Aidarous al-Zubaidi, a member of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council and leader of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), has ordered the immediate suspension of Abdurabbu al-Mahwaly, the Deputy Minister of Technical Education and Vocational Training. This action followed serious allegations of involvement in extensive smuggling operations, including contraband, arms, and narcotics.

An official memorandum, seen by Barran Press, revealed that al-Zubaidi instructed the Prime Minister to suspend al-Mahwaly and established an investigative committee. The memo cites a report from the governor of Lahj, Ahmed Abdullah Turki, and General Hamdi Shukri, commander of the anti-smuggling campaign and the Second Giants Brigade. This report alleged al-Mahwaly abused his ministerial authority to facilitate a smuggling network operating across tribal regions.

The accusations detailed the trafficking of weapons, ammunition, alcohol, narcotics, and undocumented African migrants. The memorandum further claims al-Mahwaly routinely interfered to secure the release of arrested smugglers and incited resistance against anti-smuggling efforts.

Additionally, al-Mahwaly is accused of sheltering smugglers in his commercial properties, possessing illegal firearms for intimidation and theft, and protecting illicit alcohol production sites.

As of yet, neither al-Mahwaly nor the Ministry of Technical Education has issued a formal response.