A suspected missile attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels set a ship ablaze in the Gulf of Aden on Thursday (Feb 22), according to Britain’s maritime agencies.&nbsp;While Israel intercepted a possible attack by the Iran-backed militants near the Israeli port city of Eilat.

<h2>Ship on fire in Gulf of Aden</h2>

According to the British maritime security firm, Ambrey, the vessel in question is a Palau-flagged, United Kingdom-owned general cargo ship which was headed to the Red Sea from Thailand.

WATCH |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas War: Israelis rally in Tel Aviv for release of Hamas-held hostages

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The ship “appeared to be headed from Map Ta Phut, Thailand, and headed in the direction of the Red Sea,” Ambrey said.

It added, “Merchant shipping is advised to stay clear of the vessel and proceed with caution.”

Meanwhile, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency said that the ship was attacked by two missiles “resulting in a fire on board,” adding that the United States-led coalition forces in the region are responding to the incident, without giving any further details.&nbsp;

A report by the Associated Press citing ship-tracking data said that the Palau-flagged cargo ship was named ‘Islander’ and was headed to Egypt. It had also previously sent out messages saying “SYRIAN CREW ON BOARD” to potentially avoid being targeted by the Houthis, reported the AP.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-launches-red-sea-mission-houthis-claim-to-target-two-american-ships-in-gulf-of-aden-691937">EU launches Red Sea mission; Houthis claim to have targeted ‘two American ships’ in Gulf of Aden</a>

The responsibility for the recent attack was not immediately claimed by any group but comes amid a series of strikes by Iran-backed Yemen-based Houthi rebels in the Red Sea in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

<h2>Israel intercepts attack</h2>

Air raid sirens were sounded early Thursday in the Israeli port city of Eilat followed by videos of what appeared to be a missile getting intercepted. The Israeli military later confirmed the reports and said that an incoming missile was intercepted by its Arrow missile defence system.

The system “successfully intercepted a launch which was identified in the area of the Red Sea and was en route to Israel,” said the Israeli military in a statement. It added, “The target did not cross into Israeli territory and did not pose a threat to civilians.”

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trigger-warning-israeli-civilians-suffered-sexual-assaults-systematically-during-hamas-attack-says-report-692649">TRIGGER WARNING: Israeli civilians suffered sexual assaults ‘systematically’ during Hamas attack, says Report</a>

Israeli officials did not immediately confirm what the fire was, nor where it came from. Eilat, a key port city on&nbsp;the Red Sea route has repeatedly come under attack by the Houthis since the beginning of the war. However, these attacks have not caused any damage, so far.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

A suspected missile attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels set a ship ablaze in the Gulf of Aden on Thursday (Feb 22), according to Britain’s maritime agencies. While Israel intercepted a possible attack by the Iran-backed militants near the Israeli port city of Eilat.

A suspected missile attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels set a ship ablaze in the Gulf of Aden on Thursday (Feb 22), according to Britain’s maritime agencies. While Israel intercepted a possible attack by the Iran-backed militants near the Israeli port city of Eilat. Ship on fire in Gulf of Aden According to the British maritime security firm, Ambrey, the vessel in question is a Palau-flagged, United Kingdom-owned general cargo ship which was headed to the Red Sea from Thailand. WATCH | Israel-Hamas War: Israelis rally in Tel Aviv for release of Hamas-held hostages The ship “appeared to be headed from Map Ta Phut, Thailand, and headed in the direction of the Red Sea,” Ambrey said. It added, “Merchant shipping is advised to stay clear of the vessel and proceed with caution.” Meanwhile, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency said that the ship was attacked by two missiles “resulting in a fire on board,” adding that the United States-led coalition forces in the region are responding to the incident, without giving any further details. A report by the Associated Press citing ship-tracking data said that the Palau-flagged cargo ship was named ‘Islander’ and was headed to Egypt. It had also previously sent out messages saying “SYRIAN CREW ON BOARD” to potentially avoid being targeted by the Houthis, reported the AP. Also Read | EU launches Red Sea mission; Houthis claim to have targeted ‘two American ships’ in Gulf of Aden The responsibility for the recent attack was not immediately claimed by any group but comes amid a series of strikes by Iran-backed Yemen-based Houthi rebels in the Red Sea in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Israel intercepts attack Air raid sirens were sounded early Thursday in the Israeli port city of Eilat followed by videos of what appeared to be a missile getting intercepted. The Israeli military later confirmed the reports and said that an incoming missile was intercepted by its Arrow missile defence system. The system “successfully intercepted a launch which was identified in the area of the Red Sea and was en route to Israel,” said the Israeli military in a statement. It added, “The target did not cross into Israeli territory and did not pose a threat to civilians.” Also Read | TRIGGER WARNING: Israeli civilians suffered sexual assaults ‘systematically’ during Hamas attack, says Report Israeli officials did not immediately confirm what the fire was, nor where it came from. Eilat, a key port city on the Red Sea route has repeatedly come under attack by the Houthis since the beginning of the war. However, these attacks have not caused any damage, so far. (With inputs from agencies)

