Yemen's internationally-recognised government Monday (Feb 5) named foreign minister Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak as the new prime minister in a surprise appointment that analysts say will likely anger the country's Iran-backed Houthi rebels.

Bin Mubarak replaces Maeen Abdulmalik Saeed at a time of rising tensions in the Arabian Peninsula's poorest country following a spate of Red Sea attacks by Houthi rebels which have prompted retaliatory strikes by the United States and Britain.

A decree issued by Yemen's presidential council and carried by the official Saba news agency announced bin Mubarak's appointment as premier and assigned the outgoing prime minister to the post of presidential advisor.

It did not give a reason for the move.

Bin Mubarak, Yemen's former ambassador to the US, is widely seen as a staunch adversary of the Houthi rebels, who abducted him in 2015 and held him captive for several days.

He previously served as chief of staff of Yemen's presidential office and was also appointed as the country's envoy to the United Nations in 2018.

Mohammed Al-Basha, a Yemen expert for the US-based Navanti research group, said bin Mubarak is seen as one of the "architects of the Saudi-led coalition" that intervened against Houthis in 2015 to prop up the internationally-recognised government, a year after the rebels captured the capital Sanaa.

"The Houthis are unlikely to embrace the appointment of bin Mubarak," he said, adding that bin Mubarak is a long-time adversary of the group.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-destroys-10-houthi-attack-drones-control-station-in-yemen-686086">Watch |&nbsp;US destroys 10 Houthi attack drones, control station in Yemen</a>

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His appointment "is likely to intensify tensions between the Huthis and the internationally recognised government," the expert added.

The Houthis, part of the anti-Western, anti-Israel "axis of resistance" of Iranian-backed groups, have been harassing Red Sea shipping for months, triggering US and British reprisal attacks.&nbsp;

The Houthis have launched more than 30 attacks on commercial shipping and naval vessels since November 19, according to the Pentagon.

The rebels say the attacks are in solidarity with the Palestinians and in protest at the Israel-Hamas war that has been raging in the Gaza Strip since October.&nbsp;

The attacks have prompted some shipping companies to detour around southern Africa to avoid the Red Sea, a vital route that normally carries about 12 per cent of global maritime trade.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-uk-carry-out-joint-air-raids-against-houthi-targets-in-yemen-hit-36-sites-686775">Also read |&nbsp;US, UK carry out joint air raids against Houthi targets in Yemen, hit 36 sites</a>

In response, US and British forces have launched strikes targeting Huthi missile sites and other military facilities. The US has also carried out a series of unilateral strikes.

In recent remarks, bin Mubarak called on the European Union to designate the Huthis as a terrorist group and has advocated for increased military support to government forces in the wake of the Red Sea attacks.

Yemen's internationally-recognised government Monday (Feb 5) named foreign minister Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak as the new prime minister in a surprise appointment that analysts say will likely anger the country's Iran-backed Houthi rebels.

Yemen's internationally-recognised government Monday (Feb 5) named foreign minister Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak as the new prime minister in a surprise appointment that analysts say will likely anger the country's Iran-backed Houthi rebels. Bin Mubarak replaces Maeen Abdulmalik Saeed at a time of rising tensions in the Arabian Peninsula's poorest country following a spate of Red Sea attacks by Houthi rebels which have prompted retaliatory strikes by the United States and Britain. A decree issued by Yemen's presidential council and carried by the official Saba news agency announced bin Mubarak's appointment as premier and assigned the outgoing prime minister to the post of presidential advisor. It did not give a reason for the move. Bin Mubarak, Yemen's former ambassador to the US, is widely seen as a staunch adversary of the Houthi rebels, who abducted him in 2015 and held him captive for several days. He previously served as chief of staff of Yemen's presidential office and was also appointed as the country's envoy to the United Nations in 2018. Mohammed Al-Basha, a Yemen expert for the US-based Navanti research group, said bin Mubarak is seen as one of the "architects of the Saudi-led coalition" that intervened against Houthis in 2015 to prop up the internationally-recognised government, a year after the rebels captured the capital Sanaa. "The Houthis are unlikely to embrace the appointment of bin Mubarak," he said, adding that bin Mubarak is a long-time adversary of the group. Watch | US destroys 10 Houthi attack drones, control station in Yemen × His appointment "is likely to intensify tensions between the Huthis and the internationally recognised government," the expert added. The Houthis, part of the anti-Western, anti-Israel "axis of resistance" of Iranian-backed groups, have been harassing Red Sea shipping for months, triggering US and British reprisal attacks. The Houthis have launched more than 30 attacks on commercial shipping and naval vessels since November 19, according to the Pentagon. The rebels say the attacks are in solidarity with the Palestinians and in protest at the Israel-Hamas war that has been raging in the Gaza Strip since October. The attacks have prompted some shipping companies to detour around southern Africa to avoid the Red Sea, a vital route that normally carries about 12 per cent of global maritime trade. Also read | US, UK carry out joint air raids against Houthi targets in Yemen, hit 36 sites In response, US and British forces have launched strikes targeting Huthi missile sites and other military facilities. The US has also carried out a series of unilateral strikes. In recent remarks, bin Mubarak called on the European Union to designate the Huthis as a terrorist group and has advocated for increased military support to government forces in the wake of the Red Sea attacks.

Foreign Minister Ahmed Awad Bin Mubarak, who's opposed to Houthi rebels, named Yemen's new prime minister

More than two months after Yemen's Houthi rebels captured the Galaxy Leader cargo ship and detained its crew, the Iran-backed rebels have turned the vessel into a domestic "tourist attraction".&nbsp;&nbsp;

For about a dollar per trip, male-only groups of visitors can board wooden boats five times a week to the hijacked car carrier, which the&nbsp;Houthis&nbsp;hail as a trophy in their fight in solidarity with the Palestinians.

Since shortly after the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza broke out on October 7, the&nbsp;Houthis&nbsp;have launched a spate of missile and drone attacks on passing commercial ships which they say are linked to Israel.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/middle-east-crisis-live-updates-biden-vows-to-respond-after-drone-attack-kills-3-us-troops-japan-suspends-aid-to-unrwa-684658">Click here to follow all updates on the Middle East crisis</a>

A US-led naval coalition has responded by patrolling the Red Sea, and US and British forces have struck military sites of the&nbsp;Houthis, now designated a "global terrorist" group by Washington, to keep open the vital shipping lane.

This has done little to dampen the mood on the sightseeing trips to the seized vessel, which is now decorated with Yemeni and Palestinian flags and banners displaying anti-American and anti-Israel slogans.

On a recent visit, Zubair al-Haidari, from the Houthi-controlled capital Sanaa, said he had travelled for five hours to see the "Israeli ship" anchored off Hodeida on the Red Sea coast.

It is our "pride and honour... that our armed forces have accomplished this wonderful work in supporting our oppressed brothers in Palestine and in Gaza," he told AFP.

He was among some 10 visitors taking pictures with their mobile phones as they chewed 'khat', a plant that generates a mild high and is widely consumed in the Arabian peninsula's poorest country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-presses-iran-to-rein-in-houthi-attacks-in-red-sea-sources-say-683793">China presses Iran to rein in Houthi attacks in Red Sea, sources say</a>

On board the ship, some visitors performed a traditional dance featuring the daggers that many Yemenis carry tucked into their belts, accompanied by chants glorifying the&nbsp;Houthis.

On the deck of the Galaxy Leader, none of the visitors interviewed by AFP said they had seen the 25 crew members who are Bulgarian, Filipino, Ukrainian and Mexican and whose fate remains unknown.&nbsp;

<h2>'Source of pride'</h2>

The Galaxy Leader is owned by a British company, which is in turn owned by an Israeli businessman.

It had been chartered by a Japanese company when it was captured on November 19 by the&nbsp;Houthis, who said they were acting in "solidarity" with people in the besieged Gaza Strip.

Israel's military campaign was sparked by Hamas'&nbsp;October 7 attack, which resulted in about 1,140 deaths in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of official Israeli figures. Militants also seized around 250 hostages.

Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas and Gaza's health ministry claims the military offensive has killed at least 26,257 people, about 70 per cent of them women and children.

Amid the Gaza war, the&nbsp;Houthis&nbsp;have launched numerous attacks against shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, threatening an essential global trade route.&nbsp;

Hizam al-Assad, of the Houthi political bureau, referred to the Galaxy Leader as a "tourist attraction" and said the visitors were "proof that the Yemeni people... are impatient to meet the enemy and confront him".

Another visitor, Hamada al-Baydani, said he had travelled 400 kilometres (250 miles) from Al-Bayda, to see the seized ship, which he labelled "a source of pride for Yemenis". &nbsp;

Several days after detaining the vessel, the&nbsp;Houthis&nbsp;published a video showing a military general welcoming a group they said was the crew, but the militants have not provided any information on their fate since.

After an hour on board under the scorching sun, the visitors made their way back home, chanting "God is the greatest, death to America, death to Israel".

More than two months after Yemen's Houthi rebels captured the Galaxy Leader cargo ship and detained its crew, the Iran-backed rebels have turned the vessel into a domestic "tourist attraction".

More than two months after Yemen's Houthi rebels captured the Galaxy Leader cargo ship and detained its crew, the Iran-backed rebels have turned the vessel into a domestic "tourist attraction". For about a dollar per trip, male-only groups of visitors can board wooden boats five times a week to the hijacked car carrier, which the Houthis hail as a trophy in their fight in solidarity with the Palestinians. Since shortly after the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza broke out on October 7, the Houthis have launched a spate of missile and drone attacks on passing commercial ships which they say are linked to Israel. Click here to follow all updates on the Middle East crisis A US-led naval coalition has responded by patrolling the Red Sea, and US and British forces have struck military sites of the Houthis, now designated a "global terrorist" group by Washington, to keep open the vital shipping lane. This has done little to dampen the mood on the sightseeing trips to the seized vessel, which is now decorated with Yemeni and Palestinian flags and banners displaying anti-American and anti-Israel slogans. On a recent visit, Zubair al-Haidari, from the Houthi-controlled capital Sanaa, said he had travelled for five hours to see the "Israeli ship" anchored off Hodeida on the Red Sea coast. It is our "pride and honour... that our armed forces have accomplished this wonderful work in supporting our oppressed brothers in Palestine and in Gaza," he told AFP. He was among some 10 visitors taking pictures with their mobile phones as they chewed 'khat', a plant that generates a mild high and is widely consumed in the Arabian peninsula's poorest country. Also read | China presses Iran to rein in Houthi attacks in Red Sea, sources say On board the ship, some visitors performed a traditional dance featuring the daggers that many Yemenis carry tucked into their belts, accompanied by chants glorifying the Houthis. On the deck of the Galaxy Leader, none of the visitors interviewed by AFP said they had seen the 25 crew members who are Bulgarian, Filipino, Ukrainian and Mexican and whose fate remains unknown. 'Source of pride' The Galaxy Leader is owned by a British company, which is in turn owned by an Israeli businessman. It had been chartered by a Japanese company when it was captured on November 19 by the Houthis, who said they were acting in "solidarity" with people in the besieged Gaza Strip. Israel's military campaign was sparked by Hamas' October 7 attack, which resulted in about 1,140 deaths in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of official Israeli figures. Militants also seized around 250 hostages. Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas and Gaza's health ministry claims the military offensive has killed at least 26,257 people, about 70 per cent of them women and children. Amid the Gaza war, the Houthis have launched numerous attacks against shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, threatening an essential global trade route. Hizam al-Assad, of the Houthi political bureau, referred to the Galaxy Leader as a "tourist attraction" and said the visitors were "proof that the Yemeni people... are impatient to meet the enemy and confront him". Another visitor, Hamada al-Baydani, said he had travelled 400 kilometres (250 miles) from Al-Bayda, to see the seized ship, which he labelled "a source of pride for Yemenis". Several days after detaining the vessel, the Houthis published a video showing a military general welcoming a group they said was the crew, but the militants have not provided any information on their fate since. After an hour on board under the scorching sun, the visitors made their way back home, chanting "God is the greatest, death to America, death to Israel".

Yemen’s Houthi rebels open seized cargo ship to sightseers

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 missile has hit a cargo ship off Yemen, said maritime risk management company Ambrey on Tuesday (January 16). The report has followed a series of attacks Yemen's Houthi rebels carried out against shipping in vital trade routes in the Red Sea.

"A Malta-flagged, Greek-owned bulk carrier was reportedly targeted and impacted with a missile while transiting the southern Red Sea northbound," Ambrey said in an alert.&nbsp;

The company added that the ship had visited Israel since the outbreak of Israel war. Ambrey said that the ship was headed to the Suez Canal and changed course to head to a port after it was attacked.

Watch | Iran-backed Houthi rebels continue to assault on commercial vessels

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AFP cited a source within Greek maritime affairs ministry to say that the ship was named Zografia. The 24-crew vessel was sailing from Vietnam to Israel.

The Zografia "sustained limited damage... but remains in a navigable condition, and is continuing its journey," the source said as quoted by AFP.

Houthi rebels did not immediately release any official statement. The rebels have been attacking shipping in the Red Sea for quite a while now. The Houthi rebels claim that the attacks are carried out to show solidarity with people in the Gaza Strip.

The rebels have attacked US-owned ships too. On Sunday, the US forces shot down a cruise missile launched by Houthi rebel. The missile was targetting a US destroyer. On Monday a US-owned cargo ship got hit by rebel missile in Gulf of Oman.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ship-hit-by-missile-off-yemen-uk-maritime-security-agency-680257">US-owned cargo ship hit by missile off the coast of Yemen in latest attack</a>

The ongoing Israel war is threatening to revive regional enmities and analysts are expressing fears that the war may spark a wider conflict in the region.

On Friday last week, the United States, along with the UK, launched strikes on many Houthi sites in parts of Yemen held by the rebels. These strikes were carried out as retaliation to previous Houthi attacks carried out in the Red Sea.

Also Read | <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>

On Tuesday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a British navy-run maritime security agency also reported an 'incident' in northwest of Saleef in Yemen. It was not immediately clear whether UKMTO was reporting the same attack previously mentioned by Ambrey.

US says seized Iranian missile parts enroute to Houthis

The US military said on Tuesday that it seized Iranian-made missile parts which were being sent to Houthi rebels. The US said that its military seized a boat in the Arabian Sea that was carrying these missile parts.

US Central Command said on X that the seized material included both ""Iranian-made ballistic missile and cruise missiles components". The command added that to US Navy SEALS involved with the missed were reported lost at sea and "an exhaustive search" was underway.

(With inputs from agencies)

A missile has hit a cargo ship off Yemen, said maritime risk management company Ambrey on Tuesday (January 16). The report has followed a series of attacks Yemen's Houthi rebels carried out against shipping in vital trade routes in the Red Sea.

