أكد وزير الداخلية اليمني اللواء الركن إبراهيم حيدان، أن دعم السعودية للاقتصاد اليمني الذي يسهم في استقرار الشرعية اليمنية، وتخفيف عبء الحرب عن كاهل الشعب اليمني، دعم للاستقرار الأمني في اليمن، مشيراً في حوار أجرته معه «عكاظ»، إلى أنهم في وزارة الداخلية يشعرون بأهمية هذا الدعم قبل أي جهة أخرى باعتبار الأمن كفة الميزان الأساسية للاستقرار. وقال، إن ما تقوم به السعودية من خلال برنامج تنمية وإعمار اليمن ومركز الملك سلمان للإغاثة والأعمال الإنسانية مثل طوق النجاة لليمنيين في مواجهة واحدة من أسوأ الأزمات الإنسانية، معتبراً دعم السعودية لليمن الركيزة التي اعتمدت عليها الحكومات اليمنية المتعاقبة في إعادة الاستقرار لليمن، حيث أسهم في منع سقوط الدولة اليمنية، وأبقاها صامدة وهذا ساهم في صون وسلامة واستقلال اليمن ومنع تفككها. وتحدث وزير الداخلية اليمني عن عدد من المواضيع الأمنية المهمة خلال الحوار التالي:
دعم مباشر من القيادة السعودية
• أعلنت السعودية بتوجيه من خادم الحرمين الشريفين وبناء على ما رفعه ولي العهد الأمير محمد بن سلمان أخيراً عن دعم مالي كبير للشرعية في الجمهورية اليمنية بمبلغ مليار وثلاثمائة وثمانين مليوناً ومائتين وخمسين ألف ريال سعودي، أي أكثر من ثلاثمائة وثمانية وستين مليون دولار، كيف تنظرون لمثل هذا الدعم، وما انعكاساته على الوضع الأمني في اليمن، والذي هو مسؤوليتكم؟
•• أود التأكيد أن أي دعم للاقتصاد اليمني ولاستقرار الشرعية اليمنية، وتخفيف عبء الحرب عن كاهل الشعب اليمني، هو دعم للاستقرار الأمني في اليمن، ولذلك فإن الدعم الذي يقدمه الأشقاء في السعودية، نشعر به نحن في وزارة الداخلية قبل أي جهة، لأن الأمن كفة الميزان الأخرى للاستقرار الاقتصادي، كما أن ما تقوم به السعودية من خلال برنامج تنمية وإعمار اليمن ومركز الملك سلمان للإغاثة والأعمال الإنسانية مثل طوق النجاة لليمنيين في مواجهة واحدة من أسوأ الأزمات الإنسانية التي تسببت بها «الحوثيون» منذ انقلابها قبل عقد من الزمن، بعد أن قامت بنهب الموارد وقطع الرواتب، وحصار وتجويع اليمنيين، وتفجير حروب داخلية وخارجية، انعكست سلباً على أوضاع الناس ومعيشتهم وأمنهم.
صون وسلامة واستقلال اليمن
• إذاً، هل باعتقادك أن الدعم السعودي لليمن قيادة وشعباً شمل مختلف المجالات؟
•• دعم الأشقاء في السعودية لليمن كان ولا يزال الركيزة التي اعتمدت عليها الحكومات اليمنية المتعاقبة في إعادة الاستقرار للبلاد، أما في وقت الحرب فقد منع الدعم السعودي سقوط الدولة اليمنية، وأبقاها صامدة وهذا ساهم في صون وسلامة واستقلال البلاد ومنع تفككها، كما أن الدعم الإنساني والأخوي للسعودية في اليمن وفي أصعب المراحل التاريخية، ساهم في الحد من الجريمة وأبقى المؤسسات الأمنية قائمة. لقد خففت المساعدات النوعية في مختلف القطاعات من معاناة ملايين الأسر، وأسهمت في تعزيز الأمن الغذائي والحد من تفشي المجاعة والأوبئة، وحالت دون انزلاق الاقتصاد اليمني إلى مرحلة الانهيار الكامل، ولا سيما عقب التراجع الحاد للعملة الوطنية أمام العملات الأجنبية، والتي شكلت تحدياً اقتصادياً وأمنياً كبيراً.
مساندة اليمنيين وحكومتهم الشرعية
• من خلال تتبعك للأحداث كوزير للداخلية، ما المحطات التي ترى أن الدعم السعودي كان حاسماً في المشهد الأمني والاقتصادي؟
•• أكبر دعم للسعودية في مساندة اليمنيين وحكومتهم، كانت عملية «عاصفة الحزم»، ومن ثم «إعادة الأمل»، كما أن عمليات الحوثيين في البحر الأحمر والتي استهدفت ممرات التجارة الدولية، انعكست سلباً على الوضع الأمني والاقتصادي لليمنيين، ولولا الله ثم الدعم السعودي، لحلت الكارثة، خصوصاً مع استمرار حصار الحوثيين وتعطيلهم تصدير المشتقات النفطية، واستهدافهم بهجمات للموانئ وتهديداتها للشركات النفطية والسفن التجارية. وقد أسهم الدعم السخي للأشقاء سواء الدعم المالي المباشر للبنك المركزي وموازنة الحكومة إضافة إلى التدخلات الإنسانية في مشاريع برنامج الإعمار في تحقيق انفراج نسبي على الصعيد الاقتصادي، وأعاد بعض التوازن للعملة الوطنية التي انهارت جراء انقلاب الحوثيين واستهدافهم للاقتصاد الوطني ومعيشة المواطنين، مجنباً اليمن انهياراً كارثياً كان من شأنه أن يفاقم الأوضاع.