Ship ablaze in Gulf of Aden after suspected missile attack by Yemen's Houthi rebels

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels said on Saturday (February 10) that 17 of their fighters were killed in US strikes in Yemeni capital Sanaa.

"The bodies of a number of martyrs of the nation and the armed and security forces who were martyred as a result of the bombing of the American-British aggression were carried through Sanaa today in a solemn funeral procession," said official media of Houthi rebels said. It also listed their names.

On Thursday, the United States said on Thursday that it had carried out several strikes on Houthi missile launchers.

The Houthi rebels have been attacking global shipping on the vital trade route in the Red Sea. The rebels say that the attacks are aimed at shipping linked to Israel but there are fears that constant attacks may disrupt or even stop the global trade through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

Watch | Israel-Hamas war: 1 wounded in Israeli strikes, Palenstine Red Crescent shares video

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The US and the UK have been carrying out strikes against Houthi targets in order to deter aggression. The Houthis in turn, have said that they will target commercial interests of US and the UK.

On Saturday, supporters of Houthi rebels gathered at Al-Shaab mosque in Sanaa for funerals of fighters killed in the strikes.

"We convey our message through these martyrs that it is absolutely impossible for us to abandon our position, which is based on principles and faith, and which forced us to take action," said Abu Motaz Ghalib, one of the mourners, as quoted by AFP.

On Wednesday, the official news agency of Houthi rebels said that US, UK strikes had hit targets in Hodeida region of Yemen.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-israeli-army-accused-of-deliberately-attacking-ambulance-killing-six-year-old-girl-688966">Gaza war: Israeli Army accused of deliberately attacking ambulance, killing six-year-old girl</a>

A day before that, the rebels said that they had attacked US and British ships in Red Sea. The Houthis said they carried out two attacks.

The attacks on global shipping has spooked shipping companies and has raised insurance premiums. Many companies are avoiding Red Sea which is proving to be a costly affair.

(With inputs from agencies)

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels said on Saturday (February 10) that 17 of their fighters were killed in US strikes in Yemeni capital Sanaa. "The bodies of a number of martyrs of the nation and the armed and security forces who were martyred as a result of the bombing of the American-British aggression were carried through Sanaa today in a solemn funeral procession," said official media of Houthi rebels said.

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels said on Saturday (February 10) that 17 of their fighters were killed in US strikes in Yemeni capital Sanaa. "The bodies of a number of martyrs of the nation and the armed and security forces who were martyred as a result of the bombing of the American-British aggression were carried through Sanaa today in a solemn funeral procession," said official media of Houthi rebels said. It also listed their names. On Thursday, the United States said on Thursday that it had carried out several strikes on Houthi missile launchers. The Houthi rebels have been attacking global shipping on the vital trade route in the Red Sea. The rebels say that the attacks are aimed at shipping linked to Israel but there are fears that constant attacks may disrupt or even stop the global trade through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Watch | Israel-Hamas war: 1 wounded in Israeli strikes, Palenstine Red Crescent shares video × The US and the UK have been carrying out strikes against Houthi targets in order to deter aggression. The Houthis in turn, have said that they will target commercial interests of US and the UK. On Saturday, supporters of Houthi rebels gathered at Al-Shaab mosque in Sanaa for funerals of fighters killed in the strikes. "We convey our message through these martyrs that it is absolutely impossible for us to abandon our position, which is based on principles and faith, and which forced us to take action," said Abu Motaz Ghalib, one of the mourners, as quoted by AFP. On Wednesday, the official news agency of Houthi rebels said that US, UK strikes had hit targets in Hodeida region of Yemen. Also Read | Gaza war: Israeli Army accused of deliberately attacking ambulance, killing six-year-old girl A day before that, the rebels said that they had attacked US and British ships in Red Sea. The Houthis said they carried out two attacks. The attacks on global shipping has spooked shipping companies and has raised insurance premiums. Many companies are avoiding Red Sea which is proving to be a costly affair. (With inputs from agencies)