A missile has hit a cargo ship off Yemen, said maritime risk management company Ambrey on Tuesday (January 16). The report has followed a series of attacks Yemen's Houthi rebels carried out against shipping in vital trade routes in the Red Sea. "A Malta-flagged, Greek-owned bulk carrier was reportedly targeted and impacted with a missile while transiting the southern Red Sea northbound," Ambrey said in an alert. The company added that the ship had visited Israel since the outbreak of Israel war. Ambrey said that the ship was headed to the Suez Canal and changed course to head to a port after it was attacked. Watch | Iran-backed Houthi rebels continue to assault on commercial vessels × AFP cited a source within Greek maritime affairs ministry to say that the ship was named Zografia. The 24-crew vessel was sailing from Vietnam to Israel. The Zografia "sustained limited damage... but remains in a navigable condition, and is continuing its journey," the source said as quoted by AFP. Houthi rebels did not immediately release any official statement. The rebels have been attacking shipping in the Red Sea for quite a while now. The Houthi rebels claim that the attacks are carried out to show solidarity with people in the Gaza Strip. The rebels have attacked US-owned ships too. On Sunday, the US forces shot down a cruise missile launched by Houthi rebel. The missile was targetting a US destroyer. On Monday a US-owned cargo ship got hit by rebel missile in Gulf of Oman. Also Read | US-owned cargo ship hit by missile off the coast of Yemen in latest attack The ongoing Israel war is threatening to revive regional enmities and analysts are expressing fears that the war may spark a wider conflict in the region. On Friday last week, the United States, along with the UK, launched strikes on many Houthi sites in parts of Yemen held by the rebels. These strikes were carried out as retaliation to previous Houthi attacks carried out in the Red Sea. Also Read | Iran launches barrage of missile strikes in northern Iraq and Syria; US condemns attacks On Tuesday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a British navy-run maritime security agency also reported an 'incident' in northwest of Saleef in Yemen. It was not immediately clear whether UKMTO was reporting the same attack previously mentioned by Ambrey. US says seized Iranian missile parts enroute to Houthis The US military said on Tuesday that it seized Iranian-made missile parts which were being sent to Houthi rebels. The US said that its military seized a boat in the Arabian Sea that was carrying these missile parts. US Central Command said on X that the seized material included both ""Iranian-made ballistic missile and cruise missiles components". The command added that to US Navy SEALS involved with the missed were reported lost at sea and "an exhaustive search" was underway. (With inputs from agencies)

Missile hits cargo ship off Yemen, says maritime risk company

Tightening the screws&nbsp;on Houthis further, the United States on Friday (January 12) sanctioned two companies in Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with the aim of cracking down upon the financial sources of the Iran-backed rebels in Yemen. The move comes after US and UK collectively launched strikes against the rebels who have been attacking shipping in the Red Sea, a vital waterway for global trade.

Houthi rebels have been claiming that their attacks on Red Sea shipping were in protest of Israel's war against Hamas. The repeated attacks have forced shipping companies avoid Red Sea routes and the&nbsp;Suez Canal.

On Friday, the US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on Hong Kong-based Cielo Maritime and UAE-based Global Tech Marine Services.

Gravitas | US, UK warplanes, submarines and warships bomb Houthi targets in Yemen

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The US Treasury said that these companies were suspected to have shipped Iranian commodities helping financial network of Houthi facilitator Sa'id al-Jamal.

"The revenue from the commodity sales supports the Houthis and their continued attacks against international shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden," the department added in a statement.

"Together with our allies and partners, we will take all available measures to stop the destabilizing activities of the&nbsp;Houthis and their threats to global commerce," said Brian Nelson, Treasury under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-and-uk-launch-massive-strike-against-houthi-rebels-in-yemen-679159">US and UK launch massive strikes against Houthi rebels, 5 killed</a>

US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller in a separate statement said that the US will continue to counter illicit Iranian financial support to the Houthis."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bidens-defensive-action-against-houthis-in-yemen-earns-him-democratic-ire-and-trolling-on-x-679415">Biden's 'defensive action' against Houthis in Yemen earns him Democratic ire and trolling on X</a>

As part of its latest move to impose sanctions, the US also designated four vessels as "blocked property". The sanctioned companies are said to have interest in these vessels.

<h2>UN urges calm</h2>

The attacks by US and UK on Houthi rebels has raised&nbsp;fears that Israel-Hamas war may spark a wider regional conflict drawing in several nations and groups further complicating an already complex situation.

The United Nations Secretary-General Antonion Guterres on Friday appealed all sides "not to escalate" the situation in the Red Sea. His statement through his spokesperson came after US, UK attacks.

"The Secretary General further calls on all parties involved not to escalate even more the situation in the interest of peace and stability in the Red Sea and the wider region," said Guterres' spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.

(With inputs from agencies)

Tightening the screws on Houthis further, the United States on Friday (January 12) sanctioned two companies in Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with the aim of cracking down upon the financial sources of the Iran-backed rebels in Yemen.

Tightening the screws on Houthis further, the United States on Friday (January 12) sanctioned two companies in Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with the aim of cracking down upon the financial sources of the Iran-backed rebels in Yemen. The move comes after US and UK collectively launched strikes against the rebels who have been attacking shipping in the Red Sea, a vital waterway for global trade. Houthi rebels have been claiming that their attacks on Red Sea shipping were in protest of Israel's war against Hamas. The repeated attacks have forced shipping companies avoid Red Sea routes and the Suez Canal. On Friday, the US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on Hong Kong-based Cielo Maritime and UAE-based Global Tech Marine Services. Gravitas | US, UK warplanes, submarines and warships bomb Houthi targets in Yemen × The US Treasury said that these companies were suspected to have shipped Iranian commodities helping financial network of Houthi facilitator Sa'id al-Jamal. "The revenue from the commodity sales supports the Houthis and their continued attacks against international shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden," the department added in a statement. "Together with our allies and partners, we will take all available measures to stop the destabilizing activities of the Houthis and their threats to global commerce," said Brian Nelson, Treasury under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence. Also Read | US and UK launch massive strikes against Houthi rebels, 5 killed US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller in a separate statement said that the US will continue to counter illicit Iranian financial support to the Houthis." Also Read | Biden's 'defensive action' against Houthis in Yemen earns him Democratic ire and trolling on X As part of its latest move to impose sanctions, the US also designated four vessels as "blocked property". The sanctioned companies are said to have interest in these vessels. UN urges calm The attacks by US and UK on Houthi rebels has raised fears that Israel-Hamas war may spark a wider regional conflict drawing in several nations and groups further complicating an already complex situation. The United Nations Secretary-General Antonion Guterres on Friday appealed all sides "not to escalate" the situation in the Red Sea. His statement through his spokesperson came after US, UK attacks. "The Secretary General further calls on all parties involved not to escalate even more the situation in the interest of peace and stability in the Red Sea and the wider region," said Guterres' spokesperson Stephane Dujarric. (With inputs from agencies)

US sanctions firms supporting Houthis as UN urges calm in Red Sea

President Joe Biden on Thursday (Jan 11) announced that a coalition led by the US and UK launched air strikes targeting Houthis in Yemen in a "defensive action", in the wake of escalating attacks by the Iran-backed rebels on vessels in the Red Sea.&nbsp;

Five people were killed and six others were wounded in the missile strikes carried out by the US and UK, said the Iran-backed Houthi forces&nbsp;on Friday (Jan 12). "The raids led to the death of five martyrs and the injury of six others from our armed forces," said Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree, on X.

Biden warned he "will not hesitate" to give orders for further military action, if required. The air strikes were made on various cities in Yemen, where the Houthis are controlling a good amount of territory, reported news agency AFP. 
 
Australia also provided personnel support to the strikes, which&nbsp;involved various Tomahawk missiles and fighter jets, according to the reports. 
 
"Today, at my direction, US military forces -- together with the United Kingdom and with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands - successfully conducted strikes against several targets in Yemen used by Houthi rebels to endanger freedom of navigation in one of the world's most vital waterways," Biden said, using an alternate spelling of Huthi. 
 
He said that the strikes are a "direct response" to "unprecedented" attacks launched by the Houthis, "including the use of anti-ship ballistic missiles for the first time in history".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unsc-calls-for-immediate-end-of-attacks-by-yemens-houthi-rebels-on-red-sea-678877">UNSC calls for 'immediate end' to attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels in Red Sea</a>

"These attacks have endangered US personnel, civilian mariners, and our partners, jeopardised trade, and threatened freedom of navigation," Biden said, emphasising that Washington and its allies "will not tolerate attacks on our personnel or allow hostile actors to imperil freedom of navigation." 
 
"I will not hesitate to direct further measures to protect our people and the free flow of international commerce as necessary,” asserted the US president.

Biden further said that the Houthi rebels on January 9 had "launched their largest attack to date - directly targeting American ships."

<h2 lang="en-US">Sunak says attacks on Houthis 'necessary and proportionate'</h2>

In a statement, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that the strikes carried out on Houthi rebels in Yemen were "necessary and proportionate". 
 
"Despite the repeated warnings from the international community, the Houthis have continued to carry out attacks in the Red Sea. We have therefore taken limited, necessary and proportionate action in self-defence, alongside the United States... to degrade Houthi military capabilities and protect global shipping,” Sunak said.

<h2 lang="en-US">US defence secretary warns Houthis to back down</h2>

Meanwhile, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin on Thursday said that the strikes were carried out to reduce the Houthi rebels' ability to target international shipping. 
 
"Today's strikes targeted sites associated with the Houthis' unmanned aerial vehicle, ballistic and cruise missile, and coastal radar and air surveillance capabilities," said Austin, in a statement.

Watch:&nbsp;Red Sea conflict: UN Security Council demands Houthis to stop Red Sea shipping attacks

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"This action is intended to disrupt and degrade the Huthis' capabilities to endanger mariners and threaten global trade in one of the world's most critical waterways. Today’s coalition action sends a clear message to the Huthis that they will bear further costs if they do not end their illegal attacks," Austin said.

<h2 lang="en-US">Aim to 'restore stability in the Red Sea': US and allies</h2>

After launching strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen, the United States and its allies said that stabilising crucial Red Sea shipping lanes is their main goal. 
 
"Our aim remains to de-escalate tensions and restore stability in the Red Sea, but let our message be clear: we will not hesitate to defend lives and protect the free flow of commerce in one of the world's most critical waterways in the face of continued threats," said a joint statement, released by the governments of Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, South Korea, United Kingdom and the United States. 
 
The Houthis have launched various attacks on some major international sea routes since the Israel-Hamas war erupted with the unprecedented attack by the Palestinian militant group on Tel Aviv on October 7.

<h2 lang="en-US">Australia extended support to US and UK airstrikes on Houthis</h2>

Australia also supported the US and UK militaries when dozens of airstrikes were launched against the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen.

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said that the decision to launch the strikes “was not taken lightly”.

“On 4 January Australia was part of [a group of] 14 countries which issued a statement warning the Houthi rebels that if they continue to attack maritime activity in the Red Sea, there would be consequences,” Defence Minister Marles said.

“They have continued their attacks on maritime and naval assets. As a result, the attacks today have occurred,” he added.

<h2 lang="en-US">Houthi-led Yemen's minister says&nbsp;US, UK will have to pay heavy price for attack</h2>

Deputy foreign minister of Houthi-led Yemen Hussein al-Ezzi said that the United States and the United Kingdom will have to pay a heavy price for the aggressive attack on Houthi rebels, as quoted by CNN.

"Our country was subjected to a massive aggressive attack by American and British ships, submarines, and warplanes, and America and Britain will undoubtedly have to prepare to pay a heavy price and bear all the dire consequences of this blatant aggression," said al-Ezzi.

<h2 lang="en-US">Russia appeals for UNSC meeting after strike by US, Britain on Yemen</h2>

Russia appealed for the United Nations Security Council's urgent meeting on Friday (Jan 12) to discuss military strikes carried out by the United States and Britain on Yemen.

"Russia has requested an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council on January 12 in connection with the U.S. and UK strikes on Yemen," Russia's permanent mission to the United Nations said.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

President Joe Biden on Thursday (Jan 11) announced that a coalition led by the US and UK launched air strikes targeting Houthis in Yemen in a "defensive action", in the wake of escalating attacks by the Iran-backed rebels on vessels in the Red Sea.

President Joe Biden on Thursday (Jan 11) announced that a coalition led by the US and UK launched air strikes targeting Houthis in Yemen in a "defensive action", in the wake of escalating attacks by the Iran-backed rebels on vessels in the Red Sea. Five people were killed and six others were wounded in the missile strikes carried out by the US and UK, said the Iran-backed Houthi forces on Friday (Jan 12). "The raids led to the death of five martyrs and the injury of six others from our armed forces," said Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree, on X. Biden warned he "will not hesitate" to give orders for further military action, if required. The air strikes were made on various cities in Yemen, where the Houthis are controlling a good amount of territory, reported news agency AFP. Australia also provided personnel support to the strikes, which involved various Tomahawk missiles and fighter jets, according to the reports. "Today, at my direction, US military forces -- together with the United Kingdom and with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands - successfully conducted strikes against several targets in Yemen used by Houthi rebels to endanger freedom of navigation in one of the world's most vital waterways," Biden said, using an alternate spelling of Huthi. He said that the strikes are a "direct response" to "unprecedented" attacks launched by the Houthis, "including the use of anti-ship ballistic missiles for the first time in history". Also read: UNSC calls for 'immediate end' to attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels in Red Sea "These attacks have endangered US personnel, civilian mariners, and our partners, jeopardised trade, and threatened freedom of navigation," Biden said, emphasising that Washington and its allies "will not tolerate attacks on our personnel or allow hostile actors to imperil freedom of navigation." "I will not hesitate to direct further measures to protect our people and the free flow of international commerce as necessary,” asserted the US president. Biden further said that the Houthi rebels on January 9 had "launched their largest attack to date - directly targeting American ships." Sunak says attacks on Houthis 'necessary and proportionate' In a statement, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that the strikes carried out on Houthi rebels in Yemen were "necessary and proportionate". "Despite the repeated warnings from the international community, the Houthis have continued to carry out attacks in the Red Sea. We have therefore taken limited, necessary and proportionate action in self-defence, alongside the United States... to degrade Houthi military capabilities and protect global shipping,” Sunak said. US defence secretary warns Houthis to back down Meanwhile, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin on Thursday said that the strikes were carried out to reduce the Houthi rebels' ability to target international shipping. "Today's strikes targeted sites associated with the Houthis' unmanned aerial vehicle, ballistic and cruise missile, and coastal radar and air surveillance capabilities," said Austin, in a statement. Watch: Red Sea conflict: UN Security Council demands Houthis to stop Red Sea shipping attacks "This action is intended to disrupt and degrade the Huthis' capabilities to endanger mariners and threaten global trade in one of the world's most critical waterways. Today’s coalition action sends a clear message to the Huthis that they will bear further costs if they do not end their illegal attacks," Austin said. Aim to 'restore stability in the Red Sea': US and allies After launching strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen, the United States and its allies said that stabilising crucial Red Sea shipping lanes is their main goal. "Our aim remains to de-escalate tensions and restore stability in the Red Sea, but let our message be clear: we will not hesitate to defend lives and protect the free flow of commerce in one of the world's most critical waterways in the face of continued threats," said a joint statement, released by the governments of Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, South Korea, United Kingdom and the United States. The Houthis have launched various attacks on some major international sea routes since the Israel-Hamas war erupted with the unprecedented attack by the Palestinian militant group on Tel Aviv on October 7. Australia extended support to US and UK airstrikes on Houthis Australia also supported the US and UK militaries when dozens of airstrikes were launched against the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen. Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said that the decision to launch the strikes “was not taken lightly”. “On 4 January Australia was part of [a group of] 14 countries which issued a statement warning the Houthi rebels that if they continue to attack maritime activity in the Red Sea, there would be consequences,” Defence Minister Marles said. “They have continued their attacks on maritime and naval assets. As a result, the attacks today have occurred,” he added. Houthi-led Yemen's minister says US, UK will have to pay heavy price for attack Deputy foreign minister of Houthi-led Yemen Hussein al-Ezzi said that the United States and the United Kingdom will have to pay a heavy price for the aggressive attack on Houthi rebels, as quoted by CNN. "Our country was subjected to a massive aggressive attack by American and British ships, submarines, and warplanes, and America and Britain will undoubtedly have to prepare to pay a heavy price and bear all the dire consequences of this blatant aggression," said al-Ezzi. Russia appeals for UNSC meeting after strike by US, Britain on Yemen Russia appealed for the United Nations Security Council's urgent meeting on Friday (Jan 12) to discuss military strikes carried out by the United States and Britain on Yemen. "Russia has requested an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council on January 12 in connection with the U.S. and UK strikes on Yemen," Russia's permanent mission to the United Nations said. (With inputs from agencies)

