Protesting illegal levies, truck drivers announce suspension of traffic on international road in Sayoun

HADRAMOUT, Nov. 04 (YPA) – Truck drivers operating on the international route connecting Yemen and the Sultanate of Oman have announced a complete suspension of movement at the airport checkpoint in the city of Sayoun, Hadramout Governorate.

This action is in protest against the imposition of “exorbitant and illegal” financial levies by armed personnel of the “First Military Region,” loyal to the Islah Party.

An official statement, issued by the drivers early Tuesday, confirmed that the armed men at the checkpoint are demanding a payment of 150,000 Yemeni Rials (YER) from each truck to allow passage. Drivers described this as “double extortion” due to its lack of legal basis.

The drivers highlighted that their goods have already completed all customs procedures and had 100% of their duties paid at the Shahin border crossing with Oman. They demanded that the local authorities loyal to the Saudi-led coalition in Hadramout urgently intervene to lift the blockade on their trucks and put an end to these arbitrary practices, which not only threaten their livelihoods but also severely damage the trade and transport sectors nationwide.

Dozens of transport trucks are currently halted on both sides of the road amid growing concerns about the spoilage of perishable goods, potentially leading to devastating losses for both traders and drivers.

YPA