US strikes killed 17 fighters, say Yemen’s Houthi rebels

Two Navy SEALs remain missing off the coast of Somalia after one fell into the water during a nighttime mission on January 11.&nbsp;

Latest reports suggest that they were involved in the operation that seized a small boat carrying lethal aid from Iran to the Houthi militia.&nbsp;

As quoted by news agencies, US Central Command chief Michael Kurilla said that "an exhaustive search" is still underway to find them.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-launches-barrage-of-missile-strikes-in-iraq-and-syria-680336">Iran launches barrage of missile strikes in northern Iraq and Syria; US condemns attacks</a>&nbsp;

The Associated Press, citing officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity, reported that the two SEALs were&nbsp;climbing aboard a vessel while on a mission in the Gulf of Aden when high waves knocked one into the sea.&nbsp;

To save him, the second SEAL jumped in, which is a part of Navy SEAL protocol to help a comrade in danger. Both of them disappeared.&nbsp;

The US military announced on Tuesday (Jan 16) that it had captured Iranian-made missile parts en route to Houthi rebels from a boat in the Arabian Sea.&nbsp;

This is said to be the first such operation since the start of Houthi attacks against commercial ships last year.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/missile-hits-cargo-ship-off-yemen-says-maritime-risk-company-680596">Missile hits cargo ship off Yemen, says maritime risk company</a>&nbsp;

US Central Command said in a statement on social media X that the parts consisted of both "Iranian-made ballistic missile and cruise missiles components".

The statement added that the seized items included propulsion and guidance systems, warheads for Houthi medium-range ballistic missiles (MRBMs), and anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCMs). It also included air defence components.&nbsp;

The military further stated that these weapon transfers to the Houthis violate international law and a United Nations Security Council resolution.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Two hostages killed in Israeli strike, says Hamas; IDF raises concerns&nbsp;

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The statement said: "Initial analysis indicates these same weapons have been employed by the Houthis to threaten and attack innocent mariners on international merchant ships transiting in the Red Sea."&nbsp;

The weapons parts were seized from a dhow, a traditional masted sailing vessel, with 14 crew members whose disposition was "being determined in accordance with international law".&nbsp;

The United States Navy Sea, Air, and Land Teams are commonly known as Navy SEALs. They are the US Navy's primary special operations force and a component of the Naval Special Warfare Command.&nbsp;

<h2>Red Sea crisis&nbsp;</h2>

This comes amid the ongoing Red Sea crisis, which started when rebels launched repeated attacks on shipping. The US and British forces retaliated and on Friday, they hit scores of rebel targets across Yemen.&nbsp;

Attacks by and against the Houthis, part of the "axis of resistance" of Iran-aligned groups, have raised concerns about violence spreading in the region from the Gaza war.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Two Navy SEALs remain missing off the coast of Somalia after one fell into the water during a nighttime mission on January 11. Latest reports suggest that they were involved in the operation that seized a small boat carrying lethal aid from Iran to the Houthi militia.