US and UK launch massive strikes against Houthi rebels, 5 killed

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Wednesday (Jan 10) called for an "immediate" end to attacks being carried out by Yemen's Houthi rebels on the ships present in the Red Sea. 
 
The resolution which was passed "demands that the Houthis immediately cease all such attacks, which impede global commerce and undermine navigational rights and freedoms as well as regional peace and security." The resolution was adopted after Russia, as well as Algeria, Mozambique and China abstained. 
 
The intensified attacks by Houthi rebels have forced shipping companies to bypass the route and divert around South Africa's Cape of Good Hope, which has increased the time and cost being spent on their journey.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-thwarts-24-missiles-and-drones-launched-by-houthi-rebels-from-yemen-678400">US and UK thwart 21 missiles and drones launched by Houthi rebels from Yemen</a>

Earlier, the UN said that it continued "to be very concerned about the situation in the Red Sea".&nbsp; 
 
The resolution "condemns in the strongest terms the at least two dozen Huthi attacks on merchant and commercial vessels since November 19, 2023, when the Huthis attacked and seized the Galaxy Leader and its crew," as reported by news agency AFP. 
 
The Houthis, who have been attacking the international maritime traffic in the Red Sea&nbsp;in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war, have expressed their solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza.

<h2 lang="en-US">US, UK mull military action in response to largest Houthi attack</h2>

The US and UK have hinted that they are considering military action against Houthi rebels in Yemen after they repelled their largest attack on Red Sea shipping. 
 
Carrier-based warships and jets shot down 21 drones and missiles which were launched on Tuesday (Jan 9) by the Iran-backed group.

Watch: Houthis fire missiles &amp; drones in Red Sea, one of the biggest Houthi attacks till now&nbsp;

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The allies further warned of "consequences" in case of such attacks. Speaking about potential strikes in Yemen, UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said, "Watch this space". 
 
The Houthis said that a US ship, which was providing support to Israel, was targeted by them. The rebels have claimed repeatedly that they have launched attacks on merchant vessels which are linked to Israel, in protest of the actions taken by the IDF in the war in Gaza.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Wednesday (Jan 10) called for an "immediate" end to attacks being carried out by Yemen's Houthi rebels on the ships present in the Red Sea.

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Wednesday (Jan 10) called for an "immediate" end to attacks being carried out by Yemen's Houthi rebels on the ships present in the Red Sea. The resolution which was passed "demands that the Houthis immediately cease all such attacks, which impede global commerce and undermine navigational rights and freedoms as well as regional peace and security." The resolution was adopted after Russia, as well as Algeria, Mozambique and China abstained. The intensified attacks by Houthi rebels have forced shipping companies to bypass the route and divert around South Africa's Cape of Good Hope, which has increased the time and cost being spent on their journey. Also read: US and UK thwart 21 missiles and drones launched by Houthi rebels from Yemen Earlier, the UN said that it continued "to be very concerned about the situation in the Red Sea". The resolution "condemns in the strongest terms the at least two dozen Huthi attacks on merchant and commercial vessels since November 19, 2023, when the Huthis attacked and seized the Galaxy Leader and its crew," as reported by news agency AFP. The Houthis, who have been attacking the international maritime traffic in the Red Sea in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war, have expressed their solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza. US, UK mull military action in response to largest Houthi attack The US and UK have hinted that they are considering military action against Houthi rebels in Yemen after they repelled their largest attack on Red Sea shipping. Carrier-based warships and jets shot down 21 drones and missiles which were launched on Tuesday (Jan 9) by the Iran-backed group. Watch: Houthis fire missiles & drones in Red Sea, one of the biggest Houthi attacks till now The allies further warned of "consequences" in case of such attacks. Speaking about potential strikes in Yemen, UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said, "Watch this space". The Houthis said that a US ship, which was providing support to Israel, was targeted by them. The rebels have claimed repeatedly that they have launched attacks on merchant vessels which are linked to Israel, in protest of the actions taken by the IDF in the war in Gaza. (With inputs from agencies)

UNSC calls for 'immediate end' to attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels in Red Sea

Yemen's Houthi movement attacked two commercial ships in the Red Sea with naval drones on Monday, the Iran-backed group said, the latest in a surge of attacks over Israel's military campaign in Gaza.

Houthi spokesperson Yahya Sarea identified the vessels as the MSC Clara and Norwegian-owned Swan Atlantic, and said the attacks were carried out after their crews failed to respond to calls from the group.

The Swan Atlantic's owner said the ship had been struck by an unidentified object but none of the crew was hurt.

The MSC Clara is a Panama-flagged vessel, according to LSEG data. Details of the attack on the vessel were not immediately known.

The Houthis say they have been attacking vessels in the Red Sea with links to Israel in protest against its military offensive against Hamas in Gaza, and have warned against sailing towards the area.

The attacks have caused concerns about the impact on the passage of oil, grain and other goods on what is an important global trade route, and have pushed up the cost of insuring and shipping goods through the Red Sea.

Soon after the latest attacks, London's insurance market widened the area in the Red Sea it deems as high risk.

Taiwan's Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation said it would divert any of its ships sailing through the Red Sea or Gulf of Aden via the Cape of Good Hope for the next two weeks.

Norway-based oil tanker group Frontline said its vessels would also start avoiding passages through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

"War risk insurance premiums are on the rise naturally, but as vessels gets re-routed around Africa shipping supply will be tighter as cargoes travel longer. That would put rates under a strong upwards pressure," CEO Lars Barstad told Reuters.

The announcement followed decisions by two major freight firms including MSC, the world's biggest container shipping line, to&nbsp;avoid&nbsp;the Suez Canal in response to the attacks by Houthi forces, which control most of Yemen, a poor Arab state.

The Suez Canal shipping route, which leads to the Red Sea, is a vital waterway for global trade, used to transport energy and other goods between Europe and Asia, and elsewhere. The route saves on time and expense by avoiding having to navigate around the entire Africa continent.

<h2 data-testid="Heading">ONBOARD FIRE</h2>

Confirming Monday's attack on the Swan Atlantic, US&nbsp;officials told Reuters multiple projectiles had been launched from Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen.

All the ship's system were operating normally although the water tank had been damaged in the attack, said Oystein Elgan, chief executive of owner Inventor Chemical Tankers.

Inventor Chemical Tankers had no Israeli ties, Elgan said.

The vessel's operator, Uni-Tankers, said the attack had caused a small fire which the crew brought under control, and that the ship, carrying vegetable oils, continued to Reunion Island.

A British maritime authority said it had received a report of a vessel that "experienced an explosion" on its port side in an attack 24 nautical miles north west of Yemen's Mokha port.

The vessel and crew were reported safe, it said in an advisory. The incident described by the UKMTO advisory was similar to those of the attack on the Swan Atlantic.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) authority said in a separate advisory it had received a report of a vessel 24 nautical miles southeast of Mokha as being approached by a craft with several armed personnel onboard.

Warning shots were fired from the vessel and the craft with the armed personnel on board changed course, the advisory said.

The UKMTO authority said in other advisories it had received reports of an incident 63 nautical miles northwest of Djibouti and another incident in the vicinity of the Bab Al Mandab strait, 30 nautical miles south of the port Mokha.

The Houthis have pledged to continue their attacks until Israel stops its assault, but said on Saturday that real steps to ease the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip would contribute to "reducing the escalation". They also said that they were in&nbsp;Oman-mediated talks&nbsp;about its sea "operations".

That was the first indication that the militia group may be willing to de-escalate. The US&nbsp;has said it is seeking an expanded&nbsp;coalition&nbsp;to protect ships in the Red Sea and to send a signal to the Houthis, who have also fired drones and missiles at Israel since it began its campaign in Gaza in response to the Hamas rampage in southern Israel on Oct. 7.

Norway's Shipowners' Association said it expected Norwegian and international authorities to come together as soon as possible to secure safe passage for civilian vessels.

Norway's foreign ministry said Oslo was evaluating whether to participate in the proposed US-led maritime coalition.

Yemen's Houthi movement attacked two commercial ships in the Red Sea with naval drones on Monday, the Iran-backed group said, the latest in a surge of attacks over Israel's military campaign in Gaza.

Yemen's Houthi movement attacked two commercial ships in the Red Sea with naval drones on Monday, the Iran-backed group said, the latest in a surge of attacks over Israel's military campaign in Gaza. Houthi spokesperson Yahya Sarea identified the vessels as the MSC Clara and Norwegian-owned Swan Atlantic, and said the attacks were carried out after their crews failed to respond to calls from the group. The Swan Atlantic's owner said the ship had been struck by an unidentified object but none of the crew was hurt. The MSC Clara is a Panama-flagged vessel, according to LSEG data. Details of the attack on the vessel were not immediately known. The Houthis say they have been attacking vessels in the Red Sea with links to Israel in protest against its military offensive against Hamas in Gaza, and have warned against sailing towards the area. The attacks have caused concerns about the impact on the passage of oil, grain and other goods on what is an important global trade route, and have pushed up the cost of insuring and shipping goods through the Red Sea. Soon after the latest attacks, London's insurance market widened the area in the Red Sea it deems as high risk. Taiwan's Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation said it would divert any of its ships sailing through the Red Sea or Gulf of Aden via the Cape of Good Hope for the next two weeks. Norway-based oil tanker group Frontline said its vessels would also start avoiding passages through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. "War risk insurance premiums are on the rise naturally, but as vessels gets re-routed around Africa shipping supply will be tighter as cargoes travel longer. That would put rates under a strong upwards pressure," CEO Lars Barstad told Reuters. The announcement followed decisions by two major freight firms including MSC, the world's biggest container shipping line, to avoid the Suez Canal in response to the attacks by Houthi forces, which control most of Yemen, a poor Arab state. The Suez Canal shipping route, which leads to the Red Sea, is a vital waterway for global trade, used to transport energy and other goods between Europe and Asia, and elsewhere. The route saves on time and expense by avoiding having to navigate around the entire Africa continent. ONBOARD FIRE Confirming Monday's attack on the Swan Atlantic, US officials told Reuters multiple projectiles had been launched from Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen. All the ship's system were operating normally although the water tank had been damaged in the attack, said Oystein Elgan, chief executive of owner Inventor Chemical Tankers. Inventor Chemical Tankers had no Israeli ties, Elgan said. The vessel's operator, Uni-Tankers, said the attack had caused a small fire which the crew brought under control, and that the ship, carrying vegetable oils, continued to Reunion Island. A British maritime authority said it had received a report of a vessel that "experienced an explosion" on its port side in an attack 24 nautical miles north west of Yemen's Mokha port. The vessel and crew were reported safe, it said in an advisory. The incident described by the UKMTO advisory was similar to those of the attack on the Swan Atlantic. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) authority said in a separate advisory it had received a report of a vessel 24 nautical miles southeast of Mokha as being approached by a craft with several armed personnel onboard. Warning shots were fired from the vessel and the craft with the armed personnel on board changed course, the advisory said. The UKMTO authority said in other advisories it had received reports of an incident 63 nautical miles northwest of Djibouti and another incident in the vicinity of the Bab Al Mandab strait, 30 nautical miles south of the port Mokha. The Houthis have pledged to continue their attacks until Israel stops its assault, but said on Saturday that real steps to ease the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip would contribute to "reducing the escalation". They also said that they were in Oman-mediated talks about its sea "operations". That was the first indication that the militia group may be willing to de-escalate. The US has said it is seeking an expanded coalition to protect ships in the Red Sea and to send a signal to the Houthis, who have also fired drones and missiles at Israel since it began its campaign in Gaza in response to the Hamas rampage in southern Israel on Oct. 7. Norway's Shipowners' Association said it expected Norwegian and international authorities to come together as soon as possible to secure safe passage for civilian vessels. Norway's foreign ministry said Oslo was evaluating whether to participate in the proposed US-led maritime coalition.

Vessel attacked in Red Sea off Yemen coast, US blames Houthis

Maersk, which is one of the world's largest shipping companies, has said that it is suspending shipping through Red Sea strait following attacks by&nbsp;Yemeni rebels&nbsp;on merchant ships.

"Following the near-miss incident involving Maersk Gibraltar yesterday and yet another attack on a container vessel today, we have instructed all Maersk vessels in the area bound to pass through the Bab al-Mandab Strait to pause their journey until further notice," the company said in a statement as per AFP.