علاقات تتجاوز حدود الجغرافيا
• كيف تنظر إلى العلاقات الإستراتيجية بين السعودية واليمن؟
•• تربط السعودية واليمن علاقة تتعدى الجغرافيا والديموغرافيا المتداخلتين بين البلدين، إلى كونها ضاربة في أعماق التأريخ، كما أن الدين واللغة كل ذلك شكل نموذجاً فريداً في مواجهة التحديات المشتركة. وقد تجسدت هذه الروابط في مواقف عملية بالغة الأهمية، أهمها الدعم المتواصل الذي تقدمه السعودية للشعب اليمني في مختلف المراحل، بالذات في الأوقات التي يواجه اليمن ظروفاً استثنائية تهدد أمنه واستقراره وأحدث صور هذا التلاحم تمثل في الموقف التاريخي يوم ٢٥ مارس ٢٠١٥، والذي سيبقى خالداً للأبد في وجدان اليمنيين، فتدخل السعودية كمنقذ حقيقي وسند صادق بعملية «عاصفة الحزم»، في لحظة مصيرية كان اليمن أمام مشروع استعماري جديد يهدد هويته وأمنه ووجوده.
لقد وقفت السعودية بكل ثقلها السياسي والعسكري والاقتصادي، وأنقذت اليمن من الوقوع تحت سطوة الاحتلال، ومنعت انهيار الدولة، وحافظت على سيادتها ووحدة أراضيها.
دعم إستراتيجي لوزارة الداخلية
• هل السعودية منخرطة في دعم مشاريع وزارة الداخلية؟
•• السعودية قدمت دعماً إستراتيجياً لوزارة الداخلية اليمنية، شمل برامج تدريب وتأهيل مستمرة، ساهمت في بناء القدرات البشرية وتوفير التجهيزات الميدانية، وتعزيز قدرتنا العملياتية، الأمر الذي مكن الأجهزة الأمنية في المحافظات المحررة من استعادة بعض جاهزيتها، وتحقيق التفوق الأمني في مواجهة بعض التهديدات المتنامية. كما أن جهود السعودية ركزت على تعزيز قدرات الأجهزة الأمنية في مجالات مكافحة الإرهاب والجريمة المنظمة، والحد من تهريب المخدرات والسلاح والبشر، وتأمين المدن والمنافذ الحدودية، والتصدي لبعض عمليات التهريب والاختراقات الأمنية التي تقف خلفها شبكات وخلايا إرهابية مرتبطة بالحوثيين، وهذا شكل فارقاً ملموساً في قدرة اليمن على مواجهة بعض التحديات الأمنية التي فُرضت بفعل الحرب الحوثية.
تنسيق أمني على أعلى مستوى
• إلى أي مستوى يمكننا أن نتحدث عن التنسيق الأمني بين السعودية واليمن؟
•• يمكنني القول، إن مستوى التنسيق الأمني بين السعودية واليمن اليوم هو في أعلى مستوياته، كوننا نواجه تهديدات معقدة ومشتركة مصدرها الحوثي والجماعات الإرهابية، بداية من استهداف المنشآت الحيوية، وإقلاق حالة الأمن والاستقرار، وصولاً إلى عمليات تهريب الأسلحة والمخدرات التي تهدد أمن اليمن والمنطقة ككل.
وفي هذا الإطار يجري التنسيق بشكل مستمر ومباشر في تبادل المعلومات الاستخباراتية، ولعل ما يميز هذا التعاون أنه يعكس مدى حرص الأشقاء في السعودية على استقرار اليمن، باعتبار أن أمنه جزء لا يتجزأ من أمن المنطقة.
خطة متكاملة للحد من التهريب
• تطرقتَ إلى الجهود التي تقومون بها في المنافذ البرية للحد من عمليات التهريب، كيف تقومون بذلك؟
•• نعمل وفق خطة متكاملة للحد من عمليات التهريب التي تشكل تهديداً مباشراً لأمن اليمن والمنطقة، وحرصنا على تطوير القدرات والكفاءات البشرية للضباط والصف والأفراد العاملين في المنافذ البرية من خلال تنفيذ برامج تدريب نوعية متخصصة، ركزت على أحدث أساليب التفتيش والكشف عن المواد المهربة، إضافة إلى تزويدهم بالمهارات التقنية لمواجهة الشبكات الإجرامية المعقدة، الأمر الذي رفع من مستوى الجاهزية وساعد على سرعة الاستجابة.