Two Navy SEALs remain missing off the coast of Somalia after one fell into the water during a nighttime mission on January 11. Latest reports suggest that they were involved in the operation that seized a small boat carrying lethal aid from Iran to the Houthi militia. As quoted by news agencies, US Central Command chief Michael Kurilla said that "an exhaustive search" is still underway to find them. Also read: Iran launches barrage of missile strikes in northern Iraq and Syria; US condemns attacks The Associated Press, citing officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity, reported that the two SEALs were climbing aboard a vessel while on a mission in the Gulf of Aden when high waves knocked one into the sea. To save him, the second SEAL jumped in, which is a part of Navy SEAL protocol to help a comrade in danger. Both of them disappeared. The US military announced on Tuesday (Jan 16) that it had captured Iranian-made missile parts en route to Houthi rebels from a boat in the Arabian Sea. This is said to be the first such operation since the start of Houthi attacks against commercial ships last year. Also read: Missile hits cargo ship off Yemen, says maritime risk company US Central Command said in a statement on social media X that the parts consisted of both "Iranian-made ballistic missile and cruise missiles components". The statement added that the seized items included propulsion and guidance systems, warheads for Houthi medium-range ballistic missiles (MRBMs), and anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCMs). It also included air defence components. The military further stated that these weapon transfers to the Houthis violate international law and a United Nations Security Council resolution. Watch: Two hostages killed in Israeli strike, says Hamas; IDF raises concerns × The statement said: "Initial analysis indicates these same weapons have been employed by the Houthis to threaten and attack innocent mariners on international merchant ships transiting in the Red Sea." The weapons parts were seized from a dhow, a traditional masted sailing vessel, with 14 crew members whose disposition was "being determined in accordance with international law". The United States Navy Sea, Air, and Land Teams are commonly known as Navy SEALs. They are the US Navy's primary special operations force and a component of the Naval Special Warfare Command. Red Sea crisis This comes amid the ongoing Red Sea crisis, which started when rebels launched repeated attacks on shipping. The US and British forces retaliated and on Friday, they hit scores of rebel targets across Yemen. Attacks by and against the Houthis, part of the "axis of resistance" of Iran-aligned groups, have raised concerns about violence spreading in the region from the Gaza war. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Two missing US Navy SEALs were on mission to stop Iranian weapons bound for Houthi rebels: US

A young Yemeni model has attempted suicide in a Sanaa jail run by Huthi rebels enforcing a strict moral code, rights groups and her lawyer said.

Entisar&nbsp;al-Hammadi, 19, was arrested on February 20 at a Sanaa checkpoint while on her way to a photo shoot.

Huthi rebel forces who control the capital and much of northern Yemen have released no information on her case.

Hammadi, who is also an actress, was on Monday "transferred to a hospital inside the central prison in Sanaa where she is being held after attempting suicide", the Gulf Centre for Human Rights (GCHR) said in a statement.

Quoting press reports, the Lebanon-based group said Thursday: "A child accompanying his imprisoned mother caught a glimpse of her face turning blue after she tried to hang herself.

"He hurriedly told everyone, and she was rescued at the last moment but was in critical condition."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fighting-between-yemeni-loyalists-houthi-rebels-kills-90-in-two-days-393500">Fighting between Yemeni loyalists, Houthi rebels kills 90 in two days</a>

GCHR said "reliable sources" confirmed that she had tried to commit suicide "due to the decision of the central prison administration to transfer her to the prison’s prostitution section".

"This led to a severe deterioration in her psychological state."

Her lawyer, Khaled al-Kamal, confirmed the details to AFP, saying she was being targeted because of her profession as a model in an ultra-conservative society.

According to Amnesty International, the model's trial which opened on June 6 had been tainted by "irregularities and abuse".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-led-coalition-destroys-drone-fired-by-yemens-houthis-state-tv-392832">Saudi-led coalition destroys drone fired by Yemen's Houthis: State TV</a>

Born to an Ethiopian mother and Yemeni father, Hammadi has posted dozens of pictures online in traditional costume, jeans or leather jacket, some with and some without an Islamic headscarf.

She has thousands of followers on Instagram and Facebook.

On her arrest, Hammadi was "interrogated while blindfolded, physically and verbally abused, subjected to racist insults and forced to 'confess' to several offences - including drug possession and prostitution", Amnesty said in May.

Violence against women, especially in Huthi-controlled areas, has been on the increase since Yemen plunged into a civil war in 2014 that the United Nations says has created the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

A young Yemeni model has attempted suicide in a Sanaa jail run by Huthi rebels enforcing a strict moral code, rights groups and her lawyer said. Entisar al-Hammadi, 19, was arrested on February 20 at a Sanaa checkpoint while on her way to a photo shoot.

