Yemen's Houthis have hijacked an India-bound ship at Red Sea. The ship neither had an Israeli flag, nor was it registered in Israel, so how did the Houthis know the ship is owned by a company with Israeli links? Who supplied Houthis with the intelligence?

Houthi commander visits seized cargo ship, rebels say 'we'll target Israeli ships in the Red Sea'

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels on Monday (Nov 20) released a chilling video of the hijacking of the cargo ship 'Galaxy Leader'.

The footage, which showed armed men landing on a ship's deck from a helicopter in the southern Red Sea and seizing it, was released by the movement's TV channel Al Masirah a day after the Iran-backed group seized the ship.

The vessel's owner, as per news agency Reuters, on Monday (Nov 20) said that the cargo ship was "illegally boarded by military personnel via a helicopter" on Sunday, Nov 19 and was at present in the Hodeidah port area in Yemen.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Footage of Houthi forces hijacking the ship Galaxy Leader in the Red Sea yesterday. <a href="https://t.co/PSFLpV4FLA">pic.twitter.com/PSFLpV4FLA</a>
— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) <a href="https://twitter.com/Osinttechnical/status/1726641686309400988?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

"All communications were subsequently lost with the vessel," the Isle of Man registered Galaxy Maritime Ltd, owner of the pure car carrier Galaxy Leader, said in a statement.

"The company, as a shipping concern, will not be commenting further on the political or geopolitical situation."

The Bahamas-flagged Galaxy Leader's crew comprises nationals from Bulgaria, Ukraine, the Philippines, Mexico and Romania, Galaxy Maritime said. The vessel is chartered by Japan's Nippon Yusen.

"Owners and managers believe the seizure of this vessel represents a gross violation of freedom of passage for the world fleet and a serious threat to international trade," Galaxy Maritime said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nia-books-khalistani-terrorist-gurpatwant-singh-pannun-over-threats-to-air-india-passengers-660827">NIA books Khalistani terrorist Pannun over threats to Air India passengers</a>

It added that the "key concern at this time is the safety and security of the 25 crew members currently being held by the perpetrators of this criminal act".

Earlier, Houthis had threatened to target Israeli ships in the Red Sea. Leader Abdul-Malik al-Huthi said that Houthis were monitoring for Israeli vessels in the commercially vital waters, even those that do not have Israeli flags.

"Our eyes are open to constant monitoring and searching for any Israeli ship," he said in a speech broadcast by the rebels' Al-Masirah TV station.&nbsp;

"The enemy relies on camouflage in its movement in the Red Sea, especially in Bab al-Mandab (strait), and did not dare to raise Israeli flags on its ships... and turned off identification devices," he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-to-launch-satellite-rocket-between-nov-22-and-dec-1-says-japan-660914">North Korea to launch satellite rocket between Nov 22 and Dec 1, says Japan</a>

<h2>Netanyahu's office condemns hijacking</h2>

Sharing a post on X, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office condemned the hijacking of the ship. "This is another act of Iranian terrorism and constitutes a leap forward in Iran's aggression against the citizens of the free world, with international consequences regarding the security of global shipping lanes."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
This is another act of Iranian terrorism and constitutes a leap forward in Iran's aggression against the citizens of the free world, with international consequences regarding the security of the global shipping lanes.
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) <a href="https://twitter.com/IsraeliPM/status/1726248923231391862?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

The office also said that onboard the vessel were crews of various nationalities, including Ukrainian, Mexican and Filipino.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels on Monday (Nov 20) released a chilling video of the hijacking of the cargo ship 'Galaxy Leader'. The footage, which showed armed men landing on a ship's deck from a helicopter in the southern Red Sea and seizing it, was released by the movement's TV channel Al Masirah a day after the Iran-backed group seized the ship.