كما نعمل على تطوير قدرات قوات خفر السواحل والمنافذ البحرية إلى جانب المنافذ البرية، كونها جميعاً تشكل منظومة مؤسسية متكاملة للتصدي لعمليات التهريب التي تديرها شبكات إجرامية.
وكل هذا العمل جاء بالتعاون مع أشقائنا في السعودية وأصدقائنا الدوليين، سواءً في مجال تطوير القدرات البشرية أو توفير الأجهزة والأنظمة الرقابية، كما أننا نحرص على تبادل المعلومات وتعزيز الإجراءات المشتركة بشكل مستمر. وفي منتصف سبتمبر شهدت العاصمة السعودية الرياض إعلان شراكة دولية مع اليمن بمشاركة ٤٠ دولة ومنظمة تهدف إلى تنسيق الجهود لدعم قدرات خفر السواحل اليمنية.
عمليات ضبط في المنافذ البرية
• كيف يمكن الحد من عمليات التهريب في ظل وجود قوات متعددة؟
•• نضع ملف مكافحة التهريب في قائمة أولوياتنا، ويمكن التأكيد هنا أن جهودنا تقوم على مقاربة شاملة ومتكاملة تبدأ بالعمل الاستخباراتي والرصد المسبق، ثم تمتد إلى الميدان عبر تنفيذ عمليات ضبط مباشرة في المنافذ البرية والبحرية. وهذه المقاربة لا تعتمد فقط على الأجهزة الأمنية التابعة لوزارة الداخلية، بل تقوم على شراكة وثيقة مع أجهزة المخابرات والقوات التابعة للجيش والقوات المسلحة، كما ننسق مع التشكيلات الأمنية الأخرى التي تأخر دمجها بمؤسسات وهيكل وزارة الداخلية. ويُعزز هذا التنسيق الداخلي تعاوناً واسعاً مع شركائنا الإقليميين والدوليين، ما أتاح تبادل المعلومات في الوقت المناسب، ورفع كفاءة التفتيش، وتحقيق نتائج ملموسة في اعتراض الشحنات، وقد أدى ذلك إلى الحد من قدرات الجماعات الإرهابية، بالذات الشبكات التي تعمل بشكل منظم على تهريب الأسلحة والمخدرات وقطع الطائرات المسيّرة والصواريخ للحوثيين. ولعل هذا الجهد المشترك يعكس إدراكاً عميقاً لحجم التهديد وأهمية التنسيق في المرحلة الراهنة إلى أن يتم توحيد جميع الأجهزة الأمنية تحت مظلة وزارة الداخلية، ويؤكد أن مواجهة التهريب لم تعد مجرد مهمة محلية، بل معركة أمنية يمنية وإقليمية ودولية في آن واحد، هدفها الأساسي حماية اليمن، وصون استقرار أمن المنطقة، وتجفيف منابع التهريب التي يستخدمها الحوثيون لإطالة أمد الحرب وزعزعة الأمن الإقليمي والدولي.
ضبط عشرات الشحنات المهربة
• ما أبرز العمليات التي تعتقد أن الأمن منع خطراً كبيراً على اليمن وجوارها الخليجي؟
•• خلال السنوات الماضية، نجحت الأجهزة الأمنية، بالتنسيق مع الشركاء الإقليميين والدوليين، في ضبط عشرات الشحنات المهربة من الأسلحة والمخدرات وقطع الطائرات المسيّرة ومكونات الصواريخ والعملات المزورة، كانت جميعها في طريقها إلى الحوثيين إلا أن العملية الأبرز والأكثر خطورة جاءت أخيراً في محافظة المهرة، حيث أسفرت عن كشف وضبط مصنع متكامل لإنتاج حبوب الكبتاجون، وضبط شبكة إجرامية على ارتباط بالحوثيين، وتعمل على تركيب وتشغيل هذا المصنع. هذه العملية النوعية كشفت بوضوح التوجه الجديد لتحويل اليمن إلى مركز إقليمي لتصنيع وتصدير الكبتاجون، بهدف إغراق دول الجوار بالمؤثرات العقلية وتوليد موارد مالية لتمويل أنشطتها التخريبية. وفي السياق ذاته، تم إحباط محاولات عدة لتهريب شحنات لحبوب الكبتاجون عبر منفذ الوديعة، قادمة من مناطق خاضعة لسيطرة الحوثيين ومتجهة إلى السعودية، الأمر الذي يؤكد أن الحوثيين مكلفون بإدارة وتشغيل تجارة الكبتاجون، كما أن هناك عملية ضبط معمل متكامل لصناعة الطيران المسير في ميناء المنطقة الحرة عدن في حاويات شحنت بحراً وكانت مفككة، ولكن اليقظة والحس الأمني كان له دور كبير في ضبط هذا المعمل.
