BBC uncovers evidence implicating UAE in financing political assassinations in Yemen

An investigation by the BBC has uncovered evidence that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has funded politically motivated assassinations in Yemen. American mercenaries provided counter-terrorism training to Emirati officers, who then trained locals to carry out targeted killings. The UAE has denied these allegations. The assassinations, which number over 100 in a three-year period, have contributed to the ongoing conflict in Yemen. The UAE has recruited former members of al-Qaeda to fight against the Houthi rebel movement. The killings have targeted individuals unconnected to terrorism, including members of the Yemeni branch of the Muslim Brotherhood. The UAE has established a paramilitary force in Yemen, known as the Southern Transitional Council (STC), which operates independently and carries out assassinations under the direction of the UAE. The investigation also revealed that Nasser al-Shiba, a former high-ranking al-Qaeda operative, is now a commander in one of the STC military units. The widespread assassinations in Yemen have created a climate of fear, making it difficult for authorities to pursue justice. The US has not commented on the allegations made against the American mercenaries involved in the training. The UAE government insists that it has acted within international law during its operations in Yemen.