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels on Monday (Nov 20) released a chilling video of the hijacking of the cargo ship 'Galaxy Leader'. The footage, which showed armed men landing on a ship's deck from a helicopter in the southern Red Sea and seizing it, was released by the movement's TV channel Al Masirah a day after the Iran-backed group seized the ship. The vessel's owner, as per news agency Reuters, on Monday (Nov 20) said that the cargo ship was "illegally boarded by military personnel via a helicopter" on Sunday, Nov 19 and was at present in the Hodeidah port area in Yemen. Footage of Houthi forces hijacking the ship Galaxy Leader in the Red Sea yesterday. pic.twitter.com/PSFLpV4FLA — OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) November 20, 2023 × "All communications were subsequently lost with the vessel," the Isle of Man registered Galaxy Maritime Ltd, owner of the pure car carrier Galaxy Leader, said in a statement. "The company, as a shipping concern, will not be commenting further on the political or geopolitical situation." The Bahamas-flagged Galaxy Leader's crew comprises nationals from Bulgaria, Ukraine, the Philippines, Mexico and Romania, Galaxy Maritime said. The vessel is chartered by Japan's Nippon Yusen. "Owners and managers believe the seizure of this vessel represents a gross violation of freedom of passage for the world fleet and a serious threat to international trade," Galaxy Maritime said. Also read: NIA books Khalistani terrorist Pannun over threats to Air India passengers It added that the "key concern at this time is the safety and security of the 25 crew members currently being held by the perpetrators of this criminal act". Earlier, Houthis had threatened to target Israeli ships in the Red Sea. Leader Abdul-Malik al-Huthi said that Houthis were monitoring for Israeli vessels in the commercially vital waters, even those that do not have Israeli flags. "Our eyes are open to constant monitoring and searching for any Israeli ship," he said in a speech broadcast by the rebels' Al-Masirah TV station. "The enemy relies on camouflage in its movement in the Red Sea, especially in Bab al-Mandab (strait), and did not dare to raise Israeli flags on its ships... and turned off identification devices," he added. Also read: North Korea to launch satellite rocket between Nov 22 and Dec 1, says Japan Netanyahu's office condemns hijacking Sharing a post on X, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office condemned the hijacking of the ship. "This is another act of Iranian terrorism and constitutes a leap forward in Iran's aggression against the citizens of the free world, with international consequences regarding the security of global shipping lanes." This is another act of Iranian terrorism and constitutes a leap forward in Iran's aggression against the citizens of the free world, with international consequences regarding the security of the global shipping lanes. — Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) November 19, 2023 × The office also said that onboard the vessel were crews of various nationalities, including Ukrainian, Mexican and Filipino. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch | Houthi rebels release video of hijacking of 'Galaxy Leader' cargo ship

For the first time, Israel used its Arrow 3 "missile-killer ", which is part of its ‘Star Wars’ missile killer system, while downing a rocket allegedly fired by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.

The confirmation came from the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) on Monday (Oct 31), saying that the missile was used to “thwart an aerial threat in the area of the Red Sea.”

The IDF added that the “surface-to-surface missile" was fired toward Israel but was intercepted before it could reach its target.

The lethal long-range air defence system is able to intercept ballistic missiles from thousands of miles away and blast them out of the sky.

“All the threats were intercepted outside the territory of the State of Israel. No intrusion into Israeli territory was detected,” the IDF added.

Following Israel's announcement, the Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for the aerial assault and claimed to have fired "a large number" of ballistic missiles and drones at Israel on Monday.

In a video statement, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed it was the third attack they had launched at Israel and vowed there would be more to come.

<h2>What is Arrow 3 'missile-killer'?</h2>

It is a lethal long-range air defence system which has the capacity to intercept ballistic missiles at altitudes of over 100 km (62 miles), and in greater ranges.

Arrow 3 is part of Israel’s Arrow weapon system (AWS), a stand-alone anti-tactical ballistic missile defence system.

It is a key part of the country’s multi-layered defence missile array, which also includes the Arrow 2, David’s Sling, and the Iron Dome active defence systems, and was inducted into the Israeli Air Force in 2017.

The missile was jointly developed Israel Aerospace Industries and Missile Defence Agency in the US.

After IDF confirmed its usage, the Israel Aerospace Industries praised the IDF for the successful interception.

<h2>Israel-Hamas war: Israel bombs Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza</h2>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-war-israel-bombs-jabalia-refugee-camp-in-gaza-653991/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“The Arrow is an advanced air defence system created and designed to intercept ballistic missiles outside of the Earth’s atmosphere,” IAI said.

“The Arrow system […] demonstrated today that Israel possesses the most advanced technology for defence against ballistic missiles at various ranges,” CEO and President of the IAI, Boaz Levy, said.