Reuters quoted a Maersk spokesperson saying that the company will ask the ships to take a detour around Africa.&nbsp;

"Following the near-miss incident involving Maersk Gibraltar yesterday and yet another attack on a container vessel today, we have instructed all Maersk vessels in the area bound to pass through the Bab al-Mandab Strait to pause their journey until further notice," the company said as reported by Reuters.

Watch | Israel-Hamas tops list of Google searches in 2023

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On Thursday, Maersk said that Maersk Gibraltar, one of its ships was targeted by a missile when it was travelling from Salalah, Oman, to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The company said that the crew and vessel were safe.

Earlier on Friday, Maersk denied claim from Iran-backed Yemeni Houthi rebels that they had struck a ship that was sailing towards Israel.

The Houthis&nbsp;claimed without presenting evidence that they had attacked the container vessel with a drone.

"The recent attacks on commercial vessels in the area are alarming and pose a significant threat to the safety and security of seafarers," read the&nbsp;statement by&nbsp;Maersk

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-troops-mistakenly-shot-dead-three-israeli-hostages-says-army-670143">Israel troops 'mistakenly' shot dead three Israeli hostages, says army</a>

Maersk's concerns were echoed by&nbsp;German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock who said earlier on Friday that the attcaks by Houthi rebels were not only threatening Israel but were also a threat to international shipping.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/45pc-of-israeli-air-to-ground-munitions-in-gaza-are-dumb-bombs-reveals-report-669941">45 pc of Israeli air-to-ground munitions in Gaza are 'dumb bombs', reveals report</a>

"These attacks endanger not only Israel's security -- these attacks threaten international maritime shipping and the freedom of trade routes," German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said at a press conference in Berlin. Visiting Lebanese counterpart Abdallah Bou Habib was al present at the media briefing.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Maersk, which is one of the world's largest shipping companies, has said that it is suspending shipping through Red Sea strait following attacks by Yemeni rebels on merchant ships.

Maersk, which is one of the world's largest shipping companies, has said that it is suspending shipping through Red Sea strait following attacks by Yemeni rebels on merchant ships. "Following the near-miss incident involving Maersk Gibraltar yesterday and yet another attack on a container vessel today, we have instructed all Maersk vessels in the area bound to pass through the Bab al-Mandab Strait to pause their journey until further notice," the company said in a statement as per AFP. Reuters quoted a Maersk spokesperson saying that the company will ask the ships to take a detour around Africa. "Following the near-miss incident involving Maersk Gibraltar yesterday and yet another attack on a container vessel today, we have instructed all Maersk vessels in the area bound to pass through the Bab al-Mandab Strait to pause their journey until further notice," the company said as reported by Reuters. Watch | Israel-Hamas tops list of Google searches in 2023 × On Thursday, Maersk said that Maersk Gibraltar, one of its ships was targeted by a missile when it was travelling from Salalah, Oman, to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The company said that the crew and vessel were safe. Earlier on Friday, Maersk denied claim from Iran-backed Yemeni Houthi rebels that they had struck a ship that was sailing towards Israel. The Houthis claimed without presenting evidence that they had attacked the container vessel with a drone. "The recent attacks on commercial vessels in the area are alarming and pose a significant threat to the safety and security of seafarers," read the statement by Maersk Also Read | Israel troops 'mistakenly' shot dead three Israeli hostages, says army Maersk's concerns were echoed by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock who said earlier on Friday that the attcaks by Houthi rebels were not only threatening Israel but were also a threat to international shipping. Also Read | 45 pc of Israeli air-to-ground munitions in Gaza are 'dumb bombs', reveals report "These attacks endanger not only Israel's security -- these attacks threaten international maritime shipping and the freedom of trade routes," German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said at a press conference in Berlin. Visiting Lebanese counterpart Abdallah Bou Habib was al present at the media briefing. (With inputs from agencies)

Maersk suspends shipping through Red Sea strait after attacks from Houthi rebels, opts for long detour

Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi group said Sunday they had seized a vessel in the Red Sea, which belongs to an Israeli businessman.&nbsp;

The Israeli military also confirmed the news later, terming the act "a very grave incident on a global level".

According to unconfirmed reports in Iranian media, the Houthi fighters landed on the ship by helicopter and steered it towards the Yemeni coast.

The ship left Turkey and was headed for India, and was staffed by “civilians of various nationalities, not including Israelis", IDF said in a statement.

"Onboard the vessel are 25 crew members of various nationalities including Ukrainian, Bulgarian, Filipino and Mexican," the statement added.

<h2>Who owns the vessel?</h2>

IDF in its statement said the ship is owned by a British company and is operated by a Japanese firm. "It is not an Israeli ship," IDF made it clear.

However, Maritime security company Ambrey said "the vehicles carrier's group owner is listed as Ray Car Carriers", whose parent company belongs to Abraham "Rami" Ungar, an Israeli businessman.

<h2>Who is Abraham (Rami) Ungar?</h2>

According to Haaretz, Abraham (Rami) Ungar is one of Israel’s richest individuals, with a total net worth of over $2 billion.

He is an international shipping mogul and one of the country’s biggest motor vehicle importers. He has also had a history of close ties to right-wing Israeli politicians.

Watch:&nbsp;US mulls sanctions on violent Israeli settlers

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Apparently, he was also involved in two major political scandals in the country where he allegedly offered favours to former ministers and even ex-PM Ehud Olmert.

In 2018, he is believed to have purchased FIFA World Cup tickets for then-minister Yoav Gallant from the Likud party. In another affair, he allegedly paid an individual $10,000 a month to prevent her from testifying against then-PM Ehud Olmert.

<h2>Israel, US, Japan condemn the incident</h2>

The office of the Israeli PM labelled it as “an act of Iranian terrorism that expresses a leap in their aggression."&nbsp;

"This is another Iranian act of terrorism that represents an escalation in Iran's belligerence against the citizens of the free world, with concomitant international ramifications vis-a-vis the security of global shipping routes."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-inching-towards-five-day-pause-in-fighting-in-us-brokered-deal-report-660224">Also read:&nbsp;White House clarifies on potential hostage deal to pause Israel-Hamas war</a>

A US military official said the seizure of the vessel "is a flagrant violation of international law"."We demand the immediate release of the ship and its crew. We will consult with our allies and UN partners as to appropriate next steps," the official said.

In a separate statement, Japan also condemned the hijacking.

The alleged Houthi attack comes after calls by Iran’s leader Ali Khamenei to ban the shipment of oil and food to Israel.

(With inputs from agencies)

Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi group said Sunday they had seized a vessel in the Red Sea, which belongs to an Israeli businessman. The Israeli military also confirmed the news later, terming the act "a very grave incident on a global level".

Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi group said Sunday they had seized a vessel in the Red Sea, which belongs to an Israeli businessman. The Israeli military also confirmed the news later, terming the act "a very grave incident on a global level". According to unconfirmed reports in Iranian media, the Houthi fighters landed on the ship by helicopter and steered it towards the Yemeni coast. The ship left Turkey and was headed for India, and was staffed by “civilians of various nationalities, not including Israelis", IDF said in a statement. "Onboard the vessel are 25 crew members of various nationalities including Ukrainian, Bulgarian, Filipino and Mexican," the statement added. Who owns the vessel? IDF in its statement said the ship is owned by a British company and is operated by a Japanese firm. "It is not an Israeli ship," IDF made it clear. However, Maritime security company Ambrey said "the vehicles carrier's group owner is listed as Ray Car Carriers", whose parent company belongs to Abraham "Rami" Ungar, an Israeli businessman. Who is Abraham (Rami) Ungar? According to Haaretz, Abraham (Rami) Ungar is one of Israel’s richest individuals, with a total net worth of over $2 billion. He is an international shipping mogul and one of the country’s biggest motor vehicle importers. He has also had a history of close ties to right-wing Israeli politicians. Watch: US mulls sanctions on violent Israeli settlers × Apparently, he was also involved in two major political scandals in the country where he allegedly offered favours to former ministers and even ex-PM Ehud Olmert. In 2018, he is believed to have purchased FIFA World Cup tickets for then-minister Yoav Gallant from the Likud party. In another affair, he allegedly paid an individual $10,000 a month to prevent her from testifying against then-PM Ehud Olmert. Israel, US, Japan condemn the incident The office of the Israeli PM labelled it as “an act of Iranian terrorism that expresses a leap in their aggression." "This is another Iranian act of terrorism that represents an escalation in Iran's belligerence against the citizens of the free world, with concomitant international ramifications vis-a-vis the security of global shipping routes." Also read: White House clarifies on potential hostage deal to pause Israel-Hamas war A US military official said the seizure of the vessel "is a flagrant violation of international law"."We demand the immediate release of the ship and its crew. We will consult with our allies and UN partners as to appropriate next steps," the official said. In a separate statement, Japan also condemned the hijacking. The alleged Houthi attack comes after calls by Iran’s leader Ali Khamenei to ban the shipment of oil and food to Israel. (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Abraham Rami Ungar, Israeli businessman whose vessel was hijacked by Houthis?

Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have shot down a US military drone, news agencies have reported citing US officials. Houthi rebels in the past have shot down American drones, but the latest incident has taken place just when the situation in the Middle East is tense due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Houthi rebels have claimed that the American MQ-9 Reaper drone war spying as part of the USA's help to Israel in the ongoing war, reported AFP.

"A US military MQ-9 remotely-piloted aircraft was shot down off the coast of Yemen by Houthi forces," AFP quoted an unnamed US official.

Houthi rebels captured Yemen's capital Sanaa in the year 2014. They still control a large part of the country. The rebels had claimed responsibility for shooting down the US drone earlier on Wednesday.

Watch | Israel-Hamas war: IDF releases video of tunnel destruction: Gaza

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"Our air defences were able to down an American MQ-9 while it was carrying out hostile surveillance and espionage activities in Yemeni territorial waters as part of American military support&nbsp;for Israel," the Houthis said in a statement as reported by AFP.

Houthi rebels have staged attacks against Israel in recent weeks. The US Navy has also intercepted missiles fired by the rebels. After Hamas' October 7 attack, the US rushed military help to Israel and boosted US forces stationed in the region.

<h2>US strikes Iranian site in Syria</h2>

The US has carried out strikes against a weapons storage facility used by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Syria. On Wednesday, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said that the strikes were carried out in response to attacks on US forces in the region.

After the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, there have been at least 40 attacks on US and coalition troops in Syria and Iraq by forces which are backed by Iran.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g7-falls-short-of-calling-for-ceasefire-in-gaza-as-israel-hamas-war-rages-on-656560">G7 nations fall short of calling for ceasefire in Gaza as Israel-Hamas war rages on</a>

In his statement, Austin said that attacks against American troops must stop.

"If attacks by Iran's proxies against U.S. forces continue, we will not hesitate to take further necessary measures to protect our people," Austin added.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-mr-security-hes-mr-bullst-former-israeli-pm-slams-netanyahus-plans-for-post-war-gaza-656618">Not ‘Mr Security. He’s Mr Bulls**t’: Former Israeli PM slams Netanyahu’s plans for post-war Gaza</a>

He said that the fresh airstrikes in Syria were carried out by two F-15 fighter jets.

The US has often launched retaliatory strikes against Iran-backed elements in the region.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have shot down a US military drone, news agencies have reported citing US officials. Houthi rebels in the past have shot down American drones, but the latest incident has taken place just when the situation in the Middle East is tense due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have shot down a US military drone, news agencies have reported citing US officials. Houthi rebels in the past have shot down American drones, but the latest incident has taken place just when the situation in the Middle East is tense due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Houthi rebels have claimed that the American MQ-9 Reaper drone war spying as part of the USA's help to Israel in the ongoing war, reported AFP. "A US military MQ-9 remotely-piloted aircraft was shot down off the coast of Yemen by Houthi forces," AFP quoted an unnamed US official. Houthi rebels captured Yemen's capital Sanaa in the year 2014. They still control a large part of the country. The rebels had claimed responsibility for shooting down the US drone earlier on Wednesday. Watch | Israel-Hamas war: IDF releases video of tunnel destruction: Gaza × "Our air defences were able to down an American MQ-9 while it was carrying out hostile surveillance and espionage activities in Yemeni territorial waters as part of American military support for Israel," the Houthis said in a statement as reported by AFP. Houthi rebels have staged attacks against Israel in recent weeks. The US Navy has also intercepted missiles fired by the rebels. After Hamas' October 7 attack, the US rushed military help to Israel and boosted US forces stationed in the region. US strikes Iranian site in Syria The US has carried out strikes against a weapons storage facility used by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Syria. On Wednesday, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said that the strikes were carried out in response to attacks on US forces in the region. After the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, there have been at least 40 attacks on US and coalition troops in Syria and Iraq by forces which are backed by Iran. Also Read | G7 nations fall short of calling for ceasefire in Gaza as Israel-Hamas war rages on In his statement, Austin said that attacks against American troops must stop. "If attacks by Iran's proxies against U.S. forces continue, we will not hesitate to take further necessary measures to protect our people," Austin added. Also Read | Not ‘Mr Security. He’s Mr Bulls**t’: Former Israeli PM slams Netanyahu’s plans for post-war Gaza He said that the fresh airstrikes in Syria were carried out by two F-15 fighter jets. The US has often launched retaliatory strikes against Iran-backed elements in the region. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran-backed Houthi rebels shoot down US drone off Yemen

On 10th March 2023, China took the world by surprise when it announced that Saudi Arabia and Iran have agreed to resume diplomatic relations, in a peace deal brokered by it. The peace deal offers hope for peace and end to conflicts in the region. Among such conflicts is the eight-year-long ongoing war in Yemen where Saudi-led coalition is pitched against Iran-backed Houthi rebels since March 2015. As per the peace deal, both sides have agreed to end their support to the war in Yemen. It may be recalled that Saudi Arabia, along with regional Arab Allies and the US, launched airstrikes in Yemen on 26th March, 2015 in the air assault codenamed "Operation Decisive Storm", in response to the Houthi’s armed conflict against the government of Yemen.&nbsp;

Watch | The West Asia Post: Yemenis bear the cost of war

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Already, there are signs of the peace deal taking shape in Yemen. On 09th April, Saudi and Omani delegations held talks in Sanaa with Houthi officials as well as the head of Houthi Supreme Political Council, Mahdi al-Mashat. The talks focused on an early reopening of Houthi-controlled ports and the Sanaa airport, nation rebuilding efforts and a clear timeline for foreign forces to exit the country. In the past few weeks, both sides have exchanged number of prisoners too, as a goodwill gesture. There were concerns that the armed conflict could resume after Ramzan as the ceasefire in Yemen had expired in October 2022, but there is hope that the relative calm over past one year may finally translate into cessation of hostilities.&nbsp;

The conflict in Yemen however, goes well beyond the war since March 2015. The seeds of the unrest and conflict have a long history, mostly internal to Yemen and a long-lasting peace can only prevail only once both external and internal conflicts are resolved.&nbsp;

Internal Conflict

The roots to the internal conflict in Yemen go back to 22nd May 1990 when the erstwhile two Yemeni nations were united and brought under a single flag. People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen (South Yemen) merged with Arab Republic of Yemen (North Yemen) to form a new country, ‘Republic of Yemen’. It was a forced union as, Yemen, since the 19th century, had been divided in two separate entities along a north-south divide.

