Yemen Monitor/Newsroom:
Yemeni Interior Minister Major General Ibrahim Haydan affirmed that Saudi support for the Yemeni economy and the legitimate government represents a fundamental pillar for stabilizing security in the country and contributes to alleviating the suffering of the Yemeni people caused by the war.
In an interview with the “Okaz” newspaper, he stated that the Ministry of Interior feels the importance of this support more than any other entity, explaining that security is the balance upon which economic and political stability relies.
The Minister pointed out that Saudi development and reconstruction programs, in addition to the efforts of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, constitute a lifeline for Yemenis in facing the humanitarian crisis caused by the Houthi coup over a decade ago. He emphasized that Saudi support has contributed to preserving the Yemeni state and preventing its collapse, as well as helping to curb the spread of crime and maintaining the functioning of security institutions under difficult circumstances.
Haydan stressed that the direct financial support provided by Saudi Arabia, amounting to more than $368 million, has had a positive impact on the security and economic situation, particularly in addressing the challenges resulting from the collapse of the national currency and the ongoing Houthi blockade. He noted that the operations “Decisive Storm” and “Restoring Hope,” led by Saudi Arabia, were critical factors in protecting Yemen from a security and economic catastrophe.
The Minister explained that the strategic relations between Saudi Arabia and Yemen transcend geographical boundaries, as they are bound by historical, religious, and linguistic ties, which enhances joint cooperation in facing the security and terrorist threats confronting the region. He affirmed that security coordination between the two countries is at its highest level and includes the exchange of intelligence information to confront terrorist groups and smuggling.
He highlighted that the Yemeni Ministry of Interior is implementing an integrated plan to reduce smuggling operations through land and sea ports with Saudi and international support, focusing on training and technical equipment that have contributed to enhancing security readiness. He explained that there is close cooperation with intelligence agencies and the army to control smuggled shipments that fund Houthi activities, pointing to the seizure of a fully operational factory for producing Captagon pills in Al-Mahra and a criminal network linked to the Houthis involved in manufacturing and exporting drugs.
The Minister also discussed counter-terrorism efforts, which have expanded to include the Houthis, who coordinate with extremist organizations such as Al-Qaeda and ISIS. This has necessitated the adoption of comprehensive and professional strategies, resulting in the dismantling of dozens of terrorist cells and thwarting plots targeting civilian and military facilities.
He emphasized that the support of the Presidential Leadership Council, led by Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi, has been an incentive to enhance the capabilities of the Ministry of Interior and improve security performance in the liberated provinces, with a keen focus on coordinating efforts with regional and international partners to achieve security and stability.
He affirmed that security is the main gateway to restoring state institutions and building trust among citizens, with continued Saudi-Yemeni cooperation to address the security and economic challenges imposed by the Houthi war.
