Yemen Defense Minister Accuses Unit Leaders of Extortion Over Salaries

Sana’a – Yemen’s Defense Minister, Lt. Gen. Taher al‑Aqili, announced a new mechanism for paying military salaries designed to prevent unit commanders or their representatives from diverting funds, amid objections from some brigades.

In a statement released on his official account, al‑Aqili said salaries will now be disbursed directly to service members through smart cards and accredited banks, ensuring payments reach soldiers securely or remain in their personal accounts if collection is delayed.

Delayed April Salaries

The minister explained that April’s salaries were held up for 18 days inside the Defense Ministry’s finance department because certain brigade commanders failed to submit daily attendance records. 

These lists, he noted, are essential for calculating deductions related to absenteeism, desertion, and financial liabilities, with remaining funds allocated to operational needs under approved settlements.

Al‑Aqili accused some unit leaders of resisting the new system, alleging that others exploited frontline conditions to pressure the ministry and engage in “extortion,” though he did not name them. No immediate response was issued by the commanders referenced.

Direct Oversight

The minister emphasized that the ministry is directly monitoring implementation and has instructed the finance department to proceed with payments through official banking channels. 

He described the move as a safeguard for soldiers’ rights, a step toward transparency, and a measure to prevent manipulation of salaries by intermediaries or unit leaders.

The decision comes as Yemen’s internationally recognized government faces severe financial strain, with declining revenues and institutional fragmentation since the outbreak of war, undermining regular salary payments for civil servants and the armed forces.