إستراتيجيات شاملة لمكافحة الإرهاب
• وكيف تقيم الجهود في مكافحة الإرهاب، خلال السنوات الماضية؟
•• لقد واجهنا في السنوات الماضية تحديات مركبة، وغير مسبوقة في مجال مكافحة الإرهاب، إذ لم يعد الخطر محصوراً في التنظيمات المتطرفة التقليدية مثل «القاعدة»، و«داعش»، بل توسع ليشمل الحوثيين الذين يستهدفون الأمن الوطني وأمن المنطقة وخطوط الملاحة الدولية عبر هجمات منظمة، مستخدمة أسلحة متطورة. والأخطر من ذلك هو التحالف الحوثي مع بقية التنظيمات الإرهابية، حيث يجري تنسيق لعمليات مشتركة تستهدف المدنيين ومؤسسات الدولة.
كل هذا التداخل بين الحوثيين والجماعات المتطرفة أنتج تهديداً مضاعفاً، وفرض علينا بذل جهود مضاعفة، وتبني إستراتيجيات أكثر شمولاً واحترافية لمكافحة الإرهاب المزدوج، وتأمين المحافظات المحررة، وقد أدى ذلك إلى تحييد وضبط عشرات الخلايا الإرهابية في مختلف المحافظات المحررة، وإحباط مخططاتها التي كانت تستهدف من خلالها المدن والمنشآت الحيوية العامة والخاصة والمدنيين ومخيمات النازحين.
دعم مجلس القيادة الرئاسي
• كيف تقيمون دعم مجلس القيادة الرئاسي لقطاعات وزارة الداخلية؟
•• بالنسبة لنا فإن دعم مجلس القيادة الرئاسي لقطاعات وزارة الداخلية يمثل رافعة حقيقية لعملنا الأمني، وقيادة المجلس ممثلة بالرئيس الدكتور رشاد العليمي أبدوا حرصهم الكبير على تطوير الأجهزة الأمنية وتعزيز قدراتها المؤسسية والبشرية.
كما أننا لمسنا التزاماً واضحاً من قيادة وأعضاء المجلس بدعم كل ما من شأنه تعزيز حالة الأمن والاستقرار في المحافظات المحررة، باعتبار أن الأمن هو المدخل الأساسي لاستعادة مؤسسات الدولة وبناء الثقة لدى المواطنين، بالإضافة إلى أن المجلس يعمل على فتح آفاق جديدة للتعاون والتنسيق المستمر مع شركاء اليمن الإقليميين والدوليين، ما عزز من فاعلية الجهود الأمنية وجعلها أكثر قدرة على تحقيق مهماتها الوطنية أفضل مما كانت عليه في السابق.
أكد أن دعم خادم الحرمين وولي العهد طوق نجاة منع سقوط الدولة اليمنية..
وزير الداخلية اليمني لـ«عكاظ»:التنسيق الأمني مع السعودية في أعلى مستوياته
12 أكتوبر 2025 - 04:27
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آخر تحديث 12 أكتوبر 2025 - 04:34
وزير الداخلية الأمير عبدالعزيز بن سعود بن نايف في لقاء سابق مع وزير الداخلية اليمني اللواء الركن إبراهيم حيدان.
تابع قناة عكاظ على الواتساب
حاوره: عبدالله آل هتيلة ahatayla@2020
The Yemeni Interior Minister, Major General Ibrahim Haidan, confirmed that Saudi Arabia's support for the Yemeni economy, which contributes to the stability of the Yemeni legitimacy and alleviates the burden of war on the shoulders of the Yemeni people, is a support for security stability in Yemen. In an interview with "Okaz," he pointed out that they in the Ministry of Interior feel the importance of this support before any other entity, considering security as the essential balance for stability. He stated that what Saudi Arabia is doing through the Yemen Development and Reconstruction Program and the King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Works is like a lifeline for Yemenis in facing one of the worst humanitarian crises, considering Saudi support for Yemen as the cornerstone that successive Yemeni governments have relied upon to restore stability to Yemen, as it has contributed to preventing the collapse of the Yemeni state and keeping it resilient, which has helped preserve the integrity, safety, and independence of Yemen and prevent its fragmentation. The Yemeni Interior Minister discussed several important security topics during the following dialogue:
Direct Support from Saudi Leadership
• Saudi Arabia announced, under the direction of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and based on what Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman recently submitted, a significant financial support for the legitimacy in the Republic of Yemen amounting to one billion three hundred eighty million two hundred fifty thousand Saudi riyals, which is more than three hundred sixty-eight million dollars. How do you view such support, and what are its implications for the security situation in Yemen, which is your responsibility?
•• I would like to emphasize that any support for the Yemeni economy and for the stability of Yemeni legitimacy, and alleviating the burden of war on the shoulders of the Yemeni people, is support for security stability in Yemen. Therefore, the support provided by our brothers in Saudi Arabia is felt by us in the Ministry of Interior before any other entity, because security is the other side of the balance for economic stability. Additionally, what Saudi Arabia is doing through the Yemen Development and Reconstruction Program and the King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Works is like a lifeline for Yemenis in facing one of the worst humanitarian crises caused by the "Houthis" since their coup a decade ago, after they plundered resources, cut salaries, besieged and starved Yemenis, and ignited internal and external wars, which negatively impacted people's conditions, livelihoods, and security.
