Yemeni army struggles with salary arrears, combat readiness erodes

Marib, Yemen – In a military barracks on the outskirts of Marib city, soldier Suleiman al-Hajj sits with two comrades in a bare room. His face shows clear worry as he repeatedly calls and texts to find a loan, because his army salary has been delayed again.

This is a recurring problem in the armed forces of the internationally recognized Yemeni government. Wartime hardships blend into daily life, severely affecting the military's operational efficiency.

What are Yemeni soldiers paid?

Yemeni troops receive between 60,000 and 180,000 riyals per month, equivalent to 38 to 116 USD.

A military source speaking on condition of anonymity said the regular army has between 180,000 and 220,000 personnel, but only about 30-40% serve on the front lines; the remainder perform support or guard duties. The military budget receives about 36 billion riyals per month (23.2 million USD), of which 17 billion riyals are allocated to the 4th Military District based in Aden.

Are salaries paid regularly?

An officer said his soldiers last received pay in December, even though the government had promised to clear arrears before Eid al-Adha. “We are soldiers of the state, and we don’t know which side is responsible for ensuring salaries except the government,” he said. Despite the hardship, the troops remain at their posts and carry out their duties.

The Yemeni government has been fighting the Houthi movement since 2014, when the group seized the capital Sanaa, forcing the administration to relocate to Aden. The war has left both sides cash-strapped, struggling to pay salaries and maintain basic services.

What about non-regular forces?

In government-controlled areas, many military units fall outside the Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Interior, with higher wages and more regular payments. About 120,000-150,000 personnel serve in the Security Belt Forces, Elite Forces, Giant Brigades, and National Resistance, receiving up to 320 USD per month.

How do financial difficulties affect discipline?

Salary delays expose two challenges: living costs and resource allocation. Military analyst Iyad al-Masqari said the situation could force soldiers to join non-regular forces where pay is consistent, depriving the army of experienced fighters.

Economist Mohammed al-Jamaei noted that salary arrears push soldiers to seek alternative income sources, undermining discipline. Yemen is already experiencing the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, with high unemployment and a collapsing riyal, placing additional strain on even salaried troops.

Small traders in Marib, Aden, Taiz and other cities also depend on soldiers' spending, and salary delays slow local economic activity.

What does the government say?

Yemen’s Defense Ministry blames a liquidity shortage, dwindling resources, and difficulties in salary distribution. The ministry has promised to improve payment processes. Until then, soldiers in Marib and other front-line cities must fight on the battlefield and against poverty, testing their ability to stay the course.