A young Yemeni model has attempted suicide in a Sanaa jail run by Huthi rebels enforcing a strict moral code, rights groups and her lawyer said. Entisar al-Hammadi, 19, was arrested on February 20 at a Sanaa checkpoint while on her way to a photo shoot. Huthi rebel forces who control the capital and much of northern Yemen have released no information on her case. Hammadi, who is also an actress, was on Monday "transferred to a hospital inside the central prison in Sanaa where she is being held after attempting suicide", the Gulf Centre for Human Rights (GCHR) said in a statement. Quoting press reports, the Lebanon-based group said Thursday: "A child accompanying his imprisoned mother caught a glimpse of her face turning blue after she tried to hang herself. "He hurriedly told everyone, and she was rescued at the last moment but was in critical condition." Also read | Fighting between Yemeni loyalists, Houthi rebels kills 90 in two days GCHR said "reliable sources" confirmed that she had tried to commit suicide "due to the decision of the central prison administration to transfer her to the prison’s prostitution section". "This led to a severe deterioration in her psychological state." Her lawyer, Khaled al-Kamal, confirmed the details to AFP, saying she was being targeted because of her profession as a model in an ultra-conservative society. According to Amnesty International, the model's trial which opened on June 6 had been tainted by "irregularities and abuse". Also read | Saudi-led coalition destroys drone fired by Yemen's Houthis: State TV Born to an Ethiopian mother and Yemeni father, Hammadi has posted dozens of pictures online in traditional costume, jeans or leather jacket, some with and some without an Islamic headscarf. She has thousands of followers on Instagram and Facebook. On her arrest, Hammadi was "interrogated while blindfolded, physically and verbally abused, subjected to racist insults and forced to 'confess' to several offences - including drug possession and prostitution", Amnesty said in May. Violence against women, especially in Huthi-controlled areas, has been on the increase since Yemen plunged into a civil war in 2014 that the United Nations says has created the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

Yemen model in rebel jail attempts suicide

The warring sides in Yemen's long conflict have agreed to exchange as many as 1,081 prisoners.

The development came following talks in at the Swiss village of Glion, overlooking Lake Geneva in Switzerland, the United Nations mediator said on Sunday.

Yemen's government, which is supported by a Saudi-led military coalition, and Iran-backed Huthi rebels had resolved to swap some 15,000 detainees as part of a peace deal brokered by the UN in Stockholm back in 2018.

The two sides have since undertaken sporadic prisoner exchanges, but the release of over 1,000 loyalists and insurgents would mark the first large-scale handover since the war erupted in 2014.

UN envoy Martin Griffiths hailed the decision to release the prisoners as the largest such operation during Yemen's conflict. He also congratulated the government and the Huthis for renewing their "commitment to the full implementation of the Stockholm agreement".

The Huthi-run Al-Masirah TV channel quoted a rebel source as confirming a deal had been reached and that both parties "express their commitment to implement the agreement".

Yemen's Foreign Minister Mohammad al-Hadhrami welcomed the deal as a "humanitarian" breakthrough, but also said in a tweet that "the government demands the agreement is implemented without stalling".

The agreement includes the release of "681 rebels and 400 government forces (and allies), among them 15 Saudis and four Sudanese", a member of the government delegation told AFP.

The talks began on September 18, and had been aimed at securing the release of 1,420 prisoners, including the brother of Yemeni President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi.

Tens of thousands of people, mostly civilians, have died in the Yemen conflict, which has sparked what the United Nations calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

 
&nbsp;

The warring sides in Yemen's long conflict have agreed to exchange as many as 1,081 prisoners. The development came following talks in at the Swiss village of Glion, overlooking Lake Geneva in Switzerland, the United Nations mediator said on Sunday.

