{
  "id": 11441063,
  "title": "‘We must enter first’: Yemen’s female soldiers face war, danger and a changing society",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/we-must-enter-first-yemens-female-soldiers-face-war-danger-and-a",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-02T12:49:35.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Middle East Eye",
    "slug": "middle-east-eye",
    "url": "https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/yemen-female-soldiers-women-war-danger-society"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Yemen's female soldiers are facing the realities of war, danger, and a society undergoing significant change. Tahani, a 36-year-old female officer, proudly walks through Taiz city's markets wearing her security uniform without a firearm. While some locals are uneasy about women in military roles, others express pride in Yemeni women serving as soldiers. Tahani joined the women's police force in 2022 after struggling to support herself and her son after divorce. She now participates in search operations and home raids, providing vital services for her community.\n\nFemale soldiers are increasingly important in Yemen's security apparatus, with the number of women in the police force growing from 2,868 in 2014 to thousands today. These women perform tasks such as home raids, where they must enter homes with women present, due to the cultural preference for women to interact with other women. While Tahani has not yet fired at a suspect, she knows the heightened vigilance required during military escalations, with more home raids and inspections taking place.\n\nCaptain Muamer Abdulmonem, a Yemeni army officer, emphasizes the critical role female soldiers play during escalations, particularly in searching women travelers who may be involved in smuggling contraband. He also stresses the need for female volunteers to support the army in monitoring sleeper cells and unfamiliar individuals. As Yemen continues to grapple with conflict and societal changes, the role of female soldiers is becoming increasingly essential in maintaining safety and security.",
  "summary": "‘We must enter first’: Yemen’s female soldiers face war, danger and a changing society Submitted by MEE correspondent on Fri, 10/02/2026 - 09:14 Female officers say their role is especially important when searching women, protecting privacy and keeping communities safe A woman soldier walks through a market in Taiz city, Taiz governorate, Yemen, 21 September 2026 (Middle East Eye) Off Wearing her…",
  "key_points": [
    "Female soldiers in Yemen face war, danger, and societal change",
    "Number of women in police force grew from 2,868 in 2014 to thousands",
    "Female soldiers crucial for security during escalations and inspections"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Ajel English",
        "title": "Over 18 million in Yemen face acute food insecurity, WFP warns",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/over-18-million-in-yemen-face-acute-food-insecurity-wfp-warns",
        "published": "2026-10-02T11:32:07.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}