Tax checkpoints spark struggle between Saudi-UAE-backed factions
TAIZ, Oct. 08 (YPA) – Many drivers and citizens complained about the escalating phenomenon of imposing taxes and tributes along the coastal road of Yemen.
Local sources pointed to the fierce competition was conducted between the UAE-funded “Tariq Saleh” factions and the Saudi-backed Dera al-Watan factions.
The complainants reported that the factions have established new armed checkpoints to collect funds in the Dhubab district, west of Taiz, as well as in the Al-Mudharaba and Ras Al-Ara areas in Lahj.
They explained that elements affiliated with Tariq Saleh, nephew of the former president Ali Abdull Saleh, imposed financial bonds on trucks passing through the Dhubab area, some of which amounted to more than 5,000 riyals, which equals $20.92, burdening merchants and citizens alike in light of the severe economic decline.
They confirmed that the establishment of the checkpoint by Tariq Saleh’s elements came in response to the establishment of a new collection point by Salafi “Homeland Shield” elements on the coastal road in the Al-Mudharaba area, west of Lahj, in early October.
They noted that the Dera al-Watan factions have set amounts ranging from 3,000 riyals to small trucks and 6,000 riyals for large trucks under the name of “transportation fees.”
This is in addition to other levies imposed along the coastal road by the Saudi-UAE factions, exacerbating the financial burden on commercial transportation.
AA