Yemen’s traditional arms trade has evolved into a modern, internet-driven marketplace

Yemen's traditional arms trade has transformed into a modern, internet-driven marketplace, with dealers opening online stores to meet the ongoing demand for weapons, according to MEE correspondent. In Yemen, owning a high-quality Kalashnikov or handgun is a symbol of social status; those without weapons are often perceived as belonging to a lower social class.

This practice, passed down through generations, persists despite educated Yemenis disagreeing with it. Previously, individuals seeking firearms had to visit multiple markets, sometimes traveling across provinces, to find the desired weapon. However, weapons dealers have embraced digital marketing, similar to other civilian goods retailers.

Nashwan Abdulwahed, a 39-year-old pharmacist in Sanaa, sought a specific Turkish Kalashnikov priced at $3,000 but could not find it in physical stores. He eventually discovered the weapon on an online weapons store, offering better quality and a lower price than market options. Abdulwahed negotiated the price online before visiting the storefront in Sanaa to pick up his Kalashnikov, preferring to avoid delivery due to the high cost.

Online stores compete with traditional markets by offering brand-new items with fixed prices, eliminating the need for haggling. Licensed by the Ministry of Interior, these online stores require customers to provide identification and operate within legal boundaries. Yemenis are legally permitted to own personal weapons like assault rifles and handguns, which they can carry in public, except in some southern governorates where local authorities have banned weapon carrying.

Despite the legality of carrying Kalashnikovs, soldiers sometimes search attendees at public events for banned materials. Saleem, a 45-year-old online weapons store owner, has been in business for over two decades and adapted to modern technology to attract customers. His online store offers weapons ranging from $50 to $8,000 and employs a digital marketing specialist to expand his reach.

As customers increasingly prefer online shopping, Saleem's business has thrived, while those who failed to embrace technology have faced bankruptcy.