The warring sides in Yemen's long conflict have agreed to exchange as many as 1,081 prisoners. The development came following talks in at the Swiss village of Glion, overlooking Lake Geneva in Switzerland, the United Nations mediator said on Sunday. Yemen's government, which is supported by a Saudi-led military coalition, and Iran-backed Huthi rebels had resolved to swap some 15,000 detainees as part of a peace deal brokered by the UN in Stockholm back in 2018. The two sides have since undertaken sporadic prisoner exchanges, but the release of over 1,000 loyalists and insurgents would mark the first large-scale handover since the war erupted in 2014. UN envoy Martin Griffiths hailed the decision to release the prisoners as the largest such operation during Yemen's conflict. He also congratulated the government and the Huthis for renewing their "commitment to the full implementation of the Stockholm agreement". The Huthi-run Al-Masirah TV channel quoted a rebel source as confirming a deal had been reached and that both parties "express their commitment to implement the agreement". Yemen's Foreign Minister Mohammad al-Hadhrami welcomed the deal as a "humanitarian" breakthrough, but also said in a tweet that "the government demands the agreement is implemented without stalling". The agreement includes the release of "681 rebels and 400 government forces (and allies), among them 15 Saudis and four Sudanese", a member of the government delegation told AFP. The talks began on September 18, and had been aimed at securing the release of 1,420 prisoners, including the brother of Yemeni President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi. Tens of thousands of people, mostly civilians, have died in the Yemen conflict, which has sparked what the United Nations calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

Yemen govt, Houthi rebels agree large prisoner exchange

Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement accused the Saudi-led coalition of carrying out retaliatory airstrikes on Saturday that killed at least 30 people including civilians, in the latest flare-up of a five-year war.

Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement accused the Saudi-led coalition of carrying out retaliatory airstrikes on Saturday that killed at least 30 people including civilians, in the latest flare-up of a five-year war. The United Nations office in Yemen said preliminary field reports indicated that "as many as 31 civilians were killed and 12 others injured in strikes that hit Al-Hajah area" in Al-Jawf province. The health ministry in Houthi-controlled Al-Jawf province said women and children were among those killed, Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV reported. It followed a Houthi claim to have downed a coalition Tornado warplane in the area on Friday. [ Civilians gathering around the wreckage for inspection in Yemen (Courtesy: Reuters) ] Also Read: Drone shot down in Yemen, Houthi group responsible: US officials But the Saudi-led coalition's spokesman Colonel Turki al-Malki said only that a Tornado jet had crashed in Al-Jawf, Saudi state news agency (SPA) reported on Saturday. Maliki later said that rescue operations had been launched and that the possibility of "collateral damages" has been reported, without providing more details. Maliki said the crew of two officers ejected from the plane before it crashed but the Houthis opened fire at them. | [ Civilians gather at crash site to inspect the wreckage (Courtesy: Reuters) ] The office of the UN resident coordinator in Yemen said in a statement that humanitarian partners have deployed rapid response teams for the victims, many of whom were being transferred to hospitals in Al-Jawf governorate and Sanaa for treatment. The Saudi-led Sunni Muslim coalition intervened in Yemen in March 2015 after the Houthis ousted the internationally recognised government from power in the capital, Sanaa, in 2014. The conflict is widely seen as a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and its regional foe, Shi’ite Muslim Iran. There was no independent verification of the airstrikes or Tornado downing.

'31 civilians' killed in Yemen's air strikes after Saudi jet crash

Yemen's Houthi rebels on Sunday claimed to have captured hundreds of Saudis, including mercenaries from Pakistan, Iraq, and Sudan, during attacks over the past three days in the southern Saudi region of Najran.

"The enemy has suffered heavy losses during the operation," a statement released by the group's spokesperson Abdul Salam read, and noted that "among the captives are hundreds of Saudis, including officers and mercenaries from Sudan, Pakistan, and Iraq, among others."

"The Nasr Min Allah (a victory from Allah) operation is one of the best and greatest fruits of the steadfastness of Yemini people in confronting the aggression," the statement added.

Watch: Houthis release footage said to show border attack and Saudi forces surrendering

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The development comes hours after the group broadcast video footage they said was of a deadly attack in the Saudi region of Najran that killed hundreds of soldiers, with thousands of others surrendering before the armed group, including three brigades of troops led by former-Pakistan Army chief Raheel Sharif.

A spokesman of the Houthis, Yahya Saree, described the attacks as an ambush on the Saudi forces that then developed into an "all-out" cross-border offensive that trapped the troops inside Saudi Arabia, Al Jazeera reported.