Preserving the Integrity, Safety, and Independence of Yemen
• So, do you believe that Saudi support for Yemen, leadership, and people has encompassed various fields?
•• The support of our brothers in Saudi Arabia for Yemen has been and continues to be the cornerstone that successive Yemeni governments have relied upon to restore stability to the country. During the time of war, Saudi support has prevented the collapse of the Yemeni state and kept it resilient, which has contributed to preserving the integrity, safety, and independence of the country and preventing its fragmentation. Furthermore, the humanitarian and brotherly support from Saudi Arabia in Yemen during the most difficult historical phases has contributed to reducing crime and keeping security institutions operational. Quality assistance in various sectors has alleviated the suffering of millions of families, contributed to enhancing food security, limited the spread of famine and epidemics, and prevented the Yemeni economy from slipping into a state of complete collapse, especially following the sharp decline of the national currency against foreign currencies, which posed a significant economic and security challenge.
Supporting Yemenis and Their Legitimate Government
• As you follow the events as the Minister of Interior, what milestones do you see that Saudi support has been decisive in the security and economic scene?
•• The greatest support from Saudi Arabia in assisting Yemenis and their government was the "Decisive Storm" operation, followed by "Restoring Hope." The Houthi operations in the Red Sea, which targeted international trade routes, negatively impacted the security and economic situation for Yemenis. Were it not for God and then Saudi support, a catastrophe would have occurred, especially with the continued Houthi siege and their disruption of oil derivative exports, targeting ports, and threatening oil companies and commercial ships. The generous support from our brothers, whether through direct financial support to the Central Bank and the government budget or humanitarian interventions in reconstruction projects, has achieved a relative easing on the economic front and restored some balance to the national currency, which collapsed due to the Houthi coup and their targeting of the national economy and citizens' livelihoods, thus sparing Yemen a catastrophic collapse that would have exacerbated the situation.
Relations Beyond Geographic Boundaries
• How do you view the strategic relations between Saudi Arabia and Yemen?
•• Saudi Arabia and Yemen share a relationship that transcends the intertwined geography and demographics of the two countries, rooted deeply in history. Religion and language have all formed a unique model in facing common challenges. These ties have manifested in extremely important practical stances, the most important of which is the continuous support that Saudi Arabia provides to the Yemeni people at various stages, especially during times when Yemen faces exceptional circumstances that threaten its security and stability. The most recent manifestation of this solidarity was the historic stance on March 25, 2015, which will remain forever etched in the hearts of Yemenis, as Saudi Arabia intervened as a true savior and sincere support through "Operation Decisive Storm" at a decisive moment when Yemen was facing a new colonial project threatening its identity, security, and existence.
Saudi Arabia stood with all its political, military, and economic weight, saving Yemen from falling under the yoke of occupation, preventing the collapse of the state, and preserving its sovereignty and territorial unity.
Strategic Support for the Ministry of Interior
• Is Saudi Arabia involved in supporting the projects of the Ministry of Interior?
•• Saudi Arabia has provided strategic support to the Yemeni Ministry of Interior, which included ongoing training and rehabilitation programs that contributed to building human capacities and providing field equipment, enhancing our operational capabilities. This has enabled security agencies in the liberated provinces to regain some of their readiness and achieve security superiority in facing some of the growing threats. Saudi efforts have also focused on enhancing the capabilities of security agencies in combating terrorism and organized crime, limiting drug and arms trafficking, securing cities and border crossings, and confronting some smuggling operations and security breaches orchestrated by terrorist networks and cells linked to the Houthis. This has made a tangible difference in Yemen's ability to confront some of the security challenges imposed by the Houthi war.
High-Level Security Coordination
• To what extent can we talk about security coordination between Saudi Arabia and Yemen?
•• I can say that the level of security coordination between Saudi Arabia and Yemen today is at its highest levels, as we face complex and shared threats originating from the Houthis and terrorist groups, starting from targeting vital installations, disturbing security and stability, to arms and drug trafficking operations that threaten the security of Yemen and the region as a whole.
In this context, coordination is ongoing and direct in exchanging intelligence information, and what distinguishes this cooperation is that it reflects the extent of our brothers in Saudi Arabia's concern for Yemen's stability, considering that its security is an integral part of the region's security.
Comprehensive Plan to Limit Smuggling
• You mentioned the efforts you are making at the land crossings to limit smuggling operations. How are you doing that?
•• We are working according to a comprehensive plan to limit smuggling operations that pose a direct threat to the security of Yemen and the region. We are keen on developing the capabilities and competencies of the officers and personnel working at the land crossings through implementing specialized training programs that focus on the latest inspection methods and detection of smuggled materials, in addition to equipping them with technical skills to confront complex criminal networks, which has raised the level of readiness and helped in rapid response.
We are also working on enhancing the capabilities of the Coast Guard and maritime ports alongside the land crossings, as they all form an integrated institutional system to confront smuggling operations managed by criminal networks.
