Arrest of a Human Smuggling Network in Yemen Amidst the Escalating Crisis of Irregular Migration

The security forces in Al-Mahra Governorate, eastern Yemen, announced the arrest of 38 suspects in cases related to human trafficking and the smuggling of irregular migrants and contraband, during three separate security operations carried out in the Shahn district, one of the most prominent areas of irregular transit in the country.

The Al-Mahra police stated in a statement issued by them, and published by the media center affiliated with the Ministry of Interior, that the first security operation resulted in the arrest of 7 suspects, while one suspect was arrested in the second operation, and 30 suspects in the third operation.

The authorities confirmed that all suspects have been placed in custody to complete the legal proceedings against them, emphasizing the continued security efforts to track and apprehend human trafficking and migrant smuggling networks and contraband that operate along Yemen's eastern border.

This development comes at a time when fears are increasing over the rise in incidents of irregular migration via the "eastern route," which is the maritime path taken by thousands of African migrants, most of whom are from Ethiopia and Djibouti, across the Red Sea to the Yemeni shores, and then infiltrating into Gulf countries in search of job opportunities.

In a related context, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) affiliated with the United Nations announced last week an increase in the death toll from the sinking of a boat carrying irregular migrants off the coast of Shuqrah in Abyan Governorate, Yemen, to 56 dead and 132 missing, including women and children.

The organization stated in an official statement: "We express our deep sorrow over the tragic loss of life, after the capsizing of a boat that was carrying about 200 migrants, most of whom are of Ethiopian nationality," noting that among the dead were 14 women.

It emphasized that this incident highlights the increasing risks of irregular migration via the eastern route, calling on the international community for urgent intervention to address this ongoing humanitarian disaster.

According to the organization's reports, the year 2024 recorded the highest death toll on this dangerous maritime route, with at least 558 people losing their lives while attempting to cross to Yemen, making it the "deadliest year" on the eastern route since monitoring of the phenomenon began.

The eastern route is considered one of the most dangerous routes for irregular migration in the world, witnessing the annual flow of thousands of migrants from the Horn of Africa to Yemen, despite internal conflicts, in search of better living opportunities in Gulf countries, amidst the spread of organized smuggling networks that exploit the difficult humanitarian conditions of migrants.