"More than 200 were killed in dozens of [missile and drone] strikes while trying to escape or surrender," Saree said.

The spokesperson added that the offence committed 72 hours earlier had targeted three "enemy military brigades", leading to the capture of "thousands" of troops, including Saudi army officers and soldiers, and hundreds of armoured vehicles.

The army brigades were a part of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC), commanded by the former Pakistan Army chief. The IMCTC is an intergovernmental counter-terrorist alliance of the Middle Eastern countries, united around military intervention against the Islamic State and other counter-terrorist activities.

Sharif was named the IMCTC's first commander-in-chief in January 2017 after his retirement as the Pakistan Army general in 2016.

The released video showed armoured vehicles being hit by blasts and soldiers surrendering before the Iran-aligned rebels.

Catherine Shakdam from UK-based think-tank 'Next Century Foundation' told Al Jazeera there was no reason to doubt what the Houthis were saying.

"The video and images coming through are affirming the statement. It's a pivotal point in this war that now Yemeni are moving on Saudi land. It's quite interesting to see with all the talk of a grand Saudi coalition that Saudi is very much alone in this fight," Shakdam was quoted as saying.

The Houthi rebels in Yemen on Monday warned of more attacks on Saudi Arabia's oil infrastructure, two days after drone strikes that interrupted much of the kingdom's oil production that heightened tensions between Iran and the United States.

The rebel group has launched a missile and drone attacks into Saudi territory before, but never anything on that scale.

The attacks on the Kingdom's oil giant Saudi Aramco forced the shutdown of facilities at Abqaiq and Khurais, which process most of the crude oil produced by Saudi Arabia, which supplies about a tenth of the worldwide total.

Yemen's Houthi rebels on Sunday claimed to have captured hundreds of Saudis, including mercenaries from Pakistan, Iraq, and Sudan, during attacks over the past three days in the southern Saudi region of Najran.

Yemen's Houthi rebels on Sunday claimed to have captured hundreds of Saudis, including mercenaries from Pakistan, Iraq, and Sudan, during attacks over the past three days in the southern Saudi region of Najran. "The enemy has suffered heavy losses during the operation," a statement released by the group's spokesperson Abdul Salam read, and noted that "among the captives are hundreds of Saudis, including officers and mercenaries from Sudan, Pakistan, and Iraq, among others." "The Nasr Min Allah (a victory from Allah) operation is one of the best and greatest fruits of the steadfastness of Yemini people in confronting the aggression," the statement added. Watch: Houthis release footage said to show border attack and Saudi forces surrendering The development comes hours after the group broadcast video footage they said was of a deadly attack in the Saudi region of Najran that killed hundreds of soldiers, with thousands of others surrendering before the armed group, including three brigades of troops led by former-Pakistan Army chief Raheel Sharif. A spokesman of the Houthis, Yahya Saree, described the attacks as an ambush on the Saudi forces that then developed into an "all-out" cross-border offensive that trapped the troops inside Saudi Arabia, Al Jazeera reported. "More than 200 were killed in dozens of [missile and drone] strikes while trying to escape or surrender," Saree said. The spokesperson added that the offence committed 72 hours earlier had targeted three "enemy military brigades", leading to the capture of "thousands" of troops, including Saudi army officers and soldiers, and hundreds of armoured vehicles. The army brigades were a part of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC), commanded by the former Pakistan Army chief. The IMCTC is an intergovernmental counter-terrorist alliance of the Middle Eastern countries, united around military intervention against the Islamic State and other counter-terrorist activities. Sharif was named the IMCTC's first commander-in-chief in January 2017 after his retirement as the Pakistan Army general in 2016. The released video showed armoured vehicles being hit by blasts and soldiers surrendering before the Iran-aligned rebels. Catherine Shakdam from UK-based think-tank 'Next Century Foundation' told Al Jazeera there was no reason to doubt what the Houthis were saying. "The video and images coming through are affirming the statement. It's a pivotal point in this war that now Yemeni are moving on Saudi land. It's quite interesting to see with all the talk of a grand Saudi coalition that Saudi is very much alone in this fight," Shakdam was quoted as saying. The Houthi rebels in Yemen on Monday warned of more attacks on Saudi Arabia's oil infrastructure, two days after drone strikes that interrupted much of the kingdom's oil production that heightened tensions between Iran and the United States. The rebel group has launched a missile and drone attacks into Saudi territory before, but never anything on that scale. The attacks on the Kingdom's oil giant Saudi Aramco forced the shutdown of facilities at Abqaiq and Khurais, which process most of the crude oil produced by Saudi Arabia, which supplies about a tenth of the worldwide total.

