Al-Akhbar: Saudi Arabia deports hundreds of Yemenis

Saudi Arabia has reportedly withdrawn hundreds of Yemeni recruits from its southern border regions while simultaneously expanding its security cooperation with Pakistan, according to regional reports and sources cited by Al-Akhbar.

In parallel with the arrival of thousands of Pakistani troops near the border areas adjoining Yemen, Riyadh has moved to dismiss and deport Yemeni fighters who had previously been recruited during the conflict, amid growing protests over unpaid salaries and allegations of mistreatment.

According to sources familiar with the matter, cited by Al-Akhbar, Saudi authorities have removed large numbers of Yemeni personnel from southern regions following protests inside military camps overseen by Saudi forces along the border.

Tensions have reportedly escalated in recent weeks in camps located in the Aiban and Al-Buqa’ sectors, where thousands of Yemeni recruits have staged demonstrations demanding overdue payments. Military leadership in the 9th and 63rd brigades, as well as units affiliated with the so-called “Emergency Forces” in the Al-Buqa’ sector, have described the protests as mutiny, detaining dozens of participants.

Human rights sources cited in the report allege that some detainees were subjected to abuse by military police. At the same time, around 500 personnel were dismissed, disarmed, and expelled from service following their participation in the protests.

Observers quoted in the report argue the developments point to a broader Saudi effort to reduce reliance on Yemeni recruits who were previously mobilised through tribal and military networks aligned with the Saudi-led coalition. Supporters of Yemen’s internationally recognised government in Aden have warned on social media that the situation could mirror earlier cases in which allied forces were left without recognition or compensation after being captured in past battles.

At the same time, Pakistan has deployed troops to Saudi Arabia’s southern frontier under what is described as a defence agreement activated in September 2025 between Riyadh and Islamabad. The deployment follows a period in which Islamabad had previously declined to participate in the early stages of the Yemen conflict in 2015.

Analysts cited in the report suggest the move reflects both strategic and financial considerations, with references to a wider arrangement reportedly involving Saudi deposits and deferred repayments valued in the billions of dollars.

According to earlier reporting referenced by regional media, the Pakistani contingent includes elements of a mechanised division specialised in desert warfare, equipped with armoured vehicles, tanks, and artillery systems. The force is estimated at around 10,000 personnel, though exact figures have not been independently confirmed.

By Aghakazim Guliyev