193 Ethiopian, Somali migrants and traffickers arrested in Somaliland while en route to Yemen

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193 Ethiopian, Somali migrants and traffickers arrested in Somaliland while en route to Yemen

HARGEISA (HORN OBSERVER) – Somaliland's coastal guard authorities made a significant breakthrough on Sunday, announcing the interception and detention of a group of 193 migrants and traffickers along the eastern coast of the Sanaag region

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Somaliland coastguard arrests 193 migrants in Sanaag region.

HARGEISA (HORN OBSERVER) – Somaliland's coastal guard authorities made a significant breakthrough on Sunday, announcing the interception and detention of a group of 193 migrants and traffickers along the eastern coast of the Sanaag region on the Red Sea.

The migrants and their traffickers comprised of both Ethiopian and Somali nationals, were apprehended while in transit to Yemen, shedding light on the persistent challenges posed by irregular migration and human trafficking in the region.

Officials say they are currently investigating the case as the number of people making the dangerous illegal sea journey increased recently.

"We have arrested 193 emigrants and 96 of them are men and the rest are women,” said Ismail Mohamed Yusuf, the commander of the third division of the Somaliland coast guard.

Commander Ismail Mohamed Yusuf stated that the decisive action follows months of diligent surveillance and operational planning by the coastal guard to combat illicit activities along the coast.

The detention comes as authorities express deep concern over the escalating number of individuals embarking on perilous sea journeys in pursuit of better opportunities.

With ongoing conflicts and instability in neighboring Yemen and heightened security risks posed by Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, such journeys present profound risks to the safety and well-being of migrants and traffickers alike.

Moreover, the recent developments also highlight broader regional dynamics, with reports indicating a nexus between the Houthis and various armed groups operating in the area.

Amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, there are alarming signs of increased militia recruitment by the Houthi militia group in Yemen, further complicating an already volatile situation.

Intelligence sources suggest a deepening connection between the Houthis and the Al-Shabaab terror group in Somalia, raising concerns over potential collaboration and shared interests in the region’s security landscape.

Local security officials have also expressed their concern about the provision and sale of illicit arms by the Yemeni militia groups to Somali pirates along the coast.