All this work has come in cooperation with our brothers in Saudi Arabia and our international friends, whether in the field of developing human capacities or providing monitoring devices and systems. We are also keen on exchanging information and continuously enhancing joint procedures. In mid-September, the Saudi capital, Riyadh, witnessed the announcement of an international partnership with Yemen involving 40 countries and organizations aimed at coordinating efforts to support the capabilities of the Yemeni Coast Guard.
Operations to Control Land Crossings
• How can smuggling operations be limited in the presence of multiple forces?
•• We prioritize the file of combating smuggling, and I can assure you that our efforts are based on a comprehensive and integrated approach that starts with intelligence work and prior monitoring, then extends to the field through direct control operations at land and maritime crossings. This approach does not rely solely on the security agencies affiliated with the Ministry of Interior but is based on a close partnership with intelligence agencies and the armed forces, and we coordinate with other security formations that have been delayed in integrating into the institutions and structure of the Ministry of Interior. This internal coordination is enhanced by extensive cooperation with our regional and international partners, which has allowed for timely information exchange, improved inspection efficiency, and achieved tangible results in intercepting shipments. This has reduced the capabilities of terrorist groups, especially those networks that systematically work on smuggling arms, drugs, and components of drones and missiles for the Houthis. This joint effort reflects a deep understanding of the magnitude of the threat and the importance of coordination at this stage until all security agencies are unified under the umbrella of the Ministry of Interior, confirming that combating smuggling is no longer just a local task, but a Yemeni, regional, and international security battle at once, with the primary goal of protecting Yemen, preserving the stability of the region's security, and drying up the sources of smuggling that the Houthis use to prolong the war and destabilize regional and international security.
Seizing Dozens of Smuggled Shipments
• What are the most notable operations that you believe have prevented a significant threat to Yemen and its Gulf neighbors?
•• In recent years, security agencies, in coordination with regional and international partners, have succeeded in seizing dozens of smuggled shipments of weapons, drugs, drone parts, missile components, and counterfeit currencies, all of which were on their way to the Houthis. However, the most significant and dangerous operation recently took place in Al-Mahra Governorate, which resulted in uncovering and seizing a complete factory for producing Captagon pills and apprehending a criminal network linked to the Houthis that operates to assemble and operate this factory. This qualitative operation clearly revealed the new trend of turning Yemen into a regional center for the manufacture and export of Captagon, with the aim of flooding neighboring countries with narcotic substances and generating financial resources to fund its destructive activities. In this context, several attempts to smuggle Captagon shipments through the Al-Wadiah crossing, coming from areas under Houthi control and heading to Saudi Arabia, were thwarted, confirming that the Houthis are tasked with managing and operating the Captagon trade. There was also an operation to seize a complete factory for manufacturing drones in the Free Zone port of Aden in containers shipped by sea and were disassembled, but vigilance and security awareness played a significant role in seizing this factory.
Comprehensive Strategies to Combat Terrorism
• How do you evaluate the efforts in combating terrorism over the past years?
•• In the past years, we have faced complex and unprecedented challenges in the field of combating terrorism, as the threat is no longer confined to traditional extremist organizations such as "Al-Qaeda" and "ISIS," but has expanded to include the Houthis, who target national security and the security of the region and international shipping lines through organized attacks using advanced weapons. The most dangerous aspect is the Houthi alliance with other terrorist organizations, where coordination for joint operations targeting civilians and state institutions is taking place.
All this overlap between the Houthis and extremist groups has produced a compounded threat, forcing us to exert doubled efforts and adopt more comprehensive and professional strategies to combat dual terrorism and secure the liberated provinces. This has led to the neutralization and apprehension of dozens of terrorist cells in various liberated provinces, thwarting their plots that targeted cities, vital public and private facilities, civilians, and displaced persons' camps.
Support from the Presidential Leadership Council
• How do you evaluate the support of the Presidential Leadership Council for the sectors of the Ministry of Interior?
•• For us, the support of the Presidential Leadership Council for the sectors of the Ministry of Interior represents a real lever for our security work, and the leadership of the council, represented by President Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi, has shown great concern for developing security agencies and enhancing their institutional and human capabilities.
We have also sensed a clear commitment from the leadership and members of the council to support everything that would enhance security and stability in the liberated provinces, considering that security is the fundamental entry point for restoring state institutions and building trust among citizens. Additionally, the council is working to open new horizons for continuous cooperation and coordination with Yemen's regional and international partners, which has enhanced the effectiveness of security efforts and made them more capable of achieving their national missions better than before.
Direct Support from Saudi Leadership
• Saudi Arabia announced, under the direction of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and based on what Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman recently submitted, a significant financial support for the legitimacy in the Republic of Yemen amounting to one billion three hundred eighty million two hundred fifty thousand Saudi riyals, which is more than three hundred sixty-eight million dollars. How do you view such support, and what are its implications for the security situation in Yemen, which is your responsibility?
