A military source within the Giants Brigades in Lahj province, southern Yemen, reported on Sunday that a security campaign targeted and burned smugglers' hideouts and facilities used to detain African migrants in the districts of Al-Mudharibah and Ras al-Arah, located in the western part of the province.

The source told “Bran Press” that the operation, led by Brigadier General Hamdi Shukri, commander of the second Giants Brigade and the seventh infantry division, destroyed smuggling facilities. The smugglers have been involved in trafficking Africans and other prohibited items, including alcohol.

The campaign pursued the smugglers, some of whom are wanted for various crimes, including roadblocks and robbery against citizens in the northwestern regions of Al-Mudharibah and Ras al-Arah.

According to the source, the operation involved both military and security forces from the National Shield formations, resulting in the seizure of prohibited items, including smuggled and locally produced alcohol.

Since September 2023, this security initiative, spearheaded by Commander Hamdi Shukri of the Giants Brigades, has aimed to combat smuggling in Al-Mudharibah and Ras al-Arah, where one of the most active smuggling routes for weapons and drugs connects through the Gulf of Aden to areas controlled by the internationally designated terrorist group, the Houthis.

The campaign has garnered support from local residents, who have experienced increased insecurity and violent crimes in recent years due to rising vengeance-related incidents. Additionally, it has received backing from social and military figures, including former Defense Minister and senior military advisor, General Mahmoud al-Sobaihi.