On December 24, 2025, the city of Al-Bahth found itself at the center of a sweeping security operation, as regional forces moved decisively against militants affiliated with the Rakem Imbabah movement. The day began with reports from Sout Al-Omma and Alghad news outlets, both confirming that security and intelligence officials had launched a major campaign targeting terrorist groups that had long threatened the area’s fragile stability.
According to eyewitnesses cited by Sout Al-Omma, the operation in Imbabah faced immediate logistical challenges. The narrow alleyways of the neighborhood, a defining feature of its urban landscape, made it nearly impossible for large rescue and security vehicles to enter. “The narrow lanes prevented the entry of large equipment needed to lift the rubble and continue the search for six missing people under the debris,” one local resident told reporters. Despite these obstacles, civil protection personnel pressed on, working tirelessly to clear the wreckage and search for survivors.
The urgency of the operation was underscored by the discovery of a collapsed four-story residential building in the heart of Imbabah. The disaster prompted an immediate response from emergency services. The city’s civil protection teams, already stretched thin by the ongoing security campaign, rushed to the scene. The local police and security forces quickly joined them, responding to a flood of distress calls from residents who feared for their loved ones trapped beneath the rubble.
But the collapse was more than a tragic accident—it was a symptom of the broader turmoil gripping the region. Alghad reported that the operation was part of a coordinated effort by the city’s security apparatus to dismantle the Rakem Imbabah movement, a group linked to a series of violent incidents and suspected terrorist plots. The campaign, which unfolded over several hours, targeted not only active militants but also the logistical networks that supplied them with weapons and support.
Dr. Ahmed Awad, director of the anti-terrorism and organized crime department, provided a sobering assessment of the stakes involved. “The operation resulted in the elimination of dangerous terrorist elements in the Rakem Imbabah movement,” he stated, emphasizing the high-risk nature of the mission. Security forces focused their efforts on known terrorist cells, weapons caches, and logistical supply lines, aiming to break the backbone of the group’s operations in Al-Bahth and its surroundings.
The campaign’s immediate results were striking. Officials confirmed that six of the most dangerous militants were killed during the operation, with four others eliminated in a separate action within the Imbabah area. The rest of those involved—key leaders and suspects—were arrested in a series of coordinated raids. The city’s security apparatus also launched a broader campaign to track down and apprehend any remaining members of the movement, determined to prevent a resurgence of violence.
For the residents of Al-Bahth and Imbabah, the events of December 24 were both a source of anxiety and a sign of hope. The visible presence of security forces—often seen as both protectors and disruptors—underscored the seriousness of the threat posed by the Rakem Imbabah movement. At the same time, the swift and decisive action taken by authorities offered a measure of reassurance to a community long accustomed to uncertainty.
Yet, the operation’s success was tempered by the practical realities on the ground. As Sout Al-Omma highlighted, the narrow streets and dense urban fabric of Imbabah made it difficult for even the most well-equipped teams to operate efficiently. Rescue efforts were hampered, and the search for missing persons under the collapsed building was slow and painstaking. Despite these difficulties, civil protection and security personnel remained committed to their task, drawing praise from local officials and community leaders alike.
The broader implications of the campaign were not lost on observers. The targeting of terrorist cells, weapons caches, and support networks marked a significant escalation in the city’s efforts to restore order. According to Alghad, the operation aimed not only to neutralize immediate threats but also to disrupt the infrastructure that allowed groups like Rakem Imbabah to operate with impunity. By arresting key leaders and dismantling logistical networks, authorities hoped to send a clear message: the era of unchecked militancy in Al-Bahth and Imbabah was coming to an end.
Still, challenges remain. The operation’s success depended not only on the bravery and skill of security forces but also on the cooperation of local residents, many of whom have grown wary of both militants and officials. The events of December 24 have reignited debates over the best path forward—how to balance the need for security with the imperative to protect civilian lives and property, and how to address the root causes of extremism in a city marked by poverty and unrest.
As the dust settles, questions linger about the long-term impact of the operation. Will the removal of Rakem Imbabah’s leaders and the disruption of its networks lead to lasting peace? Or will new groups emerge to fill the vacuum, perpetuating the cycle of violence that has plagued the region for years? For now, residents of Al-Bahth and Imbabah can only wait and hope that the sacrifices made by security forces will yield a safer, more stable future.
Ultimately, the events of December 24, 2025, serve as a stark reminder of the challenges facing cities like Al-Bahth and Imbabah. The fight against terrorism and organized crime is complex, demanding not only courage and determination but also a deep understanding of the communities most affected. As officials continue their efforts to restore order, the lessons learned from this operation will shape the city’s approach to security for years to come.
