[26/08/2026 02:19]

RIYADH – SABA
His Excellency President Rashad al-Alimi, the Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council has ordered a comprehensive crackdown on smuggling as part of broader reforms to secure the country’s sovereign ports and border crossings, curb the war economy, and disrupt funding and arms supplies to the terrorist Houthi militias.

Speaking at a meeting of the Supreme Committee for Combating Smuggling, chaired by Prime Minister Dr. Shaya Zindani on Wednesday, al-Alimi said the era of leniency toward smuggling was over, stressing that the state would take firm action to protect legitimate trade and the national private sector.

He ordered the immediate closure of any port or border crossing operating outside the legal framework and called for a comprehensive review of personnel at ports and crossings where irregularities have been reported, including the replacement of officials found negligent or ineffective.

Al-Alimi warned that no administrative or political protection would be granted to officials involved in smuggling, facilitating illicit shipments, protecting smugglers, or obstructing government measures.

Any official found complicit or seriously negligent would face legal action and referral to the Public Prosecution.

He also ordered an end to unauthorized interference in the work of ports, border crossings, and customs authorities, ruling out illegal exemptions, preferential treatment, or concessions for individuals or companies.

The PLC chairman directed the Supreme Committee to expedite the adoption of a unified list of prohibited materials, equipment, and vehicles destined for Houthi-controlled areas, particularly military and dual-use items.

He further called for stronger measures to protect the national currency, gold, and mineral resources from illicit activities that drain state revenues, undermine the banking sector, and create channels for illegal financing.

Al-Alimi stressed that enforcement measures must be carefully targeted at smugglers without disrupting legitimate commerce, food and medicine supplies, remittances, or citizens’ savings.

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