Yemen Monitor / Newsroom:
Colonel Osama Al-Asad, commander of the security and protection battalion at the Al-Wadeea border crossing, revealed what he described as a direct link between the majority of drug smuggling networks operating from Yemen to Saudi Arabia and the Preventive Security apparatus affiliated with the Houthi group. He confirmed that investigations with a number of detainees have shown organizational ties to this apparatus.
In a press statement, Al-Asad stated that his forces have thwarted multiple smuggling attempts in the recent period, involving narcotics, human trafficking, forgers, and individuals with unknown identities. He pointed out that the battalion apprehends about ten people daily in possession of forged Umrah visas.
He added that one operation resulted in the arrest of a Houthi leader who was attempting to enter Saudi territory using a forged passport and Umrah visa, suggesting his motives were likely security-related.
He explained that a member of the battalion recognized him due to his previous captivity by the Houthis, leading to his immediate arrest. Al-Asad noted that the leader had held a position in the Central Security Prison in Sana’a.
The battalion commander clarified that the force’s duties include securing the crossing and its surroundings within a wide geographical area extending tens of kilometers in several directions, in addition to apprehending security-wanted individuals, among whom are suspected elements belonging to Al-Qaeda and others fleeing judicial sentences.
He indicated that smuggling operations—according to detainees’ testimonies—receive support from organized networks. He disclosed that one of these networks offered one million Saudi Riyals in exchange for the release of a captured smuggler, along with relinquishing the tractor-trailer and seized goods. He also spoke of secret meetings believed to have been held by smugglers in border areas, including the city of Al-Ghaydah in Al-Mahra Governorate.
In a related context, Al-Asad discussed information indicating the existence of drug manufacturing activities in areas under Houthi control. He explained that security authorities had previously dismantled a drug factory in Al-Mahra Governorate and noted that investigations are ongoing to uncover the details of the case.
The commander of the Al-Wadeea crossing protection battalion affirmed that the level of security coordination with the Saudi side is high, with continuous exchange of information regarding smuggling cases, which enhances border control and curbs illegal activities.
He concluded by pointing out that the most prominent challenges lie in limited capabilities, despite the field experience possessed by battalion personnel. He called for providing additional equipment and mechanisms to enhance security measures and continue confronting the advanced smuggling methods employed by criminal networks.