North Yemen was part of the former Ottoman Empire, while South Yemen fell under British influence in 1839 when the British captured the port of Aden. After the collapse of the Ottoman Empire in 1918, North Yemen became an independent republic while South Yemen continued under the British until Britain withdrew in 1967, after which it was largely under control of communist forces, till unification in 1990.

The unification which came about more as a result of collapse of the Soviet Union in 1989, was a compromise and a power-sharing formula attempting to balance political power. President Saleh, who was the President of Arab Republic of Yemen (North Yemen) since July 1978, continued as the president while the southern leader al-Beidh was made the Vice president.

However, the simmering conflict continued. Outnumbered one-is-to-four in terms of population and facing discrimination in jobs and sharing of revenue, Southern Yemenis felt left out and exploited. The first national elections, held on 27th April 1993, which promised a solution to the political unrest, resulted in a stalemate as neither of the parties could muster up a majority.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/saudi-led-coalition-releases-over-100-additional-yemen-war-prisoners-583456">Saudi-led coalition releases over 100 additional Yemen war prisoners</a>

The impasse continued till King Hussein of Jordan helped negotiate Yemen’s Document of Pledge and Accord (DPA), signed in Amman in February 1994, promising a balanced and equitable distribution of power and decentralized system of governance. The hope for peace was shattered when Saleh’s forces attacked a camp of southern forces in Sanaa in April 1994. &nbsp;

Suffering heavy losses, southern leader Ali Salem al-Beidh formally declared secession on 20th May.Armed clashes continued until 07th July 1994, when Saleh’s troops marched into Aden and declared victory. The military defeat and the continuing discrimination left the people in Southern Yemen feeling betrayed which slowly paved the way for the emergence of ‘Southern Movement’ in 2007, which has been fighting since for the rights of Southern Yemen.&nbsp;

In July 2017, the Southern Movement, which was supporting President Hadi government and the Saudi coalition against the Houthis till then, formed a ‘Southern Transitional Council’ (STC), a secessionist movement focused on re-gaining independence for South Yemen. It was formed owing to a discord with President Hadi when Hadi fired governor of Aden in April 2017.&nbsp;

Since then, the STC has attempted coup against the Hadi government twice, once in January 2018 and again in August 2019, when its forces overthrew the Hadi government and forced them to vacate Aden. After a sustained regional effort, the STC and the Hadi government signed the Riyadh Agreement in November 2019 which promised de-escalation and reconciliation. However, the STC soon scrapped the peace deal on 26th April 2020 and declared self-rule in key port city of Aden and other southern provinces. It later rescinded its declaration of self-rule on 29th July 2020, through Saudi mediation efforts. &nbsp; 
Current Crisis&nbsp;

The current conflict owes its origin to the ‘Arab Spring’ protests in 2011. Thousands of protesters, angered by continuing poverty, unemployment and corruption, gathered in the capital city Sanaa in January 2011, calling for President Saleh to step down as president. Saleh initially was dismissive about the protests but later offered concessions including assurance to step down after the current term ends in 2013. However, on 18th March, when protesters in Sanaa were fired upon by Saleh loyalists, killing at least 50 people, many officials, diplomats, ministers, and members of parliament resigned in protest. These included Maj. Gen. Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar, commander of the army’s 1st Armoured Division and one of the most powerful military officers in Saleh government.&nbsp;

Crisis intensified and on 03rd June, President Saleh was injured in a bomb blast in the presidential palace. &nbsp;He was rushed to Saudi Arabia for medical treatment. Meanwhile, the GCC countries along with the UN attempted a peaceful resolution to the crisis and formulated a plan called ‘GCC Initiative’ in May 2011 to support an agreement on the peaceful transfer of power.

On 21st October, 2011, the UNSC voted unanimously to pass the resolution UNSC Resolution 2014 which called for immediate implementation of GCC initiative and transfer of power in Yemen. On 23rd November 2011 finally, President Ali Abdullah Saleh signed a power–transfer agreement and relinquished post of the President to hand over power to Vice President Abdu Rabbo Mansour Hadi. A National Dialogue Conference (NDC) too was launched in March 2013 to reach consensus on major issues facing the country's political future but conflict continued and the Houthis kept extending their reach across the country.&nbsp;

In September 2014, armed Houthi tribesmen overran Sanaa, seizing key government buildings. On 21st January 2015, Houthi fighters overran the presidential palace. President Hadi and PM Khaled Bahah (along with the cabinet) were placed under house arrest and thereafter resigned on 22nd January 2015. Hadi escaped to Aden on 21st February describing the Houthi takeover of Sana’a as a “coup”. &nbsp;The Houthis took control of Taiz Airport and entered Aden unopposed on 25th March 2015, completing control of the three major cities in the country, Sana’a, Taiz and Aden. President Hadi fled to Riyadh on 25th March and the Saudi-led coalition launched airstrikes on 26th March 2015. The war have continued ever since.

Conclusion

The conflict in Yemen is therefore, equally about the external as well as the internal fault lines. While the Saudi-Iran peace deal many lead to formal end to the war between the Coalition and the Houthis, the more acute internal conflict may take longer. The mistrust between the South and the North would take time and trust to heal. However, it would be best left for the people to internally and mutually come with their own peace formula. A federal government with decentralized power structures in the North and South with a balanced and fare revenue-sharing structure could be one option.

The other could be an option taking Yemen back to the pre-1990 era of two nations sharing borders, but in peace and mutual respect. There may be other options too. The ‘Arab Spring’ protests of the previous decade have however taught the world a clear lesson. Political changes are best reconciled within the representatives groups of people themselves and external interference only brings about chaos.&nbsp;

Finally, Yemen has suffered for far too long. It is an important country of the Arabian Peninsula and holds the key to a very critical choke point across the Red Sea at Bab-al-Mandab for the global trade. The UN has called Yemen one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises. In 2023, a staggering 21.6 million people require some form of humanitarian assistance as 80 percent of the country struggles to put food on the table and access basic services. It is time now for Yemen to heal and for peace to have a chance.

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On 10th March 2023, China took the world by surprise when it announced that Saudi Arabia and Iran have agreed to resume diplomatic relations, in a peace deal brokered by it.

On 10th March 2023, China took the world by surprise when it announced that Saudi Arabia and Iran have agreed to resume diplomatic relations, in a peace deal brokered by it. The peace deal offers hope for peace and end to conflicts in the region. Among such conflicts is the eight-year-long ongoing war in Yemen where Saudi-led coalition is pitched against Iran-backed Houthi rebels since March 2015. As per the peace deal, both sides have agreed to end their support to the war in Yemen. It may be recalled that Saudi Arabia, along with regional Arab Allies and the US, launched airstrikes in Yemen on 26th March, 2015 in the air assault codenamed "Operation Decisive Storm", in response to the Houthi’s armed conflict against the government of Yemen. Watch | The West Asia Post: Yemenis bear the cost of war × Already, there are signs of the peace deal taking shape in Yemen. On 09th April, Saudi and Omani delegations held talks in Sanaa with Houthi officials as well as the head of Houthi Supreme Political Council, Mahdi al-Mashat. The talks focused on an early reopening of Houthi-controlled ports and the Sanaa airport, nation rebuilding efforts and a clear timeline for foreign forces to exit the country. In the past few weeks, both sides have exchanged number of prisoners too, as a goodwill gesture. There were concerns that the armed conflict could resume after Ramzan as the ceasefire in Yemen had expired in October 2022, but there is hope that the relative calm over past one year may finally translate into cessation of hostilities. The conflict in Yemen however, goes well beyond the war since March 2015. The seeds of the unrest and conflict have a long history, mostly internal to Yemen and a long-lasting peace can only prevail only once both external and internal conflicts are resolved. Internal Conflict The roots to the internal conflict in Yemen go back to 22nd May 1990 when the erstwhile two Yemeni nations were united and brought under a single flag. People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen (South Yemen) merged with Arab Republic of Yemen (North Yemen) to form a new country, ‘Republic of Yemen’. It was a forced union as, Yemen, since the 19th century, had been divided in two separate entities along a north-south divide. North Yemen was part of the former Ottoman Empire, while South Yemen fell under British influence in 1839 when the British captured the port of Aden. After the collapse of the Ottoman Empire in 1918, North Yemen became an independent republic while South Yemen continued under the British until Britain withdrew in 1967, after which it was largely under control of communist forces, till unification in 1990. The unification which came about more as a result of collapse of the Soviet Union in 1989, was a compromise and a power-sharing formula attempting to balance political power. President Saleh, who was the President of Arab Republic of Yemen (North Yemen) since July 1978, continued as the president while the southern leader al-Beidh was made the Vice president. However, the simmering conflict continued. Outnumbered one-is-to-four in terms of population and facing discrimination in jobs and sharing of revenue, Southern Yemenis felt left out and exploited. The first national elections, held on 27th April 1993, which promised a solution to the political unrest, resulted in a stalemate as neither of the parties could muster up a majority. Also Read | Saudi-led coalition releases over 100 additional Yemen war prisoners The impasse continued till King Hussein of Jordan helped negotiate Yemen’s Document of Pledge and Accord (DPA), signed in Amman in February 1994, promising a balanced and equitable distribution of power and decentralized system of governance. The hope for peace was shattered when Saleh’s forces attacked a camp of southern forces in Sanaa in April 1994. Suffering heavy losses, southern leader Ali Salem al-Beidh formally declared secession on 20th May.Armed clashes continued until 07th July 1994, when Saleh’s troops marched into Aden and declared victory. The military defeat and the continuing discrimination left the people in Southern Yemen feeling betrayed which slowly paved the way for the emergence of ‘Southern Movement’ in 2007, which has been fighting since for the rights of Southern Yemen. In July 2017, the Southern Movement, which was supporting President Hadi government and the Saudi coalition against the Houthis till then, formed a ‘Southern Transitional Council’ (STC), a secessionist movement focused on re-gaining independence for South Yemen. It was formed owing to a discord with President Hadi when Hadi fired governor of Aden in April 2017. Since then, the STC has attempted coup against the Hadi government twice, once in January 2018 and again in August 2019, when its forces overthrew the Hadi government and forced them to vacate Aden. After a sustained regional effort, the STC and the Hadi government signed the Riyadh Agreement in November 2019 which promised de-escalation and reconciliation. However, the STC soon scrapped the peace deal on 26th April 2020 and declared self-rule in key port city of Aden and other southern provinces. It later rescinded its declaration of self-rule on 29th July 2020, through Saudi mediation efforts. Current Crisis The current conflict owes its origin to the ‘Arab Spring’ protests in 2011. Thousands of protesters, angered by continuing poverty, unemployment and corruption, gathered in the capital city Sanaa in January 2011, calling for President Saleh to step down as president. Saleh initially was dismissive about the protests but later offered concessions including assurance to step down after the current term ends in 2013. However, on 18th March, when protesters in Sanaa were fired upon by Saleh loyalists, killing at least 50 people, many officials, diplomats, ministers, and members of parliament resigned in protest. These included Maj. Gen. Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar, commander of the army’s 1st Armoured Division and one of the most powerful military officers in Saleh government. Crisis intensified and on 03rd June, President Saleh was injured in a bomb blast in the presidential palace. He was rushed to Saudi Arabia for medical treatment. Meanwhile, the GCC countries along with the UN attempted a peaceful resolution to the crisis and formulated a plan called ‘GCC Initiative’ in May 2011 to support an agreement on the peaceful transfer of power. On 21st October, 2011, the UNSC voted unanimously to pass the resolution UNSC Resolution 2014 which called for immediate implementation of GCC initiative and transfer of power in Yemen. On 23rd November 2011 finally, President Ali Abdullah Saleh signed a power–transfer agreement and relinquished post of the President to hand over power to Vice President Abdu Rabbo Mansour Hadi. A National Dialogue Conference (NDC) too was launched in March 2013 to reach consensus on major issues facing the country's political future but conflict continued and the Houthis kept extending their reach across the country. In September 2014, armed Houthi tribesmen overran Sanaa, seizing key government buildings. On 21st January 2015, Houthi fighters overran the presidential palace. President Hadi and PM Khaled Bahah (along with the cabinet) were placed under house arrest and thereafter resigned on 22nd January 2015. Hadi escaped to Aden on 21st February describing the Houthi takeover of Sana’a as a “coup”. The Houthis took control of Taiz Airport and entered Aden unopposed on 25th March 2015, completing control of the three major cities in the country, Sana’a, Taiz and Aden. President Hadi fled to Riyadh on 25th March and the Saudi-led coalition launched airstrikes on 26th March 2015. The war have continued ever since. Conclusion The conflict in Yemen is therefore, equally about the external as well as the internal fault lines. While the Saudi-Iran peace deal many lead to formal end to the war between the Coalition and the Houthis, the more acute internal conflict may take longer. The mistrust between the South and the North would take time and trust to heal. However, it would be best left for the people to internally and mutually come with their own peace formula. A federal government with decentralized power structures in the North and South with a balanced and fare revenue-sharing structure could be one option. The other could be an option taking Yemen back to the pre-1990 era of two nations sharing borders, but in peace and mutual respect. There may be other options too. The ‘Arab Spring’ protests of the previous decade have however taught the world a clear lesson. Political changes are best reconciled within the representatives groups of people themselves and external interference only brings about chaos. Finally, Yemen has suffered for far too long. It is an important country of the Arabian Peninsula and holds the key to a very critical choke point across the Red Sea at Bab-al-Mandab for the global trade. The UN has called Yemen one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises. In 2023, a staggering 21.6 million people require some form of humanitarian assistance as 80 percent of the country struggles to put food on the table and access basic services. It is time now for Yemen to heal and for peace to have a chance. Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

War in Yemen may be over, peace still needs to be won

Saudi and Omani delegations arrived in Yemen's capital Sanaa, Houthi-run media said on Sunday, to negotiate a permanent ceasefire deal with Houthi officials and end Riyadh's military involvement in the country's long-running war.

The visit indicates progress in the Oman-mediated consultations between Riyadh and Sanaa, which run in parallel with UN&nbsp;peace efforts. Peace efforts have also gained momentum after arch-rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed to re-establish ties in a deal brokered by China.

