Barran Press
A recent study reveals that the Yemeni army has fallen to the tenth position in Arab military rankings, a significant decline from its previous fourth place a decade ago. The study, conducted by the Mokha Center for Strategic Studies, highlights the internal and external threats facing the military today.
The report indicates that the Yemeni armed forces are currently plagued by division, internal conflict, and systematic undermining by external forces. Titled "The Crumbling Fortress of the Homeland: A Study on the Military Institution in Yemen," the research outlines numerous risks and challenges impacting the military's effectiveness and overall mission.
These risks are categorized based on their significance, scope, and potential future implications. The study identifies a range of threats, including the assassination of military leaders, the dismissal of competent officials, and the replacement of qualified personnel with those selected under political pressure.
The report also highlights issues affecting soldiers, such as targeted attacks, inadequate pay, neglect of the families of martyrs and the injured, and a lack of support for the wounded. These factors contribute to a decreasing willingness among qualified personnel to join the military.
Furthermore, the study points to the destruction of military infrastructure and equipment, including aircraft, tanks, and weapons storage, exacerbated by restrictions on purchasing military supplies. This erosion of capabilities poses a significant threat to the military's ability to protect the nation from external aggression.
The report warns against the emergence of alternative entities and the potential integration of militias into the military structure, which could undermine the army’s unity and loyalty to the Yemeni state. Such developments risk distorting the national identity among military personnel, framing it in sectarian or regional terms.
The analysis concludes that the military institution is currently in its worst state, facing challenges that threaten its structural integrity and operational effectiveness. If these threats persist, Yemen could face severe risks to its security, stability, and unity in the future.
The study calls for a comprehensive rebuilding of the military based on national frameworks established during the National Dialogue Conference, advocating against any forms of sectarian or political favoritism. It emphasizes the need for proper recruitment, training, and resourcing of the military, as well as ensuring timely payment of salaries and attention to the needs of the wounded and families of the fallen.
The report stresses the importance of re-establishing the military’s role in defending the homeland and its sovereignty, while also integrating all forces under the Ministry of Defense to maintain the unity and national loyalty of the armed forces.