Raymah — A deeply disturbing crime has sent shockwaves through the community of Mazhar District in Raymah Governorate, western Yemen, after a man in his fifties allegedly murdered his three children shortly after returning from years of working abroad.

Local sources identified the suspect as Ali Qasim Ahmed Al-Thoumi, a resident of Al-Jawn area in Mazhar. According to eyewitness accounts and preliminary reports, Al-Thoumi opened fire on his four children on Saturday evening, killing Faris, Youssef, and Raja, and critically injuring his daughter Mona, who was rushed to a nearby hospital in grave condition.

The motive behind the crime remains unclear, but sources close to the family suggest that Al-Thoumi may have been suffering from severe psychological distress following his return to Yemen. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, and the suspect has reportedly been taken into custody.

The tragedy has sparked widespread grief and outrage across Raymah, with community leaders and residents calling for justice and greater attention to mental health issues among returnees and displaced persons. “This is not just a family tragedy—it’s a wake-up call,” said one local elder. “We need to understand what drives a father to commit such an unthinkable act.”

Human rights advocates have urged the Yemeni government and international organizations to provide psychological support services in rural areas, especially for families affected by war, displacement, and economic hardship. The incident also highlights the broader social toll of Yemen’s prolonged conflict, which has left many families fractured and vulnerable.

The funeral for the three children was held under heavy emotional strain, with hundreds of mourners attending in silence. Mona, the surviving daughter, remains in critical condition, and her recovery is being closely monitored.

This crime marks one of the most shocking domestic tragedies in Yemen this year, underscoring the urgent need for community-based mental health interventions and stronger protective mechanisms for children.