The envoys, who landed late on Saturday, will meet with the head of Houthi Supreme Political Council, Mahdi al-Mashat, to hold talks on ending hostilities and lifting a Saudi-led "blockade" on Yemeni ports, Houthi news agency SABA reported.

Sources have told Reuters that the Saudi-Houthi talks are focused on a full reopening of Houthi-controlled ports and Sanaa airport, payment of wages for public servants, rebuilding efforts and a timeline for foreign forces to exit the country.

Yemen's war is seen as one of several proxy battles between Iran and Saudi Arabia. The Houthis, aligned with Iran, ousted a Saudi-backed government from Sanaa in late 2014, and have de facto control of north Yemen, saying they are rising up against a corrupt system and foreign aggression.

They have been fighting against a Saudi-led military alliance since 2015 in a conflict that has killed tens of thousands and left 80 per cent&nbsp;of Yemen's population dependent on humanitarian aid.

A Houthi official said on Saturday the group had received 13 detainees released by Saudi Arabia in exchange for a Saudi detainee freed earlier, ahead of a wider prisoner exchange agreed upon by the warring sides.

At talks in Switzerland last month attended by the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Yemeni government and the Houthis agreed to free 887 detainees. The 13 prisoners are part of that agreement, Houthi official Abdul Qader al-Mortada said.

The Saudi government media office did not respond to a Reuters request for comment on the prisoner exchange and the delegation visiting Sanaa.

&nbsp;

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Saudi and Omani delegations arrived in Yemen's capital Sanaa, Houthi-run media said on Sunday, to negotiate a permanent ceasefire deal with Houthi officials and end Riyadh's military involvement in the country's long-running war.

Saudi and Omani delegations arrived in Yemen's capital Sanaa, Houthi-run media said on Sunday, to negotiate a permanent ceasefire deal with Houthi officials and end Riyadh's military involvement in the country's long-running war. The visit indicates progress in the Oman-mediated consultations between Riyadh and Sanaa, which run in parallel with UN peace efforts. Peace efforts have also gained momentum after arch-rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed to re-establish ties in a deal brokered by China. The envoys, who landed late on Saturday, will meet with the head of Houthi Supreme Political Council, Mahdi al-Mashat, to hold talks on ending hostilities and lifting a Saudi-led "blockade" on Yemeni ports, Houthi news agency SABA reported. Sources have told Reuters that the Saudi-Houthi talks are focused on a full reopening of Houthi-controlled ports and Sanaa airport, payment of wages for public servants, rebuilding efforts and a timeline for foreign forces to exit the country. Yemen's war is seen as one of several proxy battles between Iran and Saudi Arabia. The Houthis, aligned with Iran, ousted a Saudi-backed government from Sanaa in late 2014, and have de facto control of north Yemen, saying they are rising up against a corrupt system and foreign aggression. They have been fighting against a Saudi-led military alliance since 2015 in a conflict that has killed tens of thousands and left 80 per cent of Yemen's population dependent on humanitarian aid. A Houthi official said on Saturday the group had received 13 detainees released by Saudi Arabia in exchange for a Saudi detainee freed earlier, ahead of a wider prisoner exchange agreed upon by the warring sides. At talks in Switzerland last month attended by the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Yemeni government and the Houthis agreed to free 887 detainees. The 13 prisoners are part of that agreement, Houthi official Abdul Qader al-Mortada said. The Saudi government media office did not respond to a Reuters request for comment on the prisoner exchange and the delegation visiting Sanaa. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Saudi, Omani envoys arrive in Sanaa for peace talks with Houthi rebels

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea said on Friday that Yemen's Houthis attacked a Saudi Aramco oil facility in Jeddah as part of a wave of drone and missile assaults as a huge cloud of smoke was seen near the Formula One venue in the city.

"We did several attacks with drones and ballistic missiles," the Iran-backed Houthi rebels said in a statement, including an "Aramco installation in Jeddah (and) vital installations in Riyadh".

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The attacks came as Saudi Arabia still leads a coalition battling the Iran-backed Houthis, who seized Yemen’s capital of Sanaa in September 2014.&nbsp;

The kingdom, which entered the war in Yemen in 2015, has been internationally criticised for its airstrikes killing that have killed scores of civilians, something the Houthis point to as they launch drones, missiles and mortars into the kingdom.

The North Jiddah Bulk Plant sits just southeast of the city’s international airport, a crucial hub for Muslim pilgrims heading to Mecca. Videos posted online of the blaze corresponded to known geographic features around the plant.

The second-ever Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jiddah is taking place on Sunday, though concerns had been raised by some over the recent attacks targeting the kingdom.

The F1 said in a statement that: “The position at the moment is that we are waiting for further information from the authorities on what has happened.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yemens-iran-aligned-houthi-group-claim-responsibility-for-drone-attack-on-saudi-arabia-464007">Also read |&nbsp;Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi group claims responsibility for drone attack on Saudi Arabia</a>

Saudi state television acknowledged attacks in the town of Dhahran targeting water tanks that damaged vehicles and homes. Another attack targeted an electrical substation in an area of southwestern Saudi Arabia near the Yemeni border, state TV said.

Saudi air defences also intercepted and destroyed a ballistic rocket launched towards the port city of Jazan, which caused a "limited" fire to break out at an electricity distribution plant, state media reported.

Saudi Arabia, the world's largest oil exporter, said earlier this week it would not bear responsibility for any oil supply disruptions to global markets as a result of Houthi attacks that have intensified in the past three weeks.

The North Jiddah Bulk Plant stores diesel, gasoline and jet fuel for use in Jiddah, the kingdom’s second-largest city. It accounts for over a quarter of all of Saudi Arabia’s supplies and also supplies fuel crucial to running a regional desalination plant.

The Houthis have twice targeted the North Jiddah plant with cruise missiles. One attack came in November 2020. The last came on Sunday as part of a wider barrage by the Houthis.

At the time of the 2020 attack, the targeted tank, which has a capacity of 500,000 barrels, held diesel fuel, according to a recent report by a U.N. panel of experts examining Yemen’s war. Repairing it after the last attack cost Aramco some $1.5 million.

The UN experts described the facility as a “civilian target,” which the Houthis should have avoided after the 2020 attack.

“While the facility also supplies the Saudi military with petroleum products, it is mostly supplying civilian customers,” the panel said. “If the plant had been out of service of a significant period, the impact on the kingdom’s economy as well as on the welfare of the residents of the Western region would likely have been significant.”

Cruise missiles and drones remain difficult to defend against, though the US&nbsp;recently sent a significant number of Patriot anti-missile interceptors to Saudi Arabia to resupply the kingdom amid the Houthi attacks. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea said on Friday that Yemen's Houthis attacked a Saudi Aramco oil facility in Jeddah as part of a wave of drone and missile assaults as a huge cloud of smoke was seen near the Formula One venue in the city.

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea said on Friday that Yemen's Houthis attacked a Saudi Aramco oil facility in Jeddah as part of a wave of drone and missile assaults as a huge cloud of smoke was seen near the Formula One venue in the city. "We did several attacks with drones and ballistic missiles," the Iran-backed Houthi rebels said in a statement, including an "Aramco installation in Jeddah (and) vital installations in Riyadh". The attacks came as Saudi Arabia still leads a coalition battling the Iran-backed Houthis, who seized Yemen’s capital of Sanaa in September 2014. The kingdom, which entered the war in Yemen in 2015, has been internationally criticised for its airstrikes killing that have killed scores of civilians, something the Houthis point to as they launch drones, missiles and mortars into the kingdom. The North Jiddah Bulk Plant sits just southeast of the city’s international airport, a crucial hub for Muslim pilgrims heading to Mecca. Videos posted online of the blaze corresponded to known geographic features around the plant. The second-ever Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jiddah is taking place on Sunday, though concerns had been raised by some over the recent attacks targeting the kingdom. The F1 said in a statement that: “The position at the moment is that we are waiting for further information from the authorities on what has happened.” Also read | Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi group claims responsibility for drone attack on Saudi Arabia Saudi state television acknowledged attacks in the town of Dhahran targeting water tanks that damaged vehicles and homes. Another attack targeted an electrical substation in an area of southwestern Saudi Arabia near the Yemeni border, state TV said. Saudi air defences also intercepted and destroyed a ballistic rocket launched towards the port city of Jazan, which caused a "limited" fire to break out at an electricity distribution plant, state media reported. Saudi Arabia, the world's largest oil exporter, said earlier this week it would not bear responsibility for any oil supply disruptions to global markets as a result of Houthi attacks that have intensified in the past three weeks. The North Jiddah Bulk Plant stores diesel, gasoline and jet fuel for use in Jiddah, the kingdom’s second-largest city. It accounts for over a quarter of all of Saudi Arabia’s supplies and also supplies fuel crucial to running a regional desalination plant. The Houthis have twice targeted the North Jiddah plant with cruise missiles. One attack came in November 2020. The last came on Sunday as part of a wider barrage by the Houthis. At the time of the 2020 attack, the targeted tank, which has a capacity of 500,000 barrels, held diesel fuel, according to a recent report by a U.N. panel of experts examining Yemen’s war. Repairing it after the last attack cost Aramco some $1.5 million. The UN experts described the facility as a “civilian target,” which the Houthis should have avoided after the 2020 attack. “While the facility also supplies the Saudi military with petroleum products, it is mostly supplying civilian customers,” the panel said. “If the plant had been out of service of a significant period, the impact on the kingdom’s economy as well as on the welfare of the residents of the Western region would likely have been significant.” Cruise missiles and drones remain difficult to defend against, though the US recently sent a significant number of Patriot anti-missile interceptors to Saudi Arabia to resupply the kingdom amid the Houthi attacks. (With inputs from agencies)

Yemen's Houthi rebels claim responsibility for oil plant attack as huge fire erupts in Jeddah

Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi group fired missiles and drones at Saudi energy and water desalination facilities, which oil firm Saudi Aramco said on Sunday (March 20) did not impact supplies or cause casualties.

Yehia Sarie, a spokesman for Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis, said the rebels had launched “a wide and large military operation into the depth of Saudi Arabia” on Sunday, firing ballistic missiles and bomb-laden drones toward Saudi Aramco facilities and other “sensitive targets” in the country.

He described the assault as retaliation for the Saudi-led “aggression and blockade” that has turned much of Yemen into a wasteland.

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The salvo also came as Saudi Arabia’s state-backed oil giant Aramco announced that its profits surged 124 per cent&nbsp;in 2021 to $110 billion, a jump fueled by renewed anxieties about global supply shortages and soaring oil prices.

Aramco, also known as the Saudi Arabian Oil Co., released its earnings report after weeks of intense volatility in energy markets triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Punitive sanctions on Russia, among the world’s largest exporters of crude and petroleum products, have added turmoil to an already-tight energy market.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/here-are-the-groups-fighting-in-yemens-war-439976">Also see |&nbsp;Here are the groups fighting in Yemen's war</a>

Aramco CEO Amin Nasser told a call about the company's earnings on Sunday: "There was ... a number of attacks early in the morning at our facilities. And thankfully there were no injuries or fatalities and no impact to the company's supply to its customers."

The international oil benchmark Brent crude hovered over $107 on Sunday after nearly touching a peak of $140 earlier this month. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have so far resisted Western appeals to increase oil production to offset the loss of Russian oil as gasoline prices skyrocket.

Earlier this week, the Houthis rejected an invitation from the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council to attend talks on the Yemen conflict, to be held in Riyadh from March 29.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/all-that-you-need-to-know-about-saudi-aramco-the-oil-colossus-259731">Also see |&nbsp;All that you need to know about Saudi Aramco, the oil colossus</a>

The Saudi-based Gulf Cooperation Council said it invited Yemen’s warring sides for talks in Riyadh aimed at ending the war, an offer dismissed out of hand by the Houthis, who demanded that negotiations take place in a “neutral” country.

Peace talks have floundered since the Houthis have tried to capture oil-rich Marib, one of the last remaining strongholds of the Saudi-backed Yemeni government in the country’s north.

Saudi Arabia is leading a military coalition in Yemen in support of the internationally recognized government, which has been engaged in a bloody conflict against the Huthis since mid-2014.

The war has cost hundreds of thousands of lives, directly or indirectly, and displaced millions, in what the United Nations has called the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

On Wednesday, the UN voiced disappointment after a donors' conference raised $1.3 billion, far short of the $4.27 billion target.

Huthi rebels often target airports and oil facilities in Saudi Arabia, one of the world's largest oil exporters, against the backdrop of the kingdom's leadership of the military coalition against them.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi group fired missiles and drones at Saudi energy and water desalination facilities, which oil firm Saudi Aramco said on Sunday (March 20) did not impact supplies or cause casualties.

Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi group fired missiles and drones at Saudi energy and water desalination facilities, which oil firm Saudi Aramco said on Sunday (March 20) did not impact supplies or cause casualties. Yehia Sarie, a spokesman for Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis, said the rebels had launched “a wide and large military operation into the depth of Saudi Arabia” on Sunday, firing ballistic missiles and bomb-laden drones toward Saudi Aramco facilities and other “sensitive targets” in the country. He described the assault as retaliation for the Saudi-led “aggression and blockade” that has turned much of Yemen into a wasteland. The salvo also came as Saudi Arabia’s state-backed oil giant Aramco announced that its profits surged 124 per cent in 2021 to $110 billion, a jump fueled by renewed anxieties about global supply shortages and soaring oil prices. Aramco, also known as the Saudi Arabian Oil Co., released its earnings report after weeks of intense volatility in energy markets triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Punitive sanctions on Russia, among the world’s largest exporters of crude and petroleum products, have added turmoil to an already-tight energy market. Also see | Here are the groups fighting in Yemen's war Aramco CEO Amin Nasser told a call about the company's earnings on Sunday: "There was ... a number of attacks early in the morning at our facilities. And thankfully there were no injuries or fatalities and no impact to the company's supply to its customers." The international oil benchmark Brent crude hovered over $107 on Sunday after nearly touching a peak of $140 earlier this month. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have so far resisted Western appeals to increase oil production to offset the loss of Russian oil as gasoline prices skyrocket. Earlier this week, the Houthis rejected an invitation from the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council to attend talks on the Yemen conflict, to be held in Riyadh from March 29. Also see | All that you need to know about Saudi Aramco, the oil colossus The Saudi-based Gulf Cooperation Council said it invited Yemen’s warring sides for talks in Riyadh aimed at ending the war, an offer dismissed out of hand by the Houthis, who demanded that negotiations take place in a “neutral” country. Peace talks have floundered since the Houthis have tried to capture oil-rich Marib, one of the last remaining strongholds of the Saudi-backed Yemeni government in the country’s north. Saudi Arabia is leading a military coalition in Yemen in support of the internationally recognized government, which has been engaged in a bloody conflict against the Huthis since mid-2014. The war has cost hundreds of thousands of lives, directly or indirectly, and displaced millions, in what the United Nations has called the world's worst humanitarian crisis. On Wednesday, the UN voiced disappointment after a donors' conference raised $1.3 billion, far short of the $4.27 billion target. Huthi rebels often target airports and oil facilities in Saudi Arabia, one of the world's largest oil exporters, against the backdrop of the kingdom's leadership of the military coalition against them. (With inputs from agencies)

Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi group claims responsibility for drone attack on Saudi Arabia

The UAE has thwarted another drone attack. An Iraqi group which supports the Houthis has claimed responsibility. This attack signals a new threat to the sheikhdom from both the North and South. Molly Gambhir gets you a report.

