Over 26 Smugglers Arrested and 406 Illegal Immigrants Deported in Security Campaign in Al-Mahra Governorate

Yemen Monitor/Al-Ghaydah/Newsroom:

The police in the Shahen district of Al-Mahra Governorate carried out a large-scale security campaign over the past hours, targeting gatherings of illegal immigrants and active smuggling networks in the region. The operation resulted in the arrest of 26 smugglers of Ethiopian nationality and the deportation of 406 illegal immigrants through organized legal and humanitarian procedures.

Security reports indicated that the campaign was launched in response to repeated complaints from residents and notables of the district regarding the increasing influx of illegal immigrants. This influx has led to disruptions in public life, exacerbated security and health challenges, and involved some immigrants in human trafficking and smuggling of prohibited materials, as well as the formation of armed groups in the deserts to resist security forces.

Dr. Rashid Al-Salahi, Deputy Security Director and Director of Criminal Investigation in Shahen district, explained that the security agencies took the threats seriously and carried out the campaign under the direct supervision of Sheikh Muhammad Muhammad Za’bnut, Director General of Shahan district, and under the patronage of Al-Mahra Governor Mr. Muhammad Ali Yasser. The operation was coordinated with the governorate security leadership, represented by Brigadier Mufti Suhail Samouda and Brigadier Ahmed Ali Rafeet, Deputy Security Director.

Al-Salahi noted that the security teams conducted intensive field operations in immigrant gathering points and suspicious locations, along with combing the deserts extending along the Yemeni-Omani border, aiming to pursue and arrest elements of smuggling networks.

He stated that investigations revealed a network of individuals working to facilitate the passage of immigrants in exchange for large sums of money, aiming to transport them through illegal routes to the Sultanate of Oman and neighboring countries. He added that all detainees have been referred to the relevant authorities to complete legal procedures.

For his part, Colonel Ahmed Muslim Za’bnut, Director of Police in Shahen district, confirmed that the deportation of the immigrants was carried out after completing legal procedures and in cooperation with the Public Prosecution in the district, represented by Prosecutor Judge Saeed Badinar, and all relevant official authorities. He clarified that the operation was executed with full discipline and in accordance with humanitarian standards that respect the dignity of the detainees.

Za’bnut emphasized that this campaign sends a clear message to anyone attempting to undermine the security and stability of the district, affirming that Shahan police will not be lenient in confronting smuggling networks and illegal immigration, and that security campaigns will continue until this phenomenon is completely eradicated.