•• I would like to emphasize that any support for the Yemeni economy and for the stability of Yemeni legitimacy, and alleviating the burden of war on the shoulders of the Yemeni people, is support for security stability in Yemen. Therefore, the support provided by our brothers in Saudi Arabia is felt by us in the Ministry of Interior before any other entity, because security is the other side of the balance for economic stability. Additionally, what Saudi Arabia is doing through the Yemen Development and Reconstruction Program and the King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Works is like a lifeline for Yemenis in facing one of the worst humanitarian crises caused by the "Houthis" since their coup a decade ago, after they plundered resources, cut salaries, besieged and starved Yemenis, and ignited internal and external wars, which negatively impacted people's conditions, livelihoods, and security.
Preserving the Integrity, Safety, and Independence of Yemen
• So, do you believe that Saudi support for Yemen, leadership, and people has encompassed various fields?
•• The support of our brothers in Saudi Arabia for Yemen has been and continues to be the cornerstone that successive Yemeni governments have relied upon to restore stability to the country. During the time of war, Saudi support has prevented the collapse of the Yemeni state and kept it resilient, which has contributed to preserving the integrity, safety, and independence of the country and preventing its fragmentation. Furthermore, the humanitarian and brotherly support from Saudi Arabia in Yemen during the most difficult historical phases has contributed to reducing crime and keeping security institutions operational. Quality assistance in various sectors has alleviated the suffering of millions of families, contributed to enhancing food security, limited the spread of famine and epidemics, and prevented the Yemeni economy from slipping into a state of complete collapse, especially following the sharp decline of the national currency against foreign currencies, which posed a significant economic and security challenge.
Supporting Yemenis and Their Legitimate Government
• As you follow the events as the Minister of Interior, what milestones do you see that Saudi support has been decisive in the security and economic scene?
•• The greatest support from Saudi Arabia in assisting Yemenis and their government was the "Decisive Storm" operation, followed by "Restoring Hope." The Houthi operations in the Red Sea, which targeted international trade routes, negatively impacted the security and economic situation for Yemenis. Were it not for God and then Saudi support, a catastrophe would have occurred, especially with the continued Houthi siege and their disruption of oil derivative exports, targeting ports, and threatening oil companies and commercial ships. The generous support from our brothers, whether through direct financial support to the Central Bank and the government budget or humanitarian interventions in reconstruction projects, has achieved a relative easing on the economic front and restored some balance to the national currency, which collapsed due to the Houthi coup and their targeting of the national economy and citizens' livelihoods, thus sparing Yemen a catastrophic collapse that would have exacerbated the situation.
Relations Beyond Geographic Boundaries
• How do you view the strategic relations between Saudi Arabia and Yemen?
•• Saudi Arabia and Yemen share a relationship that transcends the intertwined geography and demographics of the two countries, rooted deeply in history. Religion and language have all formed a unique model in facing common challenges. These ties have manifested in extremely important practical stances, the most important of which is the continuous support that Saudi Arabia provides to the Yemeni people at various stages, especially during times when Yemen faces exceptional circumstances that threaten its security and stability. The most recent manifestation of this solidarity was the historic stance on March 25, 2015, which will remain forever etched in the hearts of Yemenis, as Saudi Arabia intervened as a true savior and sincere support through "Operation Decisive Storm" at a decisive moment when Yemen was facing a new colonial project threatening its identity, security, and existence.
Saudi Arabia stood with all its political, military, and economic weight, saving Yemen from falling under the yoke of occupation, preventing the collapse of the state, and preserving its sovereignty and territorial unity.
Strategic Support for the Ministry of Interior
• Is Saudi Arabia involved in supporting the projects of the Ministry of Interior?
•• Saudi Arabia has provided strategic support to the Yemeni Ministry of Interior, which included ongoing training and rehabilitation programs that contributed to building human capacities and providing field equipment, enhancing our operational capabilities. This has enabled security agencies in the liberated provinces to regain some of their readiness and achieve security superiority in facing some of the growing threats. Saudi efforts have also focused on enhancing the capabilities of security agencies in combating terrorism and organized crime, limiting drug and arms trafficking, securing cities and border crossings, and confronting some smuggling operations and security breaches orchestrated by terrorist networks and cells linked to the Houthis. This has made a tangible difference in Yemen's ability to confront some of the security challenges imposed by the Houthi war.
High-Level Security Coordination
• To what extent can we talk about security coordination between Saudi Arabia and Yemen?
•• I can say that the level of security coordination between Saudi Arabia and Yemen today is at its highest levels, as we face complex and shared threats originating from the Houthis and terrorist groups, starting from targeting vital installations, disturbing security and stability, to arms and drug trafficking operations that threaten the security of Yemen and the region as a whole.
In this context, coordination is ongoing and direct in exchanging intelligence information, and what distinguishes this cooperation is that it reflects the extent of our brothers in Saudi Arabia's concern for Yemen's stability, considering that its security is an integral part of the region's security.
Comprehensive Plan to Limit Smuggling
• You mentioned the efforts you are making at the land crossings to limit smuggling operations. How are you doing that?
