Colonel Osama al-Assad, commander of Yemen’s Security and Protection Battalion at the Al-Wadiah border crossing, said that most drug-smuggling networks operating from Yemen toward Saudi Arabia are directly linked to the Houthi group’s so-called Preventive Security apparatus.
In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, al-Assad revealed that his unit recently arrested a senior Houthi figure who attempted to enter Saudi Arabia using a forged passport and a fake Umrah visa. He suggested that the suspect’s motives were security-related rather than religious, as claimed.
Al-Assad said his battalion faces daily attempts of various types of smuggling, including narcotics, human trafficking, forged documents, and unidentified individuals. He stressed that the unit’s experience has enabled it to thwart many illegal activities.
He also highlighted the high level of coordination with Saudi authorities, expressing appreciation for Riyadh’s continued support for Yemen in general and for border security forces in particular.
Battalion’s Mission
Al-Assad explained that the battalion’s core mission is to secure the Al-Wadiah crossing and combat all forms of smuggling. He noted that the unit arrests around 10 individuals daily carrying forged Umrah visas.
The battalion’s security zone extends 30 kilometers west toward the Rayyan area in Al-Jawf governorate, 50 kilometers toward the 11th Border Guard Brigade, and 40 kilometers toward the Al-Abr region. Its tasks also include arresting wanted members of Al-Qaeda and fugitives evading court rulings.
Links to Houthi Networks
According to al-Assad, most contraband-smuggling operations are directly connected to the Houthi Preventive Security apparatus in Sanaa, with interrogations of suspects revealing direct ties.
He said Houthi-linked networks support both human and drug-smuggling operations. During one operation, a network offered one million Saudi riyals in exchange for releasing a smuggler, abandoning the vehicle and seized contraband.
Secret Meetings
Investigations indicate that smugglers affiliated with the Houthi apparatus hold meetings in border areas near Oman. Some secret gatherings reportedly took place in Al-Ghaydah, the capital of Al-Mahra governorate in eastern Yemen. Al-Assad said Ali al-Huraizi plays a prominent role in these networks.
Close Coordination with Saudi Arabia
Al-Assad noted that security cooperation with Saudi Arabia is at the highest level, with continuous information exchange on smuggling cases. He described Saudi security measures as strong and vigilance as high.
He confirmed that the battalion recently arrested a senior Houthi official attempting to enter Saudi Arabia with a forged Umrah visa, describing the operation as “dramatic.”
Drug Production
Al-Assad further claimed that the Houthis, whom he described as an Iranian proxy, have moved to establish drug-production facilities in Sanaa and Saada following the fall of the Assad regime. He cited the dismantling of a drug factory in Al-Mahra, allegedly under the supervision of Ali al-Huraizi, with a production capacity of about 10,000 pills per hour.
Challenges
Al-Assad said the battalion’s main challenge is limited resources, relying heavily on human effort. He called for heavy equipment to build earth barriers and trenches to curb internal smuggling.