<h2>Capacities of the missile system&nbsp;</h2>

This powerful state-of-the-art piece system detects, tracks and then fires a hit-to-kill warhead to intercept the incoming missile.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/felt-like-end-of-world-survivors-share-tragic-story-as-israeli-strikes-rock-gaza-refugee-camp-653958">Survivors share tragic story as Israeli strikes rock Gaza refugee camp</a>

It can cleanly blast the incoming warheads out of the sky, therefore preventing damage to buildings and civilians.

Also read |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/15-anti-israel-protesters-jailed-over-anti-israel-riot-at-russian-airport-653986">15 anti-Israel protesters jailed over riot at Russian airport</a>

The missile system earned the "Star Wars" moniker due to its capability to safely destroy incoming missiles outside Earth’s atmosphere.

(With inputs from agencies)

For the first time, Israel used its Arrow 3 "missile-killer ", which is part of its ‘Star Wars’ missile killer system, while downing a rocket allegedly fired by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.

For the first time, Israel used its Arrow 3 "missile-killer ", which is part of its ‘Star Wars’ missile killer system, while downing a rocket allegedly fired by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The confirmation came from the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) on Monday (Oct 31), saying that the missile was used to “thwart an aerial threat in the area of the Red Sea.” The IDF added that the “surface-to-surface missile" was fired toward Israel but was intercepted before it could reach its target. The lethal long-range air defence system is able to intercept ballistic missiles from thousands of miles away and blast them out of the sky. “All the threats were intercepted outside the territory of the State of Israel. No intrusion into Israeli territory was detected,” the IDF added. Following Israel's announcement, the Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for the aerial assault and claimed to have fired "a large number" of ballistic missiles and drones at Israel on Monday. In a video statement, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed it was the third attack they had launched at Israel and vowed there would be more to come. What is Arrow 3 'missile-killer'? It is a lethal long-range air defence system which has the capacity to intercept ballistic missiles at altitudes of over 100 km (62 miles), and in greater ranges. Arrow 3 is part of Israel’s Arrow weapon system (AWS), a stand-alone anti-tactical ballistic missile defence system. It is a key part of the country’s multi-layered defence missile array, which also includes the Arrow 2, David’s Sling, and the Iron Dome active defence systems, and was inducted into the Israeli Air Force in 2017. The missile was jointly developed Israel Aerospace Industries and Missile Defence Agency in the US. After IDF confirmed its usage, the Israel Aerospace Industries praised the IDF for the successful interception. Israel-Hamas war: Israel bombs Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza “The Arrow is an advanced air defence system created and designed to intercept ballistic missiles outside of the Earth’s atmosphere,” IAI said. “The Arrow system […] demonstrated today that Israel possesses the most advanced technology for defence against ballistic missiles at various ranges,” CEO and President of the IAI, Boaz Levy, said. Capacities of the missile system This powerful state-of-the-art piece system detects, tracks and then fires a hit-to-kill warhead to intercept the incoming missile. Also read | Survivors share tragic story as Israeli strikes rock Gaza refugee camp It can cleanly blast the incoming warheads out of the sky, therefore preventing damage to buildings and civilians. Also read | 15 anti-Israel protesters jailed over riot at Russian airport The missile system earned the "Star Wars" moniker due to its capability to safely destroy incoming missiles outside Earth’s atmosphere. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel shows its air prowess, uses Arrow 3 ‘missile-killer’ for first time to intercept Houthi rockets

As they continue ceasefire talks with Riyadh, the Houthi movement in Yemen sent a message to their enemies in a coalition led by Saudi Arabia on Thursday by showcasing armed drones and ballistic missiles in a major military parade in Sanaa.

Yemen Houthis flex military muscle in parade as Riyadh seeks ceasefire

Saudi Arabia welcomed positive results from discussions to reach a road map supporting the peace process in Yemen, the kingdom’s foreign ministry said in a statement on Wednesday, after Houthi negotiators’ talks with the Saudis in Riyadh.

Houthi envoys left Riyadh on Tuesday after a five-day round of talks with Saudi officials on ending the eight-year-old conflict in Yemen, sources familiar with the meeting and Houthi media said.

The kingdom reaffirmed its commitment to promoting dialogue among all warring parties in Yemen, the Saudi defence minister said on Wednesday after meeting with the Houthi delegation.

