Yemens Army Faces Financial Struggles Amid Delayed Wages to Troops

Yemeni Military Personnel Face Financial Struggles Amidst Ongoing Conflict

Soldiers at a military facility in Marib, Yemen, are facing financial difficulties due to delayed salary payments. The army’s monthly budget is approximately 36 billion riyals, with about 17 billion allocated to the Fourth Military Region based in Aden. However, the value of the Yemeni rial has eroded significantly, reducing the purchasing power of soldiers’ salaries.

According to a military source, the regular Yemeni army consists of between 180,000 and 220,000 personnel, with only about 30-40% serving on the front lines. The remaining personnel are in support roles or on guard duty. Despite receiving a budget of roughly $23.2 million, the army has struggled to pay salaries on time.

One officer stated that his soldiers last received their salaries in December, despite promises from the government to settle arrears by Eid al-Adha, a Muslim holiday scheduled for late May. The officer attributed the issue to the government’s responsibility for securing salaries, citing the Ministry of Defence and the presidency of the General Staff.

The ongoing conflict has led to financial difficulties for both sides, with both parties targeting each other’s main sources of revenue. This has resulted in money troubles for the government, which is struggling to pay government salaries and fund basic services in areas under its control.

In contrast, military formations operating outside the umbrella of the Ministries of Defence and Interior reportedly offer higher salaries and more consistent payments. For example, fighters in the Security Belts, Elite Forces, Giants Brigades, and National Resistance earn up to $320 per month.

The delayed wage payments pose challenges for the Yemeni military, including managing the cost of living and resource distribution. Military analysts believe that the situation may lead soldiers to join irregular military formations, where more regular payments are guaranteed, potentially resulting in a shortage of experienced fighters within the army.

Economic experts also point to deeper issues with resource distribution within the army, which could be exacerbating the problem of arrears. The continued financial struggles are further compounded by Yemen’s ongoing humanitarian crisis, high unemployment rates, and plummeting value of the rial.

Source: Al Jazeera