Pakistani mercenaries among troops captured during Saudi attack: Yemen's Houthi rebels

At least 17 civilians were killed in Yemen&#39;s southwestern province of Taiz on Saturday by a Saudi-led coalition air strike that struck a house, local officials and residents said.&nbsp;

The raid targeted a house in the al-Salw district, the sources said, an area of Taiz where Houthi rebels and government forces backed by the coalition are fighting for control. Taiz is Yemen&#39;s third-largest city with an estimated pre-war population of 300,000.&nbsp;

The Saudi-led coalition has been fighting Houthi rebels and forces loyal to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh, who hold much of the north of Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, since March 2015, to try to restore the internationally recognised President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi to power.

The exiled Hadi on Saturday rejected a UN&nbsp;peace proposal to end the turmoil, saying the deal would only be a path to more war and destruction.&nbsp;

Speaking after meeting UN&nbsp;envoy Ismail Ould Cheickh Ahmed in Riyadh, Hadi said the agreement would &quot;reward the rebels and penalise the Yemeni people and legitimacy&quot;, according to the government-controlled Saba news agency.&nbsp;

According to a copy of the proposal seen by Reuters, the plan would sideline Hadi and set up a government of less divisive figures. 
The deal would involve removing Hadi&#39;s powerful vice president&nbsp;Ali Mushin al-Ahmar&nbsp;from power and Hadi agreeing to become little more than a figurehead after a Houthi withdrawal from the capital Sanaa.

Hadi fled the armed advance of the Iranian-allied Houthi movement in March 2015, and has been a guest of neighbouring Saudi Arabia ever since.

A UN&nbsp;Security Council resolution a month later recognised him as the legitimate head of state, and called on the Houthis to disarm and quit Yemen&#39;s main cities. But the Houthis and their allies in Yemen&#39;s army have said he will never return.&nbsp;

The conflict in Yemen has killed at least 10,000 people and unleashed one of the world&#39;s worst humanitarian crises. 
 
(Reuters)

The conflict in Yemen has killed at least 10,000 people and unleashed one of the world's worst humanitarian crises

At least 17 civilians were killed in Yemen's southwestern province of Taiz on Saturday by a Saudi-led coalition air strike that struck a house, local officials and residents said. The raid targeted a house in the al-Salw district, the sources said, an area of Taiz where Houthi rebels and government forces backed by the coalition are fighting for control. Taiz is Yemen's third-largest city with an estimated pre-war population of 300,000. The Saudi-led coalition has been fighting Houthi rebels and forces loyal to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh, who hold much of the north of Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, since March 2015, to try to restore the internationally recognised President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi to power. The exiled Hadi on Saturday rejected a UN peace proposal to end the turmoil, saying the deal would only be a path to more war and destruction. Speaking after meeting UN envoy Ismail Ould Cheickh Ahmed in Riyadh, Hadi said the agreement would "reward the rebels and penalise the Yemeni people and legitimacy", according to the government-controlled Saba news agency. According to a copy of the proposal seen by Reuters, the plan would sideline Hadi and set up a government of less divisive figures. The deal would involve removing Hadi's powerful vice president Ali Mushin al-Ahmar from power and Hadi agreeing to become little more than a figurehead after a Houthi withdrawal from the capital Sanaa. Hadi fled the armed advance of the Iranian-allied Houthi movement in March 2015, and has been a guest of neighbouring Saudi Arabia ever since. A UN Security Council resolution a month later recognised him as the legitimate head of state, and called on the Houthis to disarm and quit Yemen's main cities. But the Houthis and their allies in Yemen's army have said he will never return. The conflict in Yemen has killed at least 10,000 people and unleashed one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. (Reuters)

Saudi-led air strike in Yemen kills 17 civilians, local officials and residents say