“I emphasised the Kingdom’s support for Yemen and reaffirmed our commitment to promoting dialogue among all parties to reach a comprehensive political solution under UN supervision,” Prince Khalid bin Salman said in a post on messaging platform X.

Houthi envoys left Riyadh on Tuesday after a five-day round of talks with Saudi officials on a potential agreement paving the way to put an end to the eight-year-old conflict in Yemen, sources familiar with the meeting and Houthi media said.

Some progress has been made on the main sticking points, including a timeline for foreign troops exiting Yemen and a mechanism for paying public wages, two sources said, adding the sides would meet for more talks after consultations “soon.”

The Houthi delegation arrived in Saudi Arabia last week. It was the first such official visit to the kingdom since the war broke out in Yemen in 2014 after the Iran-aligned group ousted a Saudi-backed government there.

The 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 quit Yemen. An agreement would allow the United Nations to restart a broader political peace process.

The Houthis have been fighting against a Saudi-led military alliance since 2015 in a conflict that has killed hundreds of thousands and left 80% of Yemen’s population dependent on humanitarian aid.

The United States has put pressure on its ally Saudi Arabia to end the war and linked some U.S. military support to the kingdom to ending its involvement in Yemen.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Saudi Arabia welcomed positive results from discussions to reach a road map supporting the peace process in Yemen, the kingdom’s foreign ministry said in a statement on Wednesday, after Houthi negotiators’ talks with the Saudis in Riyadh.

Saudi Arabia welcomed positive results from discussions to reach a road map supporting the peace process in Yemen, the kingdom’s foreign ministry said in a statement on Wednesday, after Houthi negotiators’ talks with the Saudis in Riyadh. Houthi envoys left Riyadh on Tuesday after a five-day round of talks with Saudi officials on ending the eight-year-old conflict in Yemen, sources familiar with the meeting and Houthi media said. The kingdom reaffirmed its commitment to promoting dialogue among all warring parties in Yemen, the Saudi defence minister said on Wednesday after meeting with the Houthi delegation. “I emphasised the Kingdom’s support for Yemen and reaffirmed our commitment to promoting dialogue among all parties to reach a comprehensive political solution under UN supervision,” Prince Khalid bin Salman said in a post on messaging platform X. Houthi envoys left Riyadh on Tuesday after a five-day round of talks with Saudi officials on a potential agreement paving the way to put an end to the eight-year-old conflict in Yemen, sources familiar with the meeting and Houthi media said. Some progress has been made on the main sticking points, including a timeline for foreign troops exiting Yemen and a mechanism for paying public wages, two sources said, adding the sides would meet for more talks after consultations “soon.” The Houthi delegation arrived in Saudi Arabia last week. It was the first such official visit to the kingdom since the war broke out in Yemen in 2014 after the Iran-aligned group ousted a Saudi-backed government there. The 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 quit Yemen. An agreement would allow the United Nations to restart a broader political peace process. The Houthis have been fighting against a Saudi-led military alliance since 2015 in a conflict that has killed hundreds of thousands and left 80% of Yemen’s population dependent on humanitarian aid. The United States has put pressure on its ally Saudi Arabia to end the war and linked some U.S. military support to the kingdom to ending its involvement in Yemen. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Saudi Arabia welcomes positive results of talks to support peace process in Yemen

Big developments taking place in West Asia. Saudi Arabia will be holding the second round of peace talks with Yemen's Houthi rebels, igniting the hope of a possible end to the Yemeni civil war.

Saudi holds talks with Yemen's Houthis | The West Asia Post

Yemen is hoping for a breakthrough as the region's neighbors, Oman and Saudi Arabia, begin peace talks. Additionally, two rebel groups supported by Iran have agreed to hold the negotiations in Sanaa for years.

Reports: Saudi and Houthis have agreed to a six-month truce

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;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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

The United Nations children's agency in a statement on Saturday said that more than 11,000 children have been killed or maimed in the Yemen civil war, adding that the "true toll of this conflict is likely to be higher".

As per an AFP report quoting UNICEF executive director Catherine Russell, "Thousands of children have lost their lives, hundreds of thousands more remain at risk of death from preventable disease or starvation."

