Sana’a – Yemen’s Defense Minister, Lt. Gen. Taher al‑Aqili, announced a new mechanism for paying military salaries designed to prevent unit commanders or their representatives from diverting funds, amid objections from some brigades. Delayed April SalariesThe minister explained that April’s salaries were held up for 18 days inside the Defense Ministry’s finance department because certain brigade commanders failed to submit daily attendance records. Al‑Aqili accused some unit leaders of resisting the new system, alleging that others exploited frontline conditions to pressure the ministry and engage in “extortion,” though he did not name them. Direct OversightThe minister emphasized that the ministry is directly monitoring implementation and has instructed the finance department to proceed with payments through official banking channels. He described the move as a safeguard for soldiers’ rights, a step toward transparency, and a measure to prevent manipulation of salaries by intermediaries or unit leaders.