Yemen's Interior Minister Warns Against Unauthorized Arms Distribution in Aden

Yemen's Interior Minister, Ibrahim Haydan, has issued a stern warning to military and security officials in the temporary capital Aden against the unauthorized distribution of weapons. In a written notice released on Sunday, Haydan emphasized the importance of adhering to an order from Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad al-Alimi, which strictly prohibits the transfer of arms from Aden to other provinces without state approval. Haydan stressed that weapons must remain under the control of official institutions, warning that unauthorized transport, distribution, or sale of arms poses a significant threat to security, stability, and social peace. He further stated that such activities undermine national efforts to uphold public order and the rule of law. Military and security units have been instructed to immediately identify and hand over any weapons falling under unauthorized circulation. Citizens were also urged to cooperate with security forces to ensure compliance. The statement warned that failure to adhere to the directive would result in legal consequences. The warning comes amid escalating tensions in Yemen, particularly following the Southern Transitional Council's recent control over Hadhramaut and Al-Mahra provinces, which account for nearly half of Yemen’s territory and share borders with Saudi Arabia.