Southern Counterterrorism forces

التالى السابق

Global Terrorism & Crime Networks

REPORTS - منذ 8 أيام

Report: Organized Crime, Terrorism, and Arms Smuggling in South Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Egypt; Trends and Implications

The recent security operations across the south Arabia, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Egypt have highlighted an alarming trend in organized crime, smuggling, and terrorism networks. Security agencies have reported various criminal activities ranging from drug smuggling to armed attacks. These incidents pose severe threats to regional stability, challenge law enforcement, and expose vulnerabilities. Notably, countries like Oman, Qatar, and Islah-Houthi-controlled regions in northern Yemen report fewer such incidents, raising questions about differing crime rates and interests across these areas.

Major Incidents and Operations

Iraq: October 2024 saw widespread security operations resulting in the arrest of 39 terrorism suspects and 51 individuals involved in drug smuggling. Iraqi forces continue dismantling networks linked to ISIS, particularly in Baghdad and Anbar. These efforts underscore Iraq's role as a transit point for regional drug trafficking, with suspected Iranian involvement in funding various illicit groups.

South Arabia: Security forces in Aden capital and other southern provinces, led by figures like Brigadier General Jalal Nasr Al-Rubaie, Al Wali & Major General Mutahar Al-Shaibi in addition to Hadrami elite forces & Shabwah defence forces have intensified efforts against terrorism, drug and arms trafficking. The Southern Transitional Council has launched broad campaigns against terrorist groups and illegal arms and drug trade as part of a broader security plan.

Saudi Arabia: Saudi authorities have conducted significant operations targeting criminal networks involved in human trafficking, drug smuggling, and illegal arms trade. For example, recent operations in Riyadh and Wadi Dawasir disrupted a network trafficking Ethiopian and northern Yemeni nationals across borders, highlighting the interconnected nature of criminal organizations in the region. Additionally, Saudi border guards in Jizan recently arrested smugglers attempting to transport over 37 kilograms of hashish.

Egypt: Security investigations revealed plans by a gang of six to traffic unlicensed firearms and ammunition. Following an operation, two suspects were killed while fleeing, and others were apprehended. Authorities seized 60 firearms, 40,000 rounds, and estimated the contraband's value at around 11 million EGP.

Patterns and Analytical Drivers of Organized Crime and Terrorism

These regions share common factors contributing to crime and terrorism:

Geopolitical Instability: Prolonged conflicts in countries like Iraq create environments conducive to criminal and terrorist organizations, also in Egypt under Al Sisi government where other political parties may involved in order to destabilise the Egyptian security finishing the order there.

Border Permeability: Porous borders facilitate the movement of smugglers and armed groups, worsening the spread of arms, drugs, and other contraband across GCC.

Economic Hardship: Economic struggles, especially in South Yemen, Egypt, and Iraq, have driven some individuals toward criminal enterprises, fueling poverty and crime. In South Yemen, the economic collapse and currency depreciation have served the agendas of northern political parties which influenced by regional interests such Iran.

So a question here, Why some countries & areas still stable when it comes to Terrorism, drugs & weapons smuggling?

A notable trend is the low rate of reported criminal activities like arms or drug smuggling in countries such as Oman, Qatar, and particularly in northern Yemen under Houthi & Islah control.

Possible reasons for this trend in North context include:

Centralized Control: The Houthis maintain a strict authoritarian grip in northern Yemen, reducing visible crime but reportedly benefiting financially from some illicit activities.

Regional Support Networks: Reports suggest Houthis receive regional backing, particularly from Iran, stabilizing their supply chains and limiting local crime for resource needs.

Ideological Enforcement: Houthi and Islah factions enforce strict ideological and religious frameworks that deter certain types of crime, contrasting with the more moderate Southern Transitional Council approach when it comes to democratic and freedoms values, but when it comes to Islah involvement, forces like those Islah-affiliated which present in Hadramout played a suspected role in drugs & weapons smuggling in which that indicates to the shared-interests between Islah & Houthis in the south and region.

Thus, Given the transnational nature of these issues, cooperative efforts are essential, involving the Gulf Cooperation Council, the United Nations, and other regional organizations.

Key priorities include:

Enhanced Border Security: Strengthening border monitoring, particularly between north Yemen, South Arabia, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Egypt, to disrupt smuggling routes effectively.

Law Enforcement Capacity Building: Supporting law enforcement in South Arabia, Egypt, and Iraq with training and resources to combat organized crime and terrorism.

Community Development Programs: Investing in poverty alleviation programs to offer viable alternatives to individuals at risk of recruitment by criminal or terrorist networks.

At the end, it seems that A coordinated international approach which focuses on security, development and cooperation is essential to combat these challenges and ensure more stable region.