Gravitas: The Yemen Conflict is intensifying

UAE has intercepted a Houthi missile. This is the third time the Houthi rebels have fired a missile into UAE from Yemen. It comes during Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit to UAE. Palki Sharma brings you the details.

Gravitas: UAE intercepts ballistic missile from Yemen's Houthi rebels

The UAE intercepted two Houthi missiles in what was the second attack on Abu Dhabi in 7 days. With Arab nations in their corner, will the UAE rejoin the war in Yemen? What are Abu Dhabi's options? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: The Gulf is under attack

India has condemned the Abu Dhabi attacks at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) calling them a "blatant violation of International Law". India also said that the attacks were "against all civilized norms".

Two Indians died, and 2 were injured in the attack claimed by Yemen-based Houthi rebels.

Indian envoy to United Nations TS Tirumurti in a "strong condemnation of the recent terror attack" in United Arab Emirates's capital, said that "such an attack on innocent civilians and civilian infrastructure is completely unacceptable."

This&nbsp;was the first such attack by Houthis in UAE and targeted Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC)'s storage facility.

The Indian envoy said that New Delhi "stands in solidarity with UAE and extends its support for an unequivocal condemnation of this attack by the Council".

He highlighted that it is "important that the Council stands united in sending a clear signal against such acts of terror."

Earlier, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to UAE foreign minister about the attacks. This is for the second time Indian interests were attacked by Houthis who aimed to harm UAE.&nbsp;

On 3rd of January, a UAE flagged vessel was hijacked off the coast of Yemen by Houthis. Seven&nbsp;of the 11 crew members of the vessel were Indians. They still remain under the custody of the Houthi rebels.

India has condemned the Abu Dhabi attacks at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) calling them a "blatant violation of International Law". India also said that the attacks were "against all civilized norms".

India has condemned the Abu Dhabi attacks at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) calling them a "blatant violation of International Law". India also said that the attacks were "against all civilized norms". Two Indians died, and 2 were injured in the attack claimed by Yemen-based Houthi rebels. Indian envoy to United Nations TS Tirumurti in a "strong condemnation of the recent terror attack" in United Arab Emirates's capital, said that "such an attack on innocent civilians and civilian infrastructure is completely unacceptable." This was the first such attack by Houthis in UAE and targeted Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC)'s storage facility. The Indian envoy said that New Delhi "stands in solidarity with UAE and extends its support for an unequivocal condemnation of this attack by the Council". He highlighted that it is "important that the Council stands united in sending a clear signal against such acts of terror." Earlier, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to UAE foreign minister about the attacks. This is for the second time Indian interests were attacked by Houthis who aimed to harm UAE. On 3rd of January, a UAE flagged vessel was hijacked off the coast of Yemen by Houthis. Seven of the 11 crew members of the vessel were Indians. They still remain under the custody of the Houthi rebels.

UNSC: India condemns Abu Dhabi attacks calling it blatant violation of International Law

The UAE and its partners struck Houthi targets in Yemen - a day after the drone attacks on Abu Dhabi. Did Iran approve this brazen attack by their proxies in Yemen? How will this impact the Yemen civil war? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: The UAE hits back after Houthi drone attack

At least 14&nbsp;people were killed in an airstrike on Tuesday carried out by Saudi Arabia-led coalition against Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The airstrike was carried out in Sanaa, Yemen's rebel-held capital. The airstrike by the alliance came a day after an attack in UAE which was claimed by Houthi rebels. UAE is Saudi Arabia's partner in the coalition.

Three people were killed in the drone attack in Abu Dhabi, UAE on Monday.

The coalition also said it intercepted eight drones launched toward Saudi Arabia on Monday.

Early on Tuesday, the coalition said it had begun air strikes against strongholds and camps in Sanaa belonging to the Houthi group, Saudi state media said.

The strikes appeared to be the deadliest since 2019 on Sanaa.

The strike that killed&nbsp;14 people, according to initial estimates, was on the home of a former military official.

It killed him, his wife, his 25-year-old son, other family members and some unidentified people, a medical source and residents told Reuters.

Coalition strikes around the city had killed a total of about 20 people, the deputy foreign minister for the Houthi administration, which holds much of northern Yemen, said on Twitter.

Houthi-run Al Masirah TV said strikes had damaged houses, killed at least a dozen people and wounded about a dozen.

The UAE has armed and trained Yemeni forces that recently joined fighting against the Houthis in Yemen's energy-producing regions of Shabwa and Marib.

Monday's Houthi-claimed attack on two sites in the UAE set off explosions in fuel trucks, killed three people and ignited a blaze near Abu Dhabi airport.

In response, the UAE said it reserved the right to respond to "terrorist attacks and criminal escalation".

(With inputs from agencies)

At least 14 people were killed in an airstrike on Tuesday carried out by Saudi Arabia-led coalition against Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The airstrike was carried out in Sanaa, Yemen's rebel-held capital.

At least 14 people were killed in an airstrike on Tuesday carried out by Saudi Arabia-led coalition against Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The airstrike was carried out in Sanaa, Yemen's rebel-held capital. The airstrike by the alliance came a day after an attack in UAE which was claimed by Houthi rebels. UAE is Saudi Arabia's partner in the coalition. Three people were killed in the drone attack in Abu Dhabi, UAE on Monday. The coalition also said it intercepted eight drones launched toward Saudi Arabia on Monday. Early on Tuesday, the coalition said it had begun air strikes against strongholds and camps in Sanaa belonging to the Houthi group, Saudi state media said. The strikes appeared to be the deadliest since 2019 on Sanaa. The strike that killed 14 people, according to initial estimates, was on the home of a former military official. It killed him, his wife, his 25-year-old son, other family members and some unidentified people, a medical source and residents told Reuters. Coalition strikes around the city had killed a total of about 20 people, the deputy foreign minister for the Houthi administration, which holds much of northern Yemen, said on Twitter. Houthi-run Al Masirah TV said strikes had damaged houses, killed at least a dozen people and wounded about a dozen. The UAE has armed and trained Yemeni forces that recently joined fighting against the Houthis in Yemen's energy-producing regions of Shabwa and Marib. Monday's Houthi-claimed attack on two sites in the UAE set off explosions in fuel trucks, killed three people and ignited a blaze near Abu Dhabi airport. In response, the UAE said it reserved the right to respond to "terrorist attacks and criminal escalation". (With inputs from agencies)

At least 14 dead in coalition airstrike against Houthi rebels in Yemen

India has termed the Abu Dabhi terror attack "unacceptable", extending its solidarity with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Two Indian nationals died and two Indians were injured in the attack at Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC)'s storage facility, claimed by Yemen-based, Iran-backed Houthi rebels.

In the backdrop of Monday's attack, the UAE's foreign minister, Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, spoke to Indian External Affairs Minister Dr Jaishankar on Tuesday.

During the call, UAE FM "expressed condolences for the Indian lives lost in the terror attack in the UAE yesterday," said a tweet-statement by EAM, adding that New Delhi "conveyed our strong solidarity with the UAE in the face of such unacceptable acts."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Deeply appreciate receiving a call from UAE FM <a href="https://twitter.com/ABZayed?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ABZayed</a> . He expressed condolences for the Indian lives lost in the terror attack in UAE yesterday. 
 
Conveyed our strong solidarity with UAE in face of such unacceptable acts.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1483393797220630530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2022</a></blockquote>
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This is the second time Indians have become collateral targets in attacks mounted by houthis against UAE interests.

On January 3, Houthis hijacked a UAE-flagged vessel that had 7 crew members who were Indian nationals, out of the 11 onboard.

The Indian mission in Abu Dabhi has identified the two nationals and has reached out to their family members. In coordination with local authorities, the mission is working on the early repatriation of mortal remains.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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*17 January incident UPDATE* Identities of 2 deceased Indian nationals established. <a href="https://twitter.com/IndembAbuDhabi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndembAbuDhabi</a> officials are in touch with their family members.The Mission is working closely with UAE authorities, including ADNOC, for early repatriation of mortal remains (1/2)
— India in UAE (@IndembAbuDhabi) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndembAbuDhabi/status/1483321791812620291?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The Abu Dhabi attack comes even as Yemen's civil war spills over after a failed intervention by Saudi Arabia, leading a coalition of nine countries.

The UAE, which has been part of the coalition, has said that the country "reserves the right to respond" to these terrorist attacks and criminal escalation.

Meanwhile, several countries have joined in to condemn the incident. Nepal and Bangladesh earlier condemned the attack.&nbsp;

Yesterday, the US, Morocco, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan, France, Sudan, Mauritania, Bahrain, Oman, and the UN condemned the attack perpetrated by Houthis rebels that also killed one Pakistani national and injured six in all.

India has termed the Abu Dabhi terror attack "unacceptable", extending its solidarity with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Two Indian nationals died and two Indians were injured in the attack at Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC)'s storage facility, claimed by Yemen-based, Iran-backed Houthi rebels.

India has termed the Abu Dabhi terror attack "unacceptable", extending its solidarity with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Two Indian nationals died and two Indians were injured in the attack at Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC)'s storage facility, claimed by Yemen-based, Iran-backed Houthi rebels. In the backdrop of Monday's attack, the UAE's foreign minister, Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, spoke to Indian External Affairs Minister Dr Jaishankar on Tuesday. During the call, UAE FM "expressed condolences for the Indian lives lost in the terror attack in the UAE yesterday," said a tweet-statement by EAM, adding that New Delhi "conveyed our strong solidarity with the UAE in the face of such unacceptable acts." Deeply appreciate receiving a call from UAE FM @ABZayed . He expressed condolences for the Indian lives lost in the terror attack in UAE yesterday. Conveyed our strong solidarity with UAE in face of such unacceptable acts. — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 18, 2022 × This is the second time Indians have become collateral targets in attacks mounted by houthis against UAE interests. On January 3, Houthis hijacked a UAE-flagged vessel that had 7 crew members who were Indian nationals, out of the 11 onboard. The Indian mission in Abu Dabhi has identified the two nationals and has reached out to their family members. In coordination with local authorities, the mission is working on the early repatriation of mortal remains. *17 January incident UPDATE* Identities of 2 deceased Indian nationals established. @IndembAbuDhabi officials are in touch with their family members.The Mission is working closely with UAE authorities, including ADNOC, for early repatriation of mortal remains (1/2) — India in UAE (@IndembAbuDhabi) January 18, 2022 × The Abu Dhabi attack comes even as Yemen's civil war spills over after a failed intervention by Saudi Arabia, leading a coalition of nine countries. The UAE, which has been part of the coalition, has said that the country "reserves the right to respond" to these terrorist attacks and criminal escalation. Meanwhile, several countries have joined in to condemn the incident. Nepal and Bangladesh earlier condemned the attack. Yesterday, the US, Morocco, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan, France, Sudan, Mauritania, Bahrain, Oman, and the UN condemned the attack perpetrated by Houthis rebels that also killed one Pakistani national and injured six in all.

Abu Dhabi 'drone attack': India calls it 'unacceptable', assures of support to families of victims

The Saudi Arabia has launched a retaliatory airstrike on the Houthis rebels in Yemen, hours after the Houthi rebels killed three in a drone attack in Abu Dhabi.

After Abu Dhabi drone attack Saudi launches air strikes at Yemen’s Houthi rebels in retaliation

Two Indians were among the three killed in a drone&nbsp;attack near Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC)'s storage facility in United Arab Emirates (UAE)'s capital Abu Dhabi.

The third deceased person is reportedly from Pakistan, while six were left injured.&nbsp;The attack was claimed by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi rebels even as a civil war in the country intensifies.

Indian envoy to UAE&nbsp;Sunjay Sudhir confirmed to WION the death of two Indians and said they are "in the process of ascertaining the identity of the victims".

He added that "top priority is to reach out to the families of those who have died."&nbsp;

After a preliminary investigation,&nbsp;UAE authorities said that the incident was a possible drone attack.

This is the second time that Indians have been the collateral targets as Iran based Houthis continued to fight a military coalition led by Saudi Arabia and backed by the UAE.&nbsp;

On January 3, a UAE flagged Rwabee vessel was hijacked by Houthis off the port of Hodeidah&nbsp;in Yemen. Seven of the 11 crew onboard are Indians and still remain under the rebel's custody.

Asserting that India is "making all efforts to secure their early release", India's ministry of external affairs in a statement said, "We urge the Houthis to ensure the safety and well-being of the crew members and release them immediately."

Watch

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The matter was even raised by the Indian envoy at the United Nations Security Council during a debate on the Yemen crisis.

Expressing "grave concern" at the hijacking of the Rawabi vessel, Indian envoy to United Nations T&nbsp;S&nbsp;Tirumurti said, "We urge the Houthis to immediately release the crew members and the vessel".&nbsp;

He said that "Houthis also bear the responsibility of ensuring the safety of the crew members till their release."

The present Yemen crisis is being seen to be spilling over the West Asian region, where India has a huge diaspora.

UAE houses one of the largest Indian populations. The Indian expatriate community of approx. 3.3 million is the largest ethnic community residing in the region and they constitute&nbsp;roughly around 30 per cent of the UAE’s population.

Among the Indian States, Kerala is the most represented followed by Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. &nbsp;Indians from the northern states also form a significant portion of the Indian population in UAE.

Yemen has been in a state of civil war since 2011 ever since the Arab Spring movement,&nbsp;where the country's former president, Ali Abdullah Saleh was ousted.

Since 2015, a nine-country coalition led by Saudi Arabia has been intervening in the country unsuccessfully. Houthis have also in the past attacked oil facilities in Saudi Arabia.

Two Indians were among the three killed in a drone attack near Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC)'s storage facility in United Arab Emirates (UAE)'s capital Abu Dhabi.

