Money-smuggling scandals emerge at Aden Airport as Saudi-backed forces take control

ADEN, Jan. 11 (YPA) -The Saudi-backed “Dera Al-Watan” forces have imposed strict inspection procedures on travelers passing through the Aden International Airport, sources familiar with the matter reported.

According to the sources, over the past two days, several people close to STC leaders were caught trying to smuggle large amounts of foreign currency through the airport

Among those apprehended were two employees from the office of the recently dismissed Defense Minister Mohsen Al-Daari loyal to the Saudi-led coalition, who were caught attempting to smuggle nine million dollars while leaving Aden with their families, the sources said.

They had distributed the money in secret compartments within their bags and the luggage of their relatives.

The sources added that Aden Airport witnessed a surge in departures by STC-affiliated figures prior to the arrival of the Saudi-backed factions.

They suggested that the period between the entrance of Saudi-backed forces and their presence at the airport had seen significant smuggling operations by UAE-aligned leaders.

Airport inspections were reportedly lax before the Saudi-backed factions arrived, indicating potential complicity by the UAE-funded Al-Amaliqa Brigades, which had controlled the airport from January 6–9 until the Saudi-backed forces assumed control, according to the sources.

Money-smuggling scandals at Aden Airport have sparked widespread debate among human rights groups and activists over the past several years in areas controlled by the Saudi-led coalition in southern and eastern Yemen

Meanwhile, the UN expert team led Kamel Jendoubi said in its September 2018 report that “corruption operations in areas under the control of pro-coalition government constitute a serious violation that undermines any efforts toward stability in the country.”

@E.Y.M