Yemen security forces seize weapons onboard UAE aid ship

18 Mar 2020; MEMO: Yemeni security services in Socotra have seized an Emirati humanitarian ship carrying weapons and armoured vehicles, local sources said.

According to the sources, the “aid” ship belonged to the Khalifa Foundation for Humanitarian Affairs which is run by the UAE delegate in Socotra, Brigadier Khalfan Al-Mazroui.

A local official said the Emirati ship was carrying dozens of cars and equipment that were going to be distributed to military and security rebel leaders, “and to buy loyalties in Socotra”.

Last month, two regiments in the Yemen Army pledged allegiance to the UAE-backed separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC) in Socotra renouncing the UN-backed government of Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi.