As rumours swirl of Yemenis fighting in Libya, mercenaries enlist to join the war – Middle East Eye
For days, rumours have been circulatingthat Yemeni mercenaries have left their own conflict for the one in Libya, joining an ever-growing international presence in the war-tornNorth African country.
Whether the rumours are true or notis difficult to establish, though four months ago one Yemeni militia, the Popular Resistance, began a recruitment drive, promising Yemenis military training but not disclosing the front they would be sent to.
Either way, for struggling Yemeni mercenaries looking to earn a decent wage amid war, economic collapse and the coronavirus pandemic, the location of the fight is neither here nor there.
New Popular Resistance recruits tell Middle East Eye they're happy to fight in someone elses war - for the right price.
The Popular Resistance is a militia linked to Yemen's Islah party, a Muslim Brotherhood affiliate that has good relations with both Saudi Arabia and its regional rival Turkey.
Part of the Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthi movement, the party and the militia have enemies within the alliance battling on behalf of President Abd Rabbuh Mansour Hadi's government - particularly groups allied with the United Arab Emirates, which is a major backer of eastern Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar.
Recent reports by anti-Islah media in Yemen have accused the party of sending Yemenis to Turkey under the guise of receiving medical treatment, then transporting them to Libya. Turkey has sent arms, drones, advisers and Syrian mercenaries to Libya in support of Haftar's enemy, the UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA).
Criminals-turned-Saudi mercenaries terrorise Yemen's Taiz province
Some news websites saidmilitary and intelligence sources have revealed that 200 mercenaries from Yemen have arrived in Libya to fight on behalf of the Tripoli-based GNA.
Other news reports said three Yemenis fighters were caught by Haftar's Libyan National Army (LNA), and named the detainees.
Islah has a good relationship with Turkey, where many of its leaders are currently based after fleeing Yemen via Saudi Arabia in 2015. Pro-Islah TV channels are also based in Turkey.
Neither Islah nor Hadi's government have commented on the news about Yemeni mercenaries in Libya, and there has been no official confirmation that the party has sent fighters from Taiz and Marib provinces to Turkey.
Hundreds of wounded pro-Islah fighters have travelled in the last four years to receive medical treatment in Turkey. Media reports have alleged that some have claimed to be wounded, but were in fact mercenaries on their way to Libya.
The founder of the Popular Resistance in Taiz, Sheikh Hamoud al-Mikhlafi, an Islahi, left Yemen in 2016 and has been based in Turkey since.
His commanders on the ground in Taiz have in recent weeks been recruiting fighters left, right and centre, promising wealth but not revealing their destination. Schools across the southwestern province have been left empty by the coronavirus pandemic, and the Popular Resistance has commandeered them, turning them into training camps for new recruits.
The teen warlord who runs Yemen's second city with fear
Yemeni mercenaries have long fought the Houthis on the border with Saudi Arabia, but though the money was good many have abandoned the fight and returned home disillusioned by the fierce battles and dirty politics.
Prior to his latest recruitment efforts, Mikhlafi called on returnees from the battles on the Saudi border to join his camps in the outskirts of Taiz and thousands signed up. Others struggling to get by away from the fighting have also been tempted.
My shop went bankrupt and I dont have any other source of income, so joining the fighting is the only choice for me, said Walid, 38, an owner of a mobile accessories shop in Taiz city.
Many of my friends joined the battles with Saudi Arabia but I didnt like that because Saudi Arabia has been destroying Yemen.
Walid told Middle East Eye he trusts Mikhlafi "as he himself was a fighter and works for the interest of Taizs residents".
I closed my shop and joined the training for one month.
Desperate for income, Walid said he is willing to fight anywhere with the Popular Resistance for money.
The fighters on the internal fronts receive only 57,000 Yemeni rials ($76) per month, so I would not be happy to join them, he said.
There is information that some of us will go to fight in Libya, and thats the best choice for me.
Walid said news they will be sent to Libya is being spread among the recruits, and they had been promised $2,500 per month once in North Africa.
'There is information that some of us will go to fight in Libya and thats the best choice for me'-Walid, Popular Resistance recruit
Almost all recruits in the school hope to travel to Libya but it seems that we wont be as we have been waiting for around four months, he added.
Were back home now and receive a salary, but we dont know where we are going to fight.
Walid said none of his fellow fighters have travelled to Turkey, and he hasnt heard of anyone who hadalready participated in the fighting in Libya.
Even wounded fighters couldnt travel to Turkey in the past four months because of the coronavirus restrictions, he said.
I hope we can leave this country and earn some money that would help us to save our future.
Meanwhile, there have been reports about a supposed covert Turkish presence in Yemen, with activities concentrated in Shabwa, Taiz and Socotra. Some Islahmembers have also called on Turkey to intervene to rid Yemen of the Saudi-led coalition.
Anees Mansour, former media adviser to the Yemeni embassy in Riyadh, has appeared in more than one video urging Turkey to intervene in Yemen.
Yemen needs a Turkish intervention, Mansour said in one of the videos, accusing the Saudi-led coalition of destroying his country.
Mansour also praised the Turkish-backed forces in Libya, who succeeded in pushing back Haftars yearlong offensive on Tripoli, saying that the entire Arab world washappy for their victory.
Libya conflict: Turkey is looking for a 'third way' in Sirte
Like many other Islahleaders based in Turkey,Mansour supported the coalition when it intervened inYemen in 2015 and fled to Saudi Arabia at the time. But today they are calling for a new intervention.
Abdulghani, a member of the Islah party based in Marib, said that while he was proud of Turkey and its achievements in Libya, he wasagainst its involvement in Yemen.
All Muslims should be proud of Turkey and [President Recep Tayyip] Erdogan as he represents Islam in its best form, but we dont need any more interventions in Yemen, Abdulghani told MEE.
We are suffering from Saudi, Emirati and Iranian interventions in Yemen, so we need to liberate it from all countries.
He stressed that Mansour and other Islah members were only voicing their own opinions and thatthey didn'trepresent the party.
Abdulghani has also heard news about Yemeni fighters in Libya, buthe didnot believe it, saying that it waspropaganda against Islah.
It is true that some wounded fighters left Yemen to receive medical treatment in Turkey, but I dont believe they joined the fighting in Libya, he said.
Yemen has enough fronts and Islah is not stupid enough to send fighters to Libya, seeing that this would create anger in Yemen against the party.
The severe economic fallout of the war, including high unemployment, has forced people to join the battles on a multitude of front lines, as it is the only available source of income for many.
'The majority of fighters dont care about who controls Yemen and they only fight to earn money to provide for their families'-Nehad Abdul-Jabbar, social expert
[Becoming a] mercenary is a good choice for Yemenis, and it is a main source of income for many, so we see some fighting with Saudi Arabia, others with the United Arab Emirates, and we may see them fighting with any other country, Nehad Abdul-Jabbar, a social expert, told MEE.
Abdul-Jabbar believes that the deterioration of the situation in Yemen has led needy people to join the fighting for the sake of money.
The majority of fighters dont care about who controls Yemen and they only fight to earn money to provide for their families, she added.
For these people, they can stop fighting as soon as they get a job.
An estimated 80 percent of the population - 24 million people - require some form of humanitarian aid, including 14.3 million who are in acute need, according to UNOCHA.
Unfortunately, money has become the fuel of the war, so this conflict will continue until the economic situation of Yemenis is better, Abdul-Jabbarsaid.
Read more from the original source:
As rumours swirl of Yemenis fighting in Libya, mercenaries enlist to join the war - Middle East Eye
- More than 1,200 migrants arrive in Crete amid influx from Libya - MSN - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Libya Passenger Car Industry to Witness Strong Growth, Expected - openPR.com - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- BP, Shell eye return to Libya with fresh oilfield study deals - Quantum Commodity Intelligence - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- BP to Explore Oil Development Opportunities in Libya with National Oil Company - MarketScreener - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- BP and Shell to explore oilfield prospects in Libya - Arabian Gulf Business Insight | AGBI - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Greece detains 1,200 migrants in three days as arrivals from Libya surge - The Independent - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Libya extends condolences to US over Texas flood tragedy - The Libya Observer - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Al-Sisi calls for unified efforts to hold elections in Libya, urges withdrawal of foreign forces - Daily News Egypt - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- UNSMIL calls for investigation into death of government critic - The Libya Observer - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Is a friendly in Libya coming? Bara would have already reached an agreement - FC Barcelona Noticias - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Big Oil Bids in Libya's First Exploration Tender in 18 Years - Crude Oil Prices Today | OilPrice.com - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Trkiye rejects EU declaration over deal with Libya | Daily Sabah - Daily Sabah - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Fresh pushback from Ankara over opposition to Turkey-Libya marine borders deal - eKathimerini.com - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Egypt hosts secret talks between Sudan's Burhan and Libya's Haftar in bid to mend ties, sources say - Middle East Eye - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Libya's Energy Exploration Tender: Chevron and TotalEnergies Among Key Contenders - News and Statistics - IndexBox - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Greek PM Mitsotakis and Commissioner Brunner Discuss Curbing Migrant Flows from Libya - tovima.com - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- How LA 2028 And U.S. Security Policy Are Disrupting Global Travel: Impact On Iran, Haiti, Libya, Senegal, And Venezuela, Here Is What You Need To Know... - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Libya: Battling conditions with organic growing - Hortidaily - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Trump Advisor Boulous: Elections are the only solution to end Libyas crisis - The Libya Observer - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Oil Tanker Suffers Unexplained Blast Weeks After Russia Call - Bloomberg - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Mitsotakis Wants EU to Keep Libya from Sending Refugee Boats - The National Herald - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- No injuries or pollution after explosion at oil tanker off Libya, says Greek operator - eKathimerini.com - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- 2 Greek warships begin patrolling off Libya to prevent flow of irregular migrants - Anadolu Ajans - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Libya's economy showed recovery in 2024, remained resilient despite reliance on hydrocarbons and ongoing political and security instability: World... - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Belarusian PM to Hammad: Minsk eyes cooperation with Libya in agriculture, industry, and healthcare - The Libya Observer - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Libya rejects European interference in maritime agreement with Turkey - The Arab Weekly - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- The Prime Minister of Eastern Libya threatens Greece - - Greek City Times - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Three Libyan companies win awards in Athens International Olive Oil Competition - Libya Herald - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Explosion Reported on Crude Tanker Off the Coast of Libya - The Maritime Executive - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Libyan and Omani Economy Ministers meet agree to activate several existing agreements and hold a business forum - Libya Herald - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Libya, Trkiye defend deal as Greece sustains objection | Daily Sabah - Daily Sabah - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Greece deploys 3 warships in the Eastern Mediterranean between Turkey and Libya - The Libya Observer - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Economy Ministry warns against speculation on the Dinar, assures gradual stability of exchange market - The Libya Observer - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Libyan Italian Forum concludes with the signing of 98 MoUs - Libya Herald - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Greek Political Tensions Resurface Over Turkey-Libya Pact - Greek City Times - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- UN urges renewed political and climate action in Libya amid humanitarian and governance crises - africanews.com - June 26th, 2025 [June 26th, 2025]
- Warehouse fire and explosion in Ajkharrah injures 18 - The Libya Observer - June 26th, 2025 [June 26th, 2025]
