BBC Investigation Exposes UAE’s Role in Funding Political Assassinations in Yemen
ALGIERS- In an investigative report by the BBC, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is implicated in funding politically motivated assassinations in Yemen. The investigation sheds light on the UAE’s extensive role, exacerbating the conflict between warring factions that have garnered international attention in the Red Sea region.
Journalist Nawal Al-Maghafi, part of the BBC investigative team, uncovered a significant link between counter-terrorism training provided by American mercenaries to UAE units operating in Yemen and the rise in politically motivated assassinations. The training inadvertently empowered local operatives to conduct covert operations, leading to a surge in targeted political killings.
The investigation unveils that the UAE went beyond conventional measures, recruiting former Al-Qaeda members for a security apparatus established to combat Houthis and other armed factions. This move contradicts the stated goal of the American mercenaries, which was primarily focused on eliminating terrorist cells affiliated with Al-Qaeda and ISIS in southern Yemen.
Al-Maghafi’s inquiry traces the origins of the covert operations to leaked footage of an initial assassination, leading to a deeper investigation into the mysterious killings. The trail ultimately led to a private American security company named Spear Operations Group, indicating its involvement in training UAE-affiliated security personnel.
Isaac Gilmour, a former member of the United States Navy SEALs and a key figure in Spear Operations Group, confirmed receiving funds from the UAE for executing assassination operations. However, he refused to divulge details about individuals mentioned in the Spear Operations’ hit list, except for May 23, a Yemeni deputy affiliated with the “Reform” party, an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood.
The investigation exposes that Gilmour and another Spear operative, Dale Comstock, were involved in training UAE personnel at a military base in southern Yemen. It also reveals that the Spear Group, working directly with the UAE, continued its operations beyond 2016, despite Gilmour’s claim that their mission concluded that year.
The report discloses that approximately 160 assassinations took place in Yemen between 2015 and 2018, with the majority occurring after 2016. Most of these targeted individuals had no connections to terrorist groups, and the killings followed a consistent pattern of using explosive devices to divert attention before carrying out the execution.
As the revelations unfolded, the investigation points to the UAE’s role in establishing the Southern Transitional Council, an armed militia under its direct control. By 2017, the UAE had built a network of armed groups in southern Yemen, operating independently under its directives. Additional findings include a document listing eleven former Al-Qaeda members currently working for the Elite Forces Unit within the Southern Transitional Council.
In a shocking conclusion, the investigation reveals that Mohsen, a prominent figure killed in an operation, was murdered by a member of the Elite Forces Unit, overseen by the UAE. This damning evidence further implicates the UAE in covert activities that have fueled political instability and violence in Yemen.
Dzair Tube Media Group
Dzair Tube has firmly established itself as a prominent player among Algerian digital news sites, offering a diverse and enriching content experience. The platform, available in Arabic, French, and English editions, captures the attention of a wide-ranging audience, amassing over half a million daily clicks.
A testament to its commitment to excellence, Dzair Tube received the prestigious President of the Republic’s Award for Professional Journalist in the Electronic Press category on October 22, 2022. This recognition underscores the platform’s unwavering dedication to upholding the highest standards of journalism.
With a significant online presence, Dzair Tube boasts 350,000 subscribers on YouTube, over five million followers on various Facebook pages, and 450,000 subscribers on Instagram. Its digital channel has become a hub for diverse programming, covering news, sports, entertainment, culture, and religion, catering to a broad spectrum of audience preferences.
Equipped with state-of-the-art studios and advanced technology, Dzair Tube’s digital channel has garnered substantial viewership for its varied programs. Hosting interactive discussions with influential figures across different domains, the platform actively fosters public discourse and engagement. Beyond news coverage, Dzair Tube extends its commitment to the production of marketing documentaries, short TV commercials, and high-viewership programs.
The success of the print edition of Dzair Tube’s sports newspaper, “Dzair Sport,” further highlights the platform’s impact, with over 50,000 daily downloads from the official Dzair Tube website.
Recently honored with the Media Leadership Award from the Minister of Communication, Mohamed Laâgab, Dzair Tube continues to shape the landscape of Algerian digital news, maintaining a position of influence and impact in the media industry.
