Yemen smuggling networks fuel a conflict that shows no sign of abating

Managing to circumvent the sea and air blockade imposed on Al-Houthi rebels by the Saudi-led coalition (an embargo which expanded on the April 2015 UN arms embargo), smugglers are using routes old and new to funnel fuel and other goods to the Houthis, ex-president Ali Abdullah Saleh’s loyalists, southern secessionists and Al-Qaeda affiliates. According to former transport minister Badr Ba-Salam, Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) profits from smuggling oil to the tune of nearly $150m/month. Others have said profits may reach $200m/month.