Watch |&nbsp;The West Asia Post: Is the Yemen war coming to an end?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-west-asia-post-is-the-yemen-war-coming-to-an-end-482953/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Yemen war which broke out in 2014, saw escalation as Houthi-backed rebels seized the capital Sanaa, which in turn led Saudi-led forces to intervene and put in place a government the next year.

As per UNICEF, about 2.2 million children, a quarter of which are less than five years old in Yemen are acutely malnourished. Most of them are also at risk from Cholera, measles and other diseases that could be easily prevented through vaccinations.

The report added that hundreds of thousands of children have lost their lives since the start of this war, either directly due to the clashes or indirectly due to the unavailability of safe drinking water, food, and disease outbreaks.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yemen-ceasefire-ends-without-extension-as-un-envoy-urges-calm-522010">Yemen ceasefire ends without extension as UN envoy urges calm</a>

UNICEF's latest numbers put the number of child deaths between March 2015 and September 2022 at 3,774. Additionally, the organisation claims that some 3,904 boys and 90 girls have been recruited into the fighting over the last eight years.

"If the children of Yemen are to have any chance of a decent future... all those with influence must ensure they are protected and supported," said Russell as the agency appealed for a $484.4 million funding to tackle the humanitarian crisis plaguing the country.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

The United Nations children's agency in a statement on Saturday said that more than 11,000 children have been killed or maimed in the Yemen civil war, adding that the "true toll of this conflict is likely to be higher".

The United Nations children's agency in a statement on Saturday said that more than 11,000 children have been killed or maimed in the Yemen civil war, adding that the "true toll of this conflict is likely to be higher". As per an AFP report quoting UNICEF executive director Catherine Russell, "Thousands of children have lost their lives, hundreds of thousands more remain at risk of death from preventable disease or starvation." Watch | The West Asia Post: Is the Yemen war coming to an end? The Yemen war which broke out in 2014, saw escalation as Houthi-backed rebels seized the capital Sanaa, which in turn led Saudi-led forces to intervene and put in place a government the next year. As per UNICEF, about 2.2 million children, a quarter of which are less than five years old in Yemen are acutely malnourished. Most of them are also at risk from Cholera, measles and other diseases that could be easily prevented through vaccinations. The report added that hundreds of thousands of children have lost their lives since the start of this war, either directly due to the clashes or indirectly due to the unavailability of safe drinking water, food, and disease outbreaks. Also read | Yemen ceasefire ends without extension as UN envoy urges calm UNICEF's latest numbers put the number of child deaths between March 2015 and September 2022 at 3,774. Additionally, the organisation claims that some 3,904 boys and 90 girls have been recruited into the fighting over the last eight years. "If the children of Yemen are to have any chance of a decent future... all those with influence must ensure they are protected and supported," said Russell as the agency appealed for a $484.4 million funding to tackle the humanitarian crisis plaguing the country. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

11,000 children killed or maimed, another 2.2 million malnourished due to war in Yemen: UNICEF

The six-month truce between the Yemen government forces and Houthi rebels is over. What happened? Will The fighting resume? Ghadi Francis tells you more on #TheWestAsiaPost

The West Asia Post | End of the Truce in Yemen

With Omani intervention, seven Indian nationals who were detained by Yemen's Houthi rebels have been released.

The Indian nationals were detained on the ship Rwabee and had been under detention since January 2nd.

Along with seven Indian nationals, one national each from the UK, Philippines, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Ethiopia were taken from Yemen's capital Sana'a to the Omani capital of Muscat on a Royal Oman Airforce flight.

An Omani government release said, "Following the instructions of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to work to meet the requests of the governments of the United Kingdom, the Republic of Indonesia, the Republic of India, and the Republic of the Philippines to assist in the release of a number of their nationals detained in Yemen, the Sultanate of Oman has coordinated with the concerned authorities in Sana’a, which thankfully responded to these endeavours." It is important to know that the Oman side maintains contact with the Houthis and that the group also has an office in Muscat.&nbsp;

The government of Oman had been in contact with them for some time to secure the release of the sailors, and India, along with other countries, had requested their release. In a statement, the ministry of external affairs thanked the Omani government.&nbsp;

It said, "The government of India would like to thank all concerned parties for the release of the Indian sailors, in particular the government of Oman."