- Pakistan urges all stakeholders in divided Libya to address outstanding issues through dialogue - Associated Press of Pakistan - June 26th, 2025 [June 26th, 2025]
- Libya, Turkey sign MoU on offshore areas, Athens reiterates rejection - eKathimerini.com - June 26th, 2025 [June 26th, 2025]
- Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on Libya - United States Mission to the United Nations (.gov) - June 26th, 2025 [June 26th, 2025]
- Pakistan urges continued intl support for peace in Libya - RADIO PAKISTAN - June 26th, 2025 [June 26th, 2025]
- Greece to deploy frigates off Libya to curb increased migrant flows, PM says - Reuters - June 24th, 2025 [June 24th, 2025]
- Libya's Al-Khadim airbase becomes a hub for Russian arms in the Sahel - RFI - June 24th, 2025 [June 24th, 2025]
- Greek Navy Deploys Warships To Thwart Surge Of Migrant Vessels Off Libya - Marine Insight - June 24th, 2025 [June 24th, 2025]
- MSF remains ready to resume medical activities in Libya - MSF - June 24th, 2025 [June 24th, 2025]
- Greek Navy Sending Refugee Hunting Patrols Near Libya - The National Herald - June 24th, 2025 [June 24th, 2025]
- New appointments for Stability Support Apparatus and Judicial Police Authority - The Libya Observer - June 24th, 2025 [June 24th, 2025]
- Greece plans to deploy navy ships off Libya to 'send a message' to migrant smugglers - MSN - June 24th, 2025 [June 24th, 2025]
- CBL penalizes three banks over unauthorized customer fees - The Libya Observer - June 24th, 2025 [June 24th, 2025]
- Analyst doubts impact of Berlin talks on Libya - Libyan Express - June 22nd, 2025 [June 22nd, 2025]
- General Authority for Exhibitions discusses strengthening cooperation with Turkey - The Libya Observer - June 22nd, 2025 [June 22nd, 2025]
- Qatar reaffirms commitment to work with partners to achieve peace in Libya - The Peninsula Qatar - June 22nd, 2025 [June 22nd, 2025]
- Libya's parallel government rejects Greeces drilling moves in the Mediterranean - The Libya Observer - June 22nd, 2025 [June 22nd, 2025]
- At least 60 people feared dead after shipwrecks off the coast of Libya - Al Jazeera - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- IOM Reports 60 Migrants Missing in Two Deadly Shipwrecks off Libya - International Organization for Migration - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- Russias Potential Withdrawal from Syria and Pivot to Libya - New Lines Institute - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- Soccer fans storm field in Libya and a Portuguese referee is injured during a suspended match - Houston Chronicle - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- Gaza-bound activist convoy retreats to Misrata after being blocked in east Libya - France 24 - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- Libya : Moscow fears being excluded from the Berlin process - Africa Intelligence - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- Tunisia calls for stronger ties with Libya and Algeria - Libyan Express - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- Activists stopped in Libya and Egypt ahead of planned march to protest Gaza blockade - The Times of Israel - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- UN envoy: Hate speech threatens Libyas unity and stability - The Libya Observer - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- Libya is without justice, peace and a functioning state - Arab News - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- At least 60 people feared missing in two deadly shipwrecks off Libya, IOM says - Yahoo - June 20th, 2025 [June 20th, 2025]
- Injustice By Design: Need for Comprehensive Justice Reform in Libya - Human Rights Watch - June 4th, 2025 [June 4th, 2025]
- Tripoli Just Flipped: Why the U.S. Cant Afford to Miss This Moment in Libya - Middle East Forum - June 4th, 2025 [June 4th, 2025]
- Mi-26s and T-62s: What Russia's military backing of Haftar means for Libya - AL-Monitor - June 1st, 2025 [June 1st, 2025]
- Libyan political parties call for inclusive political process - The Libya Observer - June 1st, 2025 [June 1st, 2025]
- Libya protesters call on PM to quit in third weekly march - The New Arab - June 1st, 2025 [June 1st, 2025]
- Libyan ambassador checks on community in Alexandria after storm - The Libya Observer - June 1st, 2025 [June 1st, 2025]
- Two summits for Egypt, Algeria, and Tunisia on Libya before end of year - The Libya Observer - June 1st, 2025 [June 1st, 2025]
- 11 Sudanese migrants killed in a car crash in the Libya desert, authorities say - ABC News - May 30th, 2025 [May 30th, 2025]
- Libya Arrests Three for Storming NOC Amid Threats to Oil Supply - Crude Oil Prices Today | OilPrice.com - May 30th, 2025 [May 30th, 2025]
- France supports the renewal of the arms embargo on Libya - France ONU - May 30th, 2025 [May 30th, 2025]
- Libya's Eastern Government Warns Of Force Majeure on Oil Ports and Fields - Crude Oil Prices Today | OilPrice.com - May 30th, 2025 [May 30th, 2025]
- Turkey's strategy towards Libya: analysis of regional dynamics and future perspectives - - iari.site - May 30th, 2025 [May 30th, 2025]
- Libya's eastern-based government says it may announce force majeure on oil fields, ports - Reuters - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- Haftar vows military will have final say at key moments - The Libya Observer - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- Sharing influence in Libya, Russia and Turkey work for calm after Haftars threats - The Arab Weekly - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]
- Tripoli Just Flipped: Why the US Cant Afford to Miss This Moment in Libya - The Times of Israel - May 28th, 2025 [May 28th, 2025]