•• We are working according to a comprehensive plan to limit smuggling operations that pose a direct threat to the security of Yemen and the region. We are keen on developing the capabilities and competencies of the officers and personnel working at the land crossings through implementing specialized training programs that focus on the latest inspection methods and detection of smuggled materials, in addition to equipping them with technical skills to confront complex criminal networks, which has raised the level of readiness and helped in rapid response.
We are also working on enhancing the capabilities of the Coast Guard and maritime ports alongside the land crossings, as they all form an integrated institutional system to confront smuggling operations managed by criminal networks.
All this work has come in cooperation with our brothers in Saudi Arabia and our international friends, whether in the field of developing human capacities or providing monitoring devices and systems. We are also keen on exchanging information and continuously enhancing joint procedures. In mid-September, the Saudi capital, Riyadh, witnessed the announcement of an international partnership with Yemen involving 40 countries and organizations aimed at coordinating efforts to support the capabilities of the Yemeni Coast Guard.
Operations to Control Land Crossings
• How can smuggling operations be limited in the presence of multiple forces?
•• We prioritize the file of combating smuggling, and I can assure you that our efforts are based on a comprehensive and integrated approach that starts with intelligence work and prior monitoring, then extends to the field through direct control operations at land and maritime crossings. This approach does not rely solely on the security agencies affiliated with the Ministry of Interior but is based on a close partnership with intelligence agencies and the armed forces, and we coordinate with other security formations that have been delayed in integrating into the institutions and structure of the Ministry of Interior. This internal coordination is enhanced by extensive cooperation with our regional and international partners, which has allowed for timely information exchange, improved inspection efficiency, and achieved tangible results in intercepting shipments. This has reduced the capabilities of terrorist groups, especially those networks that systematically work on smuggling arms, drugs, and components of drones and missiles for the Houthis. This joint effort reflects a deep understanding of the magnitude of the threat and the importance of coordination at this stage until all security agencies are unified under the umbrella of the Ministry of Interior, confirming that combating smuggling is no longer just a local task, but a Yemeni, regional, and international security battle at once, with the primary goal of protecting Yemen, preserving the stability of the region's security, and drying up the sources of smuggling that the Houthis use to prolong the war and destabilize regional and international security.
Seizing Dozens of Smuggled Shipments
• What are the most notable operations that you believe have prevented a significant threat to Yemen and its Gulf neighbors?
•• In recent years, security agencies, in coordination with regional and international partners, have succeeded in seizing dozens of smuggled shipments of weapons, drugs, drone parts, missile components, and counterfeit currencies, all of which were on their way to the Houthis. However, the most significant and dangerous operation recently took place in Al-Mahra Governorate, which resulted in uncovering and seizing a complete factory for producing Captagon pills and apprehending a criminal network linked to the Houthis that operates to assemble and operate this factory. This qualitative operation clearly revealed the new trend of turning Yemen into a regional center for the manufacture and export of Captagon, with the aim of flooding neighboring countries with narcotic substances and generating financial resources to fund its destructive activities. In this context, several attempts to smuggle Captagon shipments through the Al-Wadiah crossing, coming from areas under Houthi control and heading to Saudi Arabia, were thwarted, confirming that the Houthis are tasked with managing and operating the Captagon trade. There was also an operation to seize a complete factory for manufacturing drones in the Free Zone port of Aden in containers shipped by sea and were disassembled, but vigilance and security awareness played a significant role in seizing this factory.
Comprehensive Strategies to Combat Terrorism
• How do you evaluate the efforts in combating terrorism over the past years?
•• In the past years, we have faced complex and unprecedented challenges in the field of combating terrorism, as the threat is no longer confined to traditional extremist organizations such as "Al-Qaeda" and "ISIS," but has expanded to include the Houthis, who target national security and the security of the region and international shipping lines through organized attacks using advanced weapons. The most dangerous aspect is the Houthi alliance with other terrorist organizations, where coordination for joint operations targeting civilians and state institutions is taking place.
All this overlap between the Houthis and extremist groups has produced a compounded threat, forcing us to exert doubled efforts and adopt more comprehensive and professional strategies to combat dual terrorism and secure the liberated provinces. This has led to the neutralization and apprehension of dozens of terrorist cells in various liberated provinces, thwarting their plots that targeted cities, vital public and private facilities, civilians, and displaced persons' camps.
Support from the Presidential Leadership Council
• How do you evaluate the support of the Presidential Leadership Council for the sectors of the Ministry of Interior?
•• For us, the support of the Presidential Leadership Council for the sectors of the Ministry of Interior represents a real lever for our security work, and the leadership of the council, represented by President Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi, has shown great concern for developing security agencies and enhancing their institutional and human capabilities.
We have also sensed a clear commitment from the leadership and members of the council to support everything that would enhance security and stability in the liberated provinces, considering that security is the fundamental entry point for restoring state institutions and building trust among citizens. Additionally, the council is working to open new horizons for continuous cooperation and coordination with Yemen's regional and international partners, which has enhanced the effectiveness of security efforts and made them more capable of achieving their national missions better than before.