The Indian nationals who have been released are Sandeep Singh, Muhammad Munwar Samir, Dr Jashim Khan, Akhil Rego, Fresh Vassamsetti, Srijith Sajivan, and Dibash Mota Paramil.&nbsp;

The matter also came up at the United Nations Security Council in January.&nbsp;

The MEA statement highlighted that "the government of India has been exerting all efforts for the release of the Indian crew members over the past months." The government of India has been in touch with various parties to ensure the safety and well-being of our sailors during this time. "

Houthis are Yemeni rebels backed by Iran who are fighting against Saudi Arabia and the UAE for what they see as intervention in their country.&nbsp;

The Rwabee was a UAE-flagged vessel that the Houthis had taken into custody. Yemen has been in a state of civil war since 2011, when, amid the Arab Spring, the then President Ali Abdullah Saleh was ousted.&nbsp;

Since 2015, a 9-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. Recently, the country saw its first ceasefire in years, which was welcomed by India.

With Omani intervention, seven Indian nationals who were detained by Yemen's Houthi rebels have been released. The Indian nationals were detained on the ship Rwabee and had been under detention since January 2nd.

With Omani intervention, seven Indian nationals who were detained by Yemen's Houthi rebels have been released. The Indian nationals were detained on the ship Rwabee and had been under detention since January 2nd. Along with seven Indian nationals, one national each from the UK, Philippines, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Ethiopia were taken from Yemen's capital Sana'a to the Omani capital of Muscat on a Royal Oman Airforce flight. An Omani government release said, "Following the instructions of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to work to meet the requests of the governments of the United Kingdom, the Republic of Indonesia, the Republic of India, and the Republic of the Philippines to assist in the release of a number of their nationals detained in Yemen, the Sultanate of Oman has coordinated with the concerned authorities in Sana’a, which thankfully responded to these endeavours." It is important to know that the Oman side maintains contact with the Houthis and that the group also has an office in Muscat. The government of Oman had been in contact with them for some time to secure the release of the sailors, and India, along with other countries, had requested their release. In a statement, the ministry of external affairs thanked the Omani government. It said, "The government of India would like to thank all concerned parties for the release of the Indian sailors, in particular the government of Oman." The Indian nationals who have been released are Sandeep Singh, Muhammad Munwar Samir, Dr Jashim Khan, Akhil Rego, Fresh Vassamsetti, Srijith Sajivan, and Dibash Mota Paramil. The matter also came up at the United Nations Security Council in January. The MEA statement highlighted that "the government of India has been exerting all efforts for the release of the Indian crew members over the past months." The government of India has been in touch with various parties to ensure the safety and well-being of our sailors during this time. " Houthis are Yemeni rebels backed by Iran who are fighting against Saudi Arabia and the UAE for what they see as intervention in their country. The Rwabee was a UAE-flagged vessel that the Houthis had taken into custody. Yemen has been in a state of civil war since 2011, when, amid the Arab Spring, the then President Ali Abdullah Saleh was ousted. Since 2015, a 9-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. Recently, the country saw its first ceasefire in years, which was welcomed by India.

After Oman's intervention, seven Indians under Houthi detention released

The warring sides in Yemen's seven-year conflict have for the first time in years agreed a nationwide truce, which would also allow fuel imports into Houthi-held areas and some flights operating from Sanaa airport, the United Nations envoy said on Friday.

The UN-brokered deal between a Saudi-led coalition and the Houthi group aligned with Iran is the most significant step yet towards ending a conflict that has killed tens of thousands and pushed millions into hunger. The last coordinated cessation of hostilities nationwide was during peace talks in 2016.

UN&nbsp;special envoy Hans Grundberg said the two-month truce would come into effect on Saturday and could be renewed with consent of the parties.

"The parties accepted to halt all offensive military air, ground and maritime operations inside Yemen and across its borders; they also agreed for fuel ships to enter into Hodeidah ports and commercial flights to operate in and out of Sanaa airport to predetermined destinations in the region," he said in a statement.

The UN and US&nbsp;envoys had been trying since last year to engineer a permanent ceasefire needed to revive political negotiations stalled since late 2018 to end the conflict.

It is widely seen as a proxy war between Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia and Shi'ite Iran and Riyadh has struggled to exit the conflict.

