Yemen launches radar stations on its coasts

Minister of Transport Khaled al-Wazir, along with Deputy Interior Minister Saleh Azza’rori and Italian ambassador Mario Bofo agreed to cooperate in the launch of a radar stations network in the Gulf of Aden’s Coast Guards Authority.
 

This move came within Yemen’s continual efforts to limit and combat piracy, human smuggling, and drugs trafficking via its coasts.
 

The stations include improved techniques, contain radar observation stations, distress signal systems, and ship acquaintance system, in addition to developed telecommunication system and air metrological stations.
 

The Radar Stations Project is composed of four phases desinged to cover all Yemeni coasts with a total cost of € 20 million provided to Yemen as soft loan from Italian government. Every station can cover 42 km.
 

In the inauguration ceremony, Minister of Transport Khaled al-Wazir indicated the first phase of the Ship Services Project, which started three years ago, reflects cooperation between governments of Yemen and Italy. The project provides anti-piracy services and maritime security and safety. It works on limiting drug trafficking and considers Yemen a basic partner in fighting piracy and securing international waterways.
 

He made it clear that improving ship services is an implementation of the International Treaty for the Protection of Marine Lives of 1978. He indicated that improving the coast guard’s authority will facilitate the securing of navigation and protecting of marine lives as well as protect environment of the coasts and other marine locations.
 

The minister touched upon the significant of the modern technology of these stations in securing navigation, fighting terrorism, limiting piracy, drugs trafficking and illegal transportation via sea. He highlighted achievements of coast guards forces recent past since establishing the radar network due to strategic location of Yemen.
 

He highlighted support provided by Italian government to Yemen to carry out this important project which confirms the developing of Yemeni - Italian relations through ages.
 

“Yemen suffers more from economic burdens due to increase of piracy coming from Somali coasts due to instability in that country,” said the minister.
 

Meanwhile, deputy interior minister Hasan Azawa’ri affirmed the importance of coast surveillance system on navigation in Yemen’s regional waters. He indicated that this vital project represents real embodiment of aspects of cooperation and coordination between the two governments.
 

He highlighted the support of the Italian government in improving the performance of the coast guards by providing the authority, technical equipment, and staff training.
 

For his part, the Italian ambassador affirmed Yemeni - Italian strong historical relations, which began in 1926, and his desire for continuous development. He affirmed also his government’s support for Yemen, considering the launching of the radar stations as a fruit of mutual cooperation.
 

He highlighted Yemen’s unity saying, it represents the basic foundation for security and stability in the region.
 

“The Italian government sees Yemen’s stability and unity as key to security and stability on a regional and international level due to the geographical location the country enjoys,” he said.
 

Earlier, Chairman of the Yemeni Coast Guards Authority, Ali Rase’a, stated that launching the radar stations is the first part of the first stage in securing Yemeni ports and international navigation and is in line with the plan prepared to secure regional waters against outlaw acts.
 

The radar stations are installed in three areas Jabal Ain in the Attuwahi area, Ma’asheeq in Crater, and a training center in Khour Maksar. They are all linked to the control center located under the authority’s management in Mualla with the intention of being linked to the coast guard’s authority in Sana’a. They are controlled by microwave network.

Related Content

•   Yemen extremists destroy tons of alcohol bottles in Hodeidah
•   Yemen Interior Minister, EU diplomat discuss security situations
•   Yemen PM meets UNHCR official
•   Al-Qaeda sets an ambush for Yemen troopers, kills three
•   Yemen Information minister escapes assassination attempt
•  six aid workers kidnapped in Yemen
•   Yemen PM, foreign ambassadors discuss implementation of GCC pact
•   Yemen government supports SCER measures for early presidential elections
•   Yemen President arrives in New York for medical treatment
•   Yemen elections commission gets international commitment