Unprecedented influx of African migrants to coast raises suspicions

SHABWA, Aug. 29 (YPA) – Dozens of African migrants have arrived on the coast of Shabwa province, southern Yemen, during the past hours, amid reports that many of them have been attracted by terrorist elements.

Informed sources reported that approximately 209 illegal immigrants from the Horn of Africa arrived yesterday, Tuesday, on the coast of the Radhom District, which is controlled by the UAE-backed factions, noting that thousands of African immigrants arrived in dense numbers that exceeded the normal situation during the past months.

The sources explained that the migrants arrived on two boats, the first landing 45 migrants of Ethiopian nationality on the coast of Gharqa, while the second boat landed 164 migrants from the Horn of Africa on the coast of the Kabda area in the Radhom district on the Arabian Sea.

Gangs transporting and smuggling African migrants to the coasts of Shabwa and Abyan provinces, controlled by the pro-UAE factions, have expanded significantly since the beginning of this year, according to the sources.

Illegal immigrants—most of whom are young people—arrive at the coasts of Shabwa and Abyan randomly without taking any measures to limit their continued flow by local authorities and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), amid fears of an outbreak of monkeypox.

The sources noted that the countries of the Horn of Africa are witnessing security and political stability, unlike previous years, which forced many of them to flock to the Yemeni coast.

The influx of migrants to the coasts of Shabwa and Abyan comes after their arrival to the western coast of Yemen was prevented by armed factions formed from the Al-Sabaiha tribes in the areas of Al-Madhareba and Ras Al-Ara in Lahj province.

YPA