The Saudi-backed Yemeni government, which the Houthis ousted from the capital, Sanaa, in late 2014, said earlier it would facilitate arrangements for release of prisoners, opening Sanaa airport and allowing fuel vessels into Houthi-held Hodeidah port.

"We immediately announce the release of the first two fuel ships through Hodeidah port," Foreign Minister Ahmed Bin Mubarak said on Twitter.

Houthi chief negotiator Mohammed Abdulsalam welcomed the truce. Another senior Houthi official, Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, said on Twitter its "credibility would be in implementation".

The Saudi-led coalition, which intervened in March 2015 against the Houthis, controls Yemen's seas and air space.

The warring parties are also discussing a prisoner swap under which hundreds from both sides would be freed, including 16 Saudis, three Sudanese and a brother of Yemeni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi.

The last major prisoner swap, involving around 1,000 detainees, took place in 2020 as part of confidence-building steps agreed at the last peace talks held in December 2018. 
&nbsp;

The warring sides in Yemen's seven-year conflict have for the first time in years agreed a nationwide truce, which would also allow fuel imports into Houthi-held areas and some flights operating from Sanaa airport, the United Nations envoy said on Friday.

The warring sides in Yemen's seven-year conflict have for the first time in years agreed a nationwide truce, which would also allow fuel imports into Houthi-held areas and some flights operating from Sanaa airport, the United Nations envoy said on Friday. The UN-brokered deal between a Saudi-led coalition and the Houthi group aligned with Iran is the most significant step yet towards ending a conflict that has killed tens of thousands and pushed millions into hunger. The last coordinated cessation of hostilities nationwide was during peace talks in 2016. UN special envoy Hans Grundberg said the two-month truce would come into effect on Saturday and could be renewed with consent of the parties. "The parties accepted to halt all offensive military air, ground and maritime operations inside Yemen and across its borders; they also agreed for fuel ships to enter into Hodeidah ports and commercial flights to operate in and out of Sanaa airport to predetermined destinations in the region," he said in a statement. The UN and US envoys had been trying since last year to engineer a permanent ceasefire needed to revive political negotiations stalled since late 2018 to end the conflict. It is widely seen as a proxy war between Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia and Shi'ite Iran and Riyadh has struggled to exit the conflict. The Saudi-backed Yemeni government, which the Houthis ousted from the capital, Sanaa, in late 2014, said earlier it would facilitate arrangements for release of prisoners, opening Sanaa airport and allowing fuel vessels into Houthi-held Hodeidah port. "We immediately announce the release of the first two fuel ships through Hodeidah port," Foreign Minister Ahmed Bin Mubarak said on Twitter. Houthi chief negotiator Mohammed Abdulsalam welcomed the truce. Another senior Houthi official, Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, said on Twitter its "credibility would be in implementation". The Saudi-led coalition, which intervened in March 2015 against the Houthis, controls Yemen's seas and air space. The warring parties are also discussing a prisoner swap under which hundreds from both sides would be freed, including 16 Saudis, three Sudanese and a brother of Yemeni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi. The last major prisoner swap, involving around 1,000 detainees, took place in 2020 as part of confidence-building steps agreed at the last peace talks held in December 2018.

Yemen's warring parties agree two-month truce in major breakthrough

Houthi rebels have struck a fuel depot in Jeddah. Despite the attack, Formula Grand Prix went ahead. Meanwhile, Saudi launched counter-strike on rebels.

Yemen's Houthis claims attack Aramco refinery in Saudi Arabia's Jeddah

Rebels strike fuel depot in Jeddah: Formula Grand Prix to go ahead despite attack

A Houthi telecommunication system, which was used to control drones, has been destroyed by the Saudi-led coalition, Saudi State TV reported on Monday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The coalition is fighting in Yemen against the Iran-backed Houthis. It had earlier asked the civilians in Yemeni ministries in the capital Sanaa to evacuate immediately. &nbsp;

A ground station for satellites was targetted in the bombing. It is in the vicinity of the telecommunication ministry in northern Sanaa, the residents told Reuters. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-un-staff-abducted-in-southern-yemen-452881" hreflang="en">Five UN staff abducted in southern Yemen</a>