Two Indians were among the three killed in a drone attack near Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC)'s storage facility in United Arab Emirates (UAE)'s capital Abu Dhabi. The third deceased person is reportedly from Pakistan, while six were left injured. The attack was claimed by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi rebels even as a civil war in the country intensifies. Indian envoy to UAE Sunjay Sudhir confirmed to WION the death of two Indians and said they are "in the process of ascertaining the identity of the victims". He added that "top priority is to reach out to the families of those who have died." After a preliminary investigation, UAE authorities said that the incident was a possible drone attack. This is the second time that Indians have been the collateral targets as Iran based Houthis continued to fight a military coalition led by Saudi Arabia and backed by the UAE. On January 3, a UAE flagged Rwabee vessel was hijacked by Houthis off the port of Hodeidah in Yemen. Seven of the 11 crew onboard are Indians and still remain under the rebel's custody. Asserting that India is "making all efforts to secure their early release", India's ministry of external affairs in a statement said, "We urge the Houthis to ensure the safety and well-being of the crew members and release them immediately." Watch The matter was even raised by the Indian envoy at the United Nations Security Council during a debate on the Yemen crisis. Expressing "grave concern" at the hijacking of the Rawabi vessel, Indian envoy to United Nations T S Tirumurti said, "We urge the Houthis to immediately release the crew members and the vessel". He said that "Houthis also bear the responsibility of ensuring the safety of the crew members till their release." The present Yemen crisis is being seen to be spilling over the West Asian region, where India has a huge diaspora. UAE houses one of the largest Indian populations. The Indian expatriate community of approx. 3.3 million is the largest ethnic community residing in the region and they constitute roughly around 30 per cent of the UAE’s population. Among the Indian States, Kerala is the most represented followed by Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Indians from the northern states also form a significant portion of the Indian population in UAE. Yemen has been in a state of civil war since 2011 ever since the Arab Spring movement, where the country's former president, Ali Abdullah Saleh was ousted. Since 2015, a nine-country coalition led by Saudi Arabia has been intervening in the country unsuccessfully. Houthis have also in the past attacked oil facilities in Saudi Arabia.

Two Indians among 3 killed in UAE drone attack claimed by Yemen's Houthis

The United Nations have found that thousands of weapons recently seized in Arabian Sea were likely to have come from Iran. This was seen as an evidence that Iran was exporting weapons to Yemen and elsewhere, said Wall Street Journal.

Yemen has been wracked by civil war since 2014, pitting Iran-backed Houthi rebels against the internationally recognized government. The UN imposed an arms embargo on the Houthis in 2015.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia is leading a coalition at war against the Houthi rebels who are backed by Iran. Saudis&nbsp;do not want arch rival Iran to gain foothold on Saudi's doorstep. The US and Saudi Arabia have long accused Iran of supplying weapons to Houthis. Iran denies the charge.

Citing a confidential report by a UN Security Council panel of experts on Yemen, the Journal wrote that boats and land transport were used to smuggle weapons made in Russia, China and Iran into Yemen.

The arms included rocket launchers, machine guns and sniper rifles, which had been seized by the US Navy in recent months.

Boats used to transport the weapons had left from the southeastern Iranian port of Jask, the UN report found, based on interviews with the boat crew and data from the onboard navigational instruments, the Journal said.

The rebel group's deputy information minister denied Iran was smuggling weapons into Yemen, according to the Journal, and Tehran said the weapons were not sold or transported to the country.

In recent months, fighting in Yemen has seen Saudi-led coalition forces carry out air strikes on the rebel-held capital Sanaa.

Riyadh has said its 2015 intervention in Yemen was aimed at preventing an Iranian ally taking power on its doorstep.

The UN estimates Yemen's war will have directly or indirectly killed 377,000 people by the end of the year.

More than 80 percent of the population of around 30 million require humanitarian assistance.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United Nations have found that thousands of weapons recently seized in Arabian Sea were likely to have come from Iran. This was seen as an evidence that Iran was exporting weapons to Yemen and elsewhere, said Wall Street Journal.

The United Nations have found that thousands of weapons recently seized in Arabian Sea were likely to have come from Iran. This was seen as an evidence that Iran was exporting weapons to Yemen and elsewhere, said Wall Street Journal. Yemen has been wracked by civil war since 2014, pitting Iran-backed Houthi rebels against the internationally recognized government. The UN imposed an arms embargo on the Houthis in 2015. Saudi Arabia is leading a coalition at war against the Houthi rebels who are backed by Iran. Saudis do not want arch rival Iran to gain foothold on Saudi's doorstep. The US and Saudi Arabia have long accused Iran of supplying weapons to Houthis. Iran denies the charge. Citing a confidential report by a UN Security Council panel of experts on Yemen, the Journal wrote that boats and land transport were used to smuggle weapons made in Russia, China and Iran into Yemen. The arms included rocket launchers, machine guns and sniper rifles, which had been seized by the US Navy in recent months. Boats used to transport the weapons had left from the southeastern Iranian port of Jask, the UN report found, based on interviews with the boat crew and data from the onboard navigational instruments, the Journal said. The rebel group's deputy information minister denied Iran was smuggling weapons into Yemen, according to the Journal, and Tehran said the weapons were not sold or transported to the country. In recent months, fighting in Yemen has seen Saudi-led coalition forces carry out air strikes on the rebel-held capital Sanaa. Riyadh has said its 2015 intervention in Yemen was aimed at preventing an Iranian ally taking power on its doorstep. The UN estimates Yemen's war will have directly or indirectly killed 377,000 people by the end of the year. More than 80 percent of the population of around 30 million require humanitarian assistance. (With inputs from agencies)

Weapons being smuggled by Iran to Yemen, says report

In a further escalation in hostilities in the Yemen war, the Houthi rebels have seized an Emirati flagship in the red sea. According to the Houthis, the vessel was full to the deck with weapons military jeeps, and other ammunition.

Houthi rebels have seized an Emirati flagship in the red sea

Here are the groups fighting in Yemen's war

At least five people have been killed in the conflict between Saudi led coalition and Houthi rebels. watch this report for more.

At least five people killed in conflict between Saudi led coalition, Houthi rebels

Saudi Arabia-led coalition in Yemen said on Saturday that it had eliminated more than 150 Houthi rebels within last 24 hours in raids around Marib, a pro-government bastion.

The Saudi-led military coalition backs Yemen's internationally recognised government. The coalition has reported near-daily strike against the Houthi rebels who are backed by Iran. The coalition has claimed high losses in each strike.

The rebels, who have for months waged an offensive against Marib, rarely comment on losses. AFP cannot independently verify the Saudi tolls that total more than 2,000 dead in air strike since October.

"Fourteen military vehicles were destroyed and more than 157 terrorist elements eliminated" in the latest raids, the coalition said in a statement carried by the Saudi state news agency SPA.

The air strikes targeted two regions of oil-rich Marib province, Al-Jawf in the north and the south's Al-Bayda, it said, as well as Sirwah, west of Marib city.

The Huthis began a major push to seize the city in February and, after a lull, they renewed their offensive in September.

Marib is the embattled government's last stronghold in the north. A loyalist military official acknowledged Tuesday that the Huthis have made advances on the ground.

Yemen's civil war began in 2014 when the Huthis seized the capital Sanaa, prompting Saudi-led forces to intervene to prop up the government the following year.

Tens of thousands of people have died and millions displaced in what the United Nations calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

(With inputs from agencies)

Saudi Arabia-led coalition in Yemen said on Saturday that it had eliminated more than 150 Houthi rebels within last 24 hours in raids around Marib, a pro-government bastion.

Saudi Arabia-led coalition in Yemen said on Saturday that it had eliminated more than 150 Houthi rebels within last 24 hours in raids around Marib, a pro-government bastion. The Saudi-led military coalition backs Yemen's internationally recognised government. The coalition has reported near-daily strike against the Houthi rebels who are backed by Iran. The coalition has claimed high losses in each strike. The rebels, who have for months waged an offensive against Marib, rarely comment on losses. AFP cannot independently verify the Saudi tolls that total more than 2,000 dead in air strike since October. "Fourteen military vehicles were destroyed and more than 157 terrorist elements eliminated" in the latest raids, the coalition said in a statement carried by the Saudi state news agency SPA. The air strikes targeted two regions of oil-rich Marib province, Al-Jawf in the north and the south's Al-Bayda, it said, as well as Sirwah, west of Marib city. The Huthis began a major push to seize the city in February and, after a lull, they renewed their offensive in September. Marib is the embattled government's last stronghold in the north. A loyalist military official acknowledged Tuesday that the Huthis have made advances on the ground. Yemen's civil war began in 2014 when the Huthis seized the capital Sanaa, prompting Saudi-led forces to intervene to prop up the government the following year. Tens of thousands of people have died and millions displaced in what the United Nations calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis. (With inputs from agencies)

More than 150 Houthis dead in Yemen raids, says Saudi coalition

Nearly 80 rebels and pro-government troops have been killed in fighting for the strategic Yemeni city of Marib, military sources told AFP on Wednesday.

"Sixty Houthi rebels were killed most of them in airstrikes conducted in the last 24 hours -- while 18 pro-government troops were killed and dozens injured in clashes over the past 48 hours," a government military official said.

The figures were confirmed by other military sources, while the rebels rarely report casualty numbers.

Battles between Yemen's government, which is backed by a Saudi-led military coalition, and the Iran-allied Houthi rebels have intensified in recent days in the province of Marib, according to the military official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-intercepts-missiles-drones-fired-from-yemen-410849">Also read | Saudi Arabia intercepts missiles, drones fired from Yemen</a> 
 
The fighting was concentrated in the north and west of the governorate.

The official said airstrikes have also intensified.

The rebels themselves reported early on Wednesday that the coalition has launched at least 30 such strikes against them across Marib province. 
 
Watch | The West Asia Post | A look at Yemen's museums; Battle to save the past

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"The Houthis launched last night a military offensive that continued into the early hours of Wednesday morning," the pro-government official said, adding loyalist troops were able to repel the insurgents despite a small advance on the northern front.

Yemen's internationally recognised government and the Houthis have been locked in war since 2014 when the insurgents seized the capital Sanaa.

In February, the Houthis escalated their efforts to seize Marib, the government's last northern stronghold in fighting that has killed hundreds on both sides.

Control of the oil-rich region would strengthen the Houthis' bargaining position in peace talks.

Nearly 80 rebels and pro-government troops have been killed in fighting for the strategic Yemeni city of Marib, military sources told AFP on Wednesday. "Sixty Houthi rebels were killed most of them in airstrikes conducted in the last 24 hours -- while 18 pro-government troops were killed and dozens injured in clashes over the past 48 hours," a government military official said.

Nearly 80 rebels and pro-government troops have been killed in fighting for the strategic Yemeni city of Marib, military sources told AFP on Wednesday. "Sixty Houthi rebels were killed most of them in airstrikes conducted in the last 24 hours -- while 18 pro-government troops were killed and dozens injured in clashes over the past 48 hours," a government military official said. The figures were confirmed by other military sources, while the rebels rarely report casualty numbers. Battles between Yemen's government, which is backed by a Saudi-led military coalition, and the Iran-allied Houthi rebels have intensified in recent days in the province of Marib, according to the military official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Also read | Saudi Arabia intercepts missiles, drones fired from Yemen The fighting was concentrated in the north and west of the governorate. The official said airstrikes have also intensified. The rebels themselves reported early on Wednesday that the coalition has launched at least 30 such strikes against them across Marib province. Watch | The West Asia Post | A look at Yemen's museums; Battle to save the past "The Houthis launched last night a military offensive that continued into the early hours of Wednesday morning," the pro-government official said, adding loyalist troops were able to repel the insurgents despite a small advance on the northern front. Yemen's internationally recognised government and the Houthis have been locked in war since 2014 when the insurgents seized the capital Sanaa. In February, the Houthis escalated their efforts to seize Marib, the government's last northern stronghold in fighting that has killed hundreds on both sides. Control of the oil-rich region would strengthen the Houthis' bargaining position in peace talks.

Nearly 80 killed in fighting for the strategic Yemeni city of Marib: Sources

Saudi Arabian state media on Saturday said that the kingdom's air defences destroyed 10 drones launched by Houthi rebels. The media reports quoted Saudi Arabia-led military coalition.

The official Saudi Press Agency reported that seven of the drones targetted regions in southern Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;

Three targeted the Khamis Mushait region, also in the south and home to military installations, it said.

"The interception operations were successful," the coalition said in a statement, adding that the drones were packed with explosives and seven were knocked out in Yemeni air space.

Earlier on Saturday, Iran-backed Houthi rebels tweeted that one drone was launched towards King Khaled air base in Khamis Mushait.

These developments come as diplomatic push by the United Nations, the US to secure Yemen ceasefire have failed.

The outgoing UN envoy for Yemen Martin Griffiths on Tuesday told the Security Council his own efforts over the past three years to end the war have been "in vain".

"It is with deep regret that I report today that the parties have not overcome their differences," said Griffiths.

Yemen has been devastated by a civil war between the Saudi-backed government and the Iran-backed Huthis since 2014, and millions of civilians are on the brink of famine, according to the UN.

The Saudi-led coalition has controlled Yemen's airspace since it launched a military campaign in 2015 to prop up the country's internationally recognised government.

The Huthis have repeatedly demanded the re-opening of Sanaa airport before any ceasefire.

(With inputs from agencies)

Saudi Arabian state media on Saturday said that the kingdom's air defences destroyed 10 drones launched by Houthi rebels. The media reports quoted Saudi Arabia-led military coalition.

Saudi Arabian state media on Saturday said that the kingdom's air defences destroyed 10 drones launched by Houthi rebels. The media reports quoted Saudi Arabia-led military coalition. The official Saudi Press Agency reported that seven of the drones targetted regions in southern Saudi Arabia. Three targeted the Khamis Mushait region, also in the south and home to military installations, it said. "The interception operations were successful," the coalition said in a statement, adding that the drones were packed with explosives and seven were knocked out in Yemeni air space. Earlier on Saturday, Iran-backed Houthi rebels tweeted that one drone was launched towards King Khaled air base in Khamis Mushait. These developments come as diplomatic push by the United Nations, the US to secure Yemen ceasefire have failed. The outgoing UN envoy for Yemen Martin Griffiths on Tuesday told the Security Council his own efforts over the past three years to end the war have been "in vain". "It is with deep regret that I report today that the parties have not overcome their differences," said Griffiths. Yemen has been devastated by a civil war between the Saudi-backed government and the Iran-backed Huthis since 2014, and millions of civilians are on the brink of famine, according to the UN. The Saudi-led coalition has controlled Yemen's airspace since it launched a military campaign in 2015 to prop up the country's internationally recognised government. The Huthis have repeatedly demanded the re-opening of Sanaa airport before any ceasefire. (With inputs from agencies)

Saudi defences intercept 10 Houthi drones, says state media

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