Human rights platform alleges sexual assault case involving Aden security personnel

ADEN, June 20 (YPA) – A human rights platform has reported serious allegations involving the rape and extortion of a 19-year-old orphaned woman by 13 individuals, including a commander within the Saudi-linked Security Belt forces in Aden, south of Yemen.

According to the platform, the victim—who was facing difficult social and family circumstances after losing her parents—sought assistance from the Security Belt leadership, believing she would receive protection and justice.

The report alleges that Mazen Hazeb al-Yafei, a commander in the area, along with other personnel, lured the woman to a facility in Khor Maksar.

It claims she was given food and drinks laced with substances that caused her to lose consciousness, after which she was assaulted. The platform further states that she was later subjected to blackmail involving recorded material and coerced into exploitation under threats.

It added that the victim later filed a complaint and underwent a forensic medical examination, which reportedly confirmed signs consistent with sexual assault and led to a serious deterioration in her physical and psychological condition, requiring hospitalization.

The case has reportedly been under review by the Aden Public Prosecutor’s Office since last September.

The platform also claimed that while some suspects were briefly detained, several key individuals were later released and remain in service.

It called for urgent judicial action and full accountability for all those implicated, stressing the need to address the case transparently and ensure justice for the victim.