Abyan (South24 Center)

Abyan Security Director, Brigadier Ali Al-Kazmi, announced on Tuesday (August 12) the arrest of prominent figures involved in smuggling illegal migrants. The security operation comes amid allegations of official complicity as well as accusations that security forces are being systematically deprived of necessary support.

Al-Kazmi revealed that investigations confirmed that these trafficking networks operate primarily from North Yemen's Saada governorate, and receive support from external political actors through what he described as unconventional channels. He noted that Abyan has witnessed an influx of thousands of African migrants, which has contributed to disease outbreaks and the proliferation of organized crime, including drug trafficking, human organ trade, and sexual violence.

Security forces secure sites used by smugglers to shelter African migrants during a campaign in Shaqra and Ahwar, Abyan, South Yemen (Source: Abyan Security Media Office – August 5, 2025). 

The security chief accused certain official and administrative entities of involvement in trafficking activities, disclosing that his forces had intercepted smuggling operations that involved moving tens of millions in hard currency aimed to benefit what he termed as "terrorist and hostile entities”. At the same time, he deplored the lack of support for Abyan's security forces, in comparison to other governorates. He stressed that the Abyan security forces haven't even received fuel allocations, severely hampering their operational capabilities.

Authorities have announced stringent measures against those involved in human trafficking, including confiscation of transport vehicles (land and maritime) and full application of legal penalties without exception. Al-Kazmi urged Abyan residents to cooperate fully with security agencies by reporting smuggling activities or the gatherings of migrants.

In an August 12 official statement from Abyan, the security administration vowed decisive action against anyone found involved in transporting or smuggling African migrants, including asset seizures. The administration also announced intensified surveillance of trafficking networks.

Security forces secure sites used by smugglers to shelter African migrants during a campaign in Shaqra and Ahwar, Abyan, South Yemen (Source: Abyan Security Media Office – August 5, 2025). 

This development follows ongoing security operations that recently cleared multiple illegal migrant camps. On August 11, forces evacuated an unauthorized refugee settlement west of Lawdar district. Earlier interventions secured four coastal sites in eastern Abyan housing African migrants who entered illegally.

Additionally, on August 5, operations targeted migrant housing facilities in Tamhan, Al-Kasara, and Al-Hajala areas of Shaqra city, plus a coastal site in Ahwar district. Security agencies warned against collaborating with or harboring smugglers. They confirmed the arrests of armed guards protecting migrant camps and vowed legal action. The intensified campaign follows an August 3 tragedy when a smuggling vessel capsized off Shaqra's coast, drowning dozens of migrants.

Security forces secure sites used by smugglers to shelter African migrants during a campaign in Shaqra and Ahwar, Abyan, South Yemen (Source: Abyan Security Media Office – August 5, 2025). 

In his remarks on Tuesday, Al-Kazmi also issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the senior leadership to appoint his replacement if what he called the "marginalization and deprivation of security rights" continues. He stated: "If my presence causes Abyan to be denied support, I will step down. This is responsible action, not retreat.”

According to ‘South24’-obtained data, 8,208 primarily young Ethiopian and Somali migrants reached neighboring Shabwa governorate between January and July 2025.