فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Sheikh Saleh Hantous, a 70-year-old prominent Quran memorizer and religious teacher, was killed in his home in the Salfiya area of Reema Governorate in northwestern Yemen after a prolonged siege and attack by Houthi forces using RPG rockets. The assault is believed to have been triggered by his continued teaching of the Quran to children inside his home following the Houthis’ closure of the local Quranic school, as well as his opposition to Houthi control in the region.
Incident Details
The Houthis besieged Sheikh Hantous’s home with approximately 20 military vehicles before bombarding it with anti-armor RPG rockets, resulting in the destruction of the house, the death of Sheikh Hantous, serious injury to his wife, the martyrdom of some family members, and the arrest of one of his sons. Local sources also reported that the Houthis planted explosives in the house intending to detonate it later.
Motives Behind the Attack
The attack likely stemmed from Sheikh Hantous’s refusal to cease teaching Quran and Arabic despite Houthis’ orders, which they perceived as a threat to their authority. The Houthis also accused him of inciting chaos and opposing their political stance, including alleged support for the Palestinian resistance and alignment with what they termed the “US-Zionist aggression.” Prior to the attack, Sheikh Hantous reportedly received threats from the Houthis and wrote his will, indicating awareness of the risks but choosing to persist.
Conflicting Narratives
- Yemeni Government’s Account: The government condemned the attack as a targeted and heinous crime, stating the Houthis besieged his home and mosque for hours and prevented medical aid, vowing that those responsible will be held accountable.
- Houthi Account: The Houthis claimed Sheikh Hantous was killed during an armed confrontation after he allegedly opened fire on security forces attempting to arrest him, resulting in casualties among the security personnel.
Reactions
The Yemeni government strongly condemned the killing, with officials praising Sheikh Hantous as a symbol of resistance and steadfastness. Political blocs and human rights groups called for the designation of the Houthis as a terrorist organization. Social media was flooded with tributes describing Sheikh Hantous as “the teacher who lived free and died a hero.”
Broader Context
This incident is part of Yemen’s ongoing conflict, where the Houthis have controlled large parts of the country since 2014 and have used force to suppress dissent and fundamental rights, including religious education. The attack highlights the contradiction between the Houthis’ professed support for the Palestinian cause and their oppressive actions against Yemenis.
Incident Summary Table
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Sheikh Saleh Hantous, 70, Quran memorizer |
| Location | Salfiya area, Reema Governorate, Yemen |
| Date | Tuesday, shortly before July 3, 2025 |
| Attackers | Houthi forces, with approximately 20 vehicles |
| Attack Method | Siege and RPG rocket bombardment |
| Outcomes | Death of Sheikh, injury to wife, family martyrdom, son arrested |
| Motive | Continued Quran teaching after closure of school |
| Reactions | Government condemnation, calls to label Houthis as terrorists |
The killing of Sheikh Saleh Hantous underscores the persistent violence and repression in Yemen, drawing widespread local and international condemnation over human rights violations and attacks on religious freedom in Houthi-controlled areas.
from: fesnews
