Activist alleges protection for Saudi-backed commander amid abuse allegations in Aden

Last updated Jun 29, 2026 11:02 PM

ADEN, June 30 (YPA) – Informed sources on Monday reported new allegations concerning the status of Mazen Hazeb Al-Yafai, a commander in the Saudi-backed Security Belt forces, following the circulation of audio recordings and documents that implicate him in criminal and ethical misconduct in the southern Yemeni city of Aden.

Human rights activist Adel Al-Hassani claimed that Al-Yafai is currently staying at the office of Jalal Al-Rubaie, commander of the Saudi-funded National Security apparatus, rather than being detained despite the publication of audio recordings and judicial documents that link him to several offenses, including the blackmail of women in Aden.

In a post on the X platform, Al-Hassani alleged that Al-Yafai enjoys direct protection from Al-Rubaie and continues to move freely between Al-Rubaie’s office and emergency security facilities despite the accusations against him.

He added that a judge had previously intervened to shield Al-Yafai from prosecution in similar and more serious cases, though he did not identify the judge by name.

Al-Hassani threatened to release additional documents and further “painful” revelations unless Al-Yafai is taken into custody.

Separately, social, political, and human rights groups in Aden held an expanded meeting on Monday to discuss allegations of abuses and crimes targeting women and children in the city.

Participants are expected to announce escalation measures in response to the allegations, which have sparked public anger in Yemen.

The developments follow the circulation of audio recordings that allegedly document blackmail involving women and girls after their relatives were detained during Al-Yafai’s tenure as commander of the Security Belt forces in Al-Mansoura district.

The allegations also include a reported case involving the rape of a 19-year-old orphan after she was reportedly taken to the Aster Aden Resort last September. These allegations have not been independently verified.