Later, Houthi-run TV Al Masirah reported on Monday that a coalition attack targetted the telecommunication ministry. It destroyed the TeleYemen telecoms company building and damaged a neighbouring one too. &nbsp;

Houthis use ministry headquarters to "launch hostile operations", the coalition earlier said. As a response, a site, which was linked to the latest attack on Saudi Arabia's Abha international airport, would be destroyed, it said. &nbsp;

In the Houthi drone attack, 12 people were injured at the airport on Thursday. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/libya-media-report-shooting-targeting-pms-car-452145" hreflang="en">Libya media report shooting targeting PM's car</a>

In seven-year conflict, Houthi forces have sent drones and fired missiles into Saudi Arabia. It recently fired missiles at the United Arab Emirates capital too. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The Saudi-led coalition has been retaliating with air strikes inside Yemen. &nbsp;

In 2015, the coalition intervened in Yemen when the Houthis ousted the internationally recognised government. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A Houthi telecommunication system, which was used to control drones, has been destroyed by the Saudi-led coalition, Saudi State TV reported on Monday. The coalition is fighting in Yemen against the Iran-backed Houthis.

A Houthi telecommunication system, which was used to control drones, has been destroyed by the Saudi-led coalition, Saudi State TV reported on Monday. The coalition is fighting in Yemen against the Iran-backed Houthis. It had earlier asked the civilians in Yemeni ministries in the capital Sanaa to evacuate immediately. A ground station for satellites was targetted in the bombing. It is in the vicinity of the telecommunication ministry in northern Sanaa, the residents told Reuters. Also Read: Five UN staff abducted in southern Yemen Later, Houthi-run TV Al Masirah reported on Monday that a coalition attack targetted the telecommunication ministry. It destroyed the TeleYemen telecoms company building and damaged a neighbouring one too. Houthis use ministry headquarters to "launch hostile operations", the coalition earlier said. As a response, a site, which was linked to the latest attack on Saudi Arabia's Abha international airport, would be destroyed, it said. In the Houthi drone attack, 12 people were injured at the airport on Thursday. Also Read: Libya media report shooting targeting PM's car In seven-year conflict, Houthi forces have sent drones and fired missiles into Saudi Arabia. It recently fired missiles at the United Arab Emirates capital too. The Saudi-led coalition has been retaliating with air strikes inside Yemen. In 2015, the coalition intervened in Yemen when the Houthis ousted the internationally recognised government. (With inputs from agencies)

Saudi-led coalition destroys Houthi telecommunication system in Yemen's Sanaa, say reports

Several US F-22 fighter jets have arrived at an airbase in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Saturday.&nbsp;

This comes in after a series of attacks in Abu Dhabi by Houthi fighters in Yemen, the US Air force said. The world's most advanced fighter aircraft, the F-22s are fifth-generation combat jets. &nbsp;

As per a statement, the jets arrived to show US support after a series of attacks that threatened the US and Emirati armed forces stationed at the host installation. This is when the US Secretary of Defense ordered the immediate deployment of the aircraft in coordination with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the UAE.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-indians-among-3-killed-in-uae-drone-attack-claimed-by-yemens-houthis-445407">Also read |&nbsp;Two Indians among 3 killed in UAE drone attack claimed by Yemen's Houthis</a>

The airmen and F-22s are deployed from the 1st fighter wing, located at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, the US Air Force said.

The recent Houthi attacks have highlighted the unsuccessful UN-led efforts to broker an end to the war in Yemen. The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people and caused a humanitarian crisis.

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.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Several US F-22 fighter jets have arrived at an airbase in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Saturday. This comes in after a series of attacks in Abu Dhabi by Houthi fighters in Yemen, the US Air force said.

Several US F-22 fighter jets have arrived at an airbase in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Saturday. This comes in after a series of attacks in Abu Dhabi by Houthi fighters in Yemen, the US Air force said. The world's most advanced fighter aircraft, the F-22s are fifth-generation combat jets. As per a statement, the jets arrived to show US support after a series of attacks that threatened the US and Emirati armed forces stationed at the host installation. This is when the US Secretary of Defense ordered the immediate deployment of the aircraft in coordination with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the UAE. Also read | Two Indians among 3 killed in UAE drone attack claimed by Yemen's Houthis The airmen and F-22s are deployed from the