The text of an interview of the London-based pan-Arab daily Al-Sharq al-Awsat with Brigadier General Ali Hassan al-Shatir, head of the Morale Guidance Directorate in the Yemeni Army.

Al-Sharq al-Awsat] There is always talk that the Al-Qaeda Organization is present in the southern region and the centre south of Yemen. Sometimes we hear that there are some Al-Qaeda elements in the north, and some believe there is some kind of cooperation between some Al-Houthi rebel elements in the north-west of Yemen with some outside renegade elements on the Saudi-Yemeni border. Is the Al-Qaeda Organization present near the border with Saudi Arabia?

 

[Al-Shatir] In fact they pass through the border whether towards Saudi Arabia or from Saudi Arabia to Yemen. One former Al-Qaeda member, who was a Saudi citizen called Muhammad al-Awfi (who handed himself over to the Saudi authorities at the beginning of last year after he was listed on the list of 85 wanted ) revealed all these issues. He revealed that there is cooperation and coordination between the Al-Qaeda Organization and the Al-Houthis, because both sides know they are united by one goal and that is to undermine the stability and security of Yemen and carrying out their destructive sabotage plans. Therefore, some kind of cooperation and coordination cannot be ruled out. This was also revealed by Tariq al-Fadli, one of the main members of the Al-Qaeda Organization who now leads part of the secession movement in the south and who had coordinated and cooperated with the Al-Houthi rebels in Saada and with everyone who harbours hatred for the state.

 

[Al-Sharq al-Awsat] It was reported that Tariq al-Fadli hoisted the American flag over his house?

 

[Al-Shatir] He flew the American flag...and yesterday he announced that he wished the British occupation would return to the south and that he would force every citizen in the south to hoist the American and British flags over their houses. Is it rational for a Yemeni national to ask for the occupation to return to his country?

 

[Al-Sharq al-Awsat] Does this mean he has given up his extremist ideas?

 

[Al-Shatir] On the contrary, this is part of overstepping law and order and a violation of national constants and part of his terrorist activity.

 

[Al-Sharq al-Awsat] It is said that there has been an exaggeration of [the size of] Al-Qaeda in Yemen; in your opinion, what is the purpose of this exaggeration?

 

[Al-Shatir] The exaggeration of the size of the Al-Qaeda Organization in the Arabian Peninsula and in Yemen in particular has a political aim. The European and American media, especially the American media, were drawn into this exaggeration and prepared the international public opinion that Yemen will be the third front after Afghanistan and Iraq in the war against Al-Qaeda. However, all these plans are destined to fail for one reason, and that is because Yemen is not Afghanistan and Sanaa is not Kabul as they are trying to portray it. I assure you that the situation is under control and even the Al-Qaeda Organization is being pursued by the security agencies and all its movements are being monitored. They are also directing pre-emptive strikes against Al-Qaeda every now and then.

 

We can say that the Al-Qaeda Organization and its elements are scattered in some mountains and distant caves out of fear of the Yemeni security agencies. On the other hand, the European media and decision-making centres must realize that Yemen was the first to suffer from terrorist operations and that the Republic of Yemen was the first to confront terrorism. Our battle with the terrorists, or Al-Qaeda, began as of 1990, ie since the establishment of the blessed Yemeni union. The battles developed when Al-Qaeda terrorist elements carried out attacks in 1992 in Aden when the American forces crossed Aden to Somalia. Our war against terrorism was early and we were the first to suffer from terrorism. The Republic of Yemen has been suffering a great deal and is offering great sacrifices whether human or economic. We will continue with this battle. We regard ourselves as true partners with the international community in the war on terror.

 

[Al-Sharq al-Awsat] Regarding the number of Al-Qaeda elements in Yemen, there are those who say that the number of Al-Qaeda Organization [elements] does not go beyond dozens and there are those who say the number has reached 300, and there are those saying the number has reached 1,200?

 

[Al-Shatir] Nobody can determine the number of Al-Qaeda elements. They are limited elements and they are pursued by the security [forces]. They are regarded as outlaws and Constitution violators. He who claims to really know the number of Al-Qaeda elements is exaggerating.

 

[Al-Sharq al-Awsat] What is their approximate number?

 

[Al-Shatir] They may be dozens, there is no exact figure. For example, can America know the size of the Al-Qaeda Organization in general?

 

[Al-Sharq al-Awsat] There are questions about the nationality of Al-Qaeda elements in Yemen, whether they are Saudis or Egyptians, is this true?

 

[Al-Shatir] It is possible, as it is known there are no restrictions between Yemen and Egypt or between the Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, on citizens coming into Yemen. Any Egyptian, Saudi, Gulfi, Syrian, or Jordanian citizen can enter Yemeni territories without a pre-acquired visa. However, a Yemeni citizen cannot enter Gulf territories, including Saudi Arabia, unless he has a pre-acquired visa. This is something that has been agreed upon within the bilateral framework and within the framework of openness that Yemen seeks with its brothers. Nevertheless, our security agencies are carrying out the possible investigations in order to check the files of those entering the territories of the Republic of Yemen. From our side, we do not rule out that terrorist elements were present from the past. For the record, we deported a large number of foreigners who had been living in Yemen illegally.

 

[Al-Sharq al-Awsat] The Jihadist Youth Movement that is fighting the central government in Somalia threatened to send fighters to support Al-Qaeda in Yemen in its fight against the state of the Republic of Yemen. How did you deal with these threats?

 

[Al-Shatir] The measures taken by the Yemeni Naval Forces and the coast guard continue unceasingly. The navy and coastal guards are not asleep, they are men and faithful citizens carrying out their duties in an excellent manner. For the record, Yemen receives tens and sometimes hundreds of refugees from the African Horn in general every day, and particularly from Somalia. The number of Somali refugees in Yemen has reached 1 million. This is a huge number and represents a great weight on us from the economic, social, and even cultural aspects.

 

As for the security aspect, the security agencies are on high alert and these agencies have the situation under control. They are monitoring all the movements made by the terrorists whether they are Somalis or non-Somalis. As for the effect of (these threats) it is known that they have a great negative effect on Yemen and the region. The effect has reached international security through the piracy of Somali elements that have caused a disruption in international mar itime navigation. However, our naval forces and coast guard are alert to this and are performing their duties in the best possible way.

 

[Al-Sharq al-Awsat] Many tribal leaders warn against American intervention in Yemen and reject any cooperation between Yemen and America. Is there any obvious cooperation in this regard that will indicate direct intervention by America in Yemen?

 

[Al-Shatir] He who says there is intervention in Yemen is not correct and he who says this is delusional or wants to put himself in good stead or create a role for himself at the expense of the nation's interest and its fateful causes.

 

[Al-Sharq al-Awsat] However this does not prevent cooperation, it is an issue that has been declared?

 

[Al-Shatir] Cooperation is a common denominator between the state and the people among themselves. It cannot be denied for Yemen. We cooperate with America, China, Russia, and with European countries and all other countries within the framework of joint interests for our people and for the people of the world.

 

[Al-Sharq al-Awsat] Regarding the other side pertaining to the Southern Mobility [Movement], how do you view this movement? Do you regard it as a political force opposed to the regime or do you regard it as a secessionist movement?

 

[Al-Shatir] In all honesty, the so-called [southern] mobility [movement] in some directorates in the southern governorates constitutes a number of elements that have been harmed by the unity and lost their interests and influence after years of tampering in the south under the inclusive but divisive rule (until 1990). It killed, oppressed, and displaced innocent people in the south. It nationalized their properties and forced them to live with constant intimidation. When the unity was established the interests of these elements were harmed and their influence shrank; then they resorted to creating problems and deceiving youth, especially the unemployed. It incited them to cause riots, rob highways, and carry out operations that violate law and order. However, these issues will be confronted with strength and determination in light of the decision made by the National Defence Council (in confronting the sabotage elements).

 

Everyone who violates law and order will be pursued along with those who undermine security and stability. It is true that there is unemployment (in some southern directorates), and that some youth (there) have yet to find jobs or work opportunities until now which caused some to exploit them and urge them to carry out such chaotic operations (in some southern directorates). However, the state, God willing, is on its way towards ending the issue and finding the solutions that will no doubt reduce these problems from which the country in general is suffering, not only in the south, but in the south, north, east, and west.

 

In addition to unemployment, we have a high level of poverty, and we have a very high population growth rate, probably one of the highest growth rates in the Arab region. These are problems from which the country is suffering, in addition to limited economic resources and the weak national economy the country is facing, especially as the productive base is limited. Nevertheless, the state is dealing with this and is working towards finding the necessary remedies. No doubt this needs time and resources and problems cannot be resolved overnight or by a magic wand.

 

[Al-Sharq al-Awsat] Regarding the north-western front in Saada and following the cease-fire between the state and Al-Houthi rebels, you said this war would be the last war there?

 

[Al-Shatir] We see the sixth round of military confrontation with the Al-Houthi rebels as the end of wars. Every Yemeni citizen, regardless of his position, region, or direction, must adhere to the Constitution and law and order. He must be a good citizen and understand that people have rights and responsibilities. There is no difference between any citizen at all in the eyes of the state. He who violates the Constitution or is against law and order will be punished.

 

[Al-Sharq al-Awsat] Some Yemenis fear that the Al-Houthi rebels may return to what they did following the previous wars they fought against the central authority since 2004, the last of which was the fifth war, and try to reorganize their ranks and re-arm themselves.

[Al-Shatir] The state is determined to impose its authority in all the regions in Yemen whether in Saada, Sufyan, Jawf, al-Malahiz, and in any other place. The state is determined to exercise its sovereign responsibilities on every inch of land in Yemen. It is also determined to force everyone to adhere to the Constitution, law and order, and any violation of these constants will be met with severe punishment.

 

[Al-Sharq al-Awsat] Can we say that these measures are completely different to the previous ones following the fifth war in 2008?

 

[Al-Shatir] Yes, different in form and content.

 

[Al-Sharq al-Awsat] This means that security, stability and development will be strongly imposed?

 

[Al-Shatir] First, you must know that since the start of the sixth war (on 11 August 2009) the state determined, through the High Security Committee, six conditions. It announced that if the Al-Houthis adhere to these conditions then the war will stop immediately right from the start. However, the Al-Houthis continued to evade it for six months, and every now and then they would announce an initiative or conditions that no mind or logic could accept. So, as a result of the painful strikes by the armed forces, the security and popular forces, and all noble citizens; and, as a result of the attacks against the Al-Houthi rebels and the great losses they incurred, they succumbed to the state's conditions and announced their commitment to implementing the six conditions and the entire mechanism to implement them. They also announced their complete commitment to these conditions.

 

This means that the state is determined to end the war and bring true peace, rebuild what the war had destroyed in those areas. It is also determined to resume those development projects in every inch of those areas where the Al-Houthi rebels forced them to stop and in fact destroyed all the service and development projects that were present in the directorates of the governorates of Saada and the directorate of Harf Sufayn.

 

[Al-Sharq al-Awsat] Regarding the financial losses to both sides in general, how much do you estimate them?

 

[Al-Shatir] The losses are suffered by the Yemeni people, whether by the armed forces, the security forces, the popular forces, the citizens or even the Al-Houthis themselves, they are all Yemenis. In addition to that, the national economy has greatly suffered and no doubt these losses are in the billions. It is difficult to give an accurate estimate right now, but they are in the billions. The losses resulting from the six wars are huge in terms of the national economy or the Yemeni people.

 

[Al-Sharq al-Awsat] You mean there is no estimate?

 

[Al-Shatir] Up until now there are no accurate figures. However, what I can say is that it is in the billions.

 

[Al-Sharq al-Awsat] How about the human losses?

 

[Al-Shatir] The same goes for the human losses, there is no specific estimate thus far.

 

[Al-Sharq al-Awsat] Do you see there has been a great number of human losses on both sides?

 

[Al-Shatir] Certainly, there is no doubt that any war will have losses. There are no wars without losses. There has to be loss in war.

 

[Al-Sharq al-Awsat] Any specific numbers?

 

[Al-Shatir] None available so far