the sectarian Iranian project represented by the Houthi coup militia. He was solid and steadfast, embodying bravery in its purest form."

Former Vice President Lieutenant General Ali Mohsen Al-Ahmar described him as one of "the loyal leaders who early recognized the danger of the Persian Iranian project and its malignant Houthi arm in our country."

In his condolence message, Al-Ahmar said, "Al-Dhaibani fiercely resisted this malignant Houthi faction, and every site of sacrifice across the country witnessed this. The departure of brave leaders like General Al-Dhaibani proves the justice of our cause and inspires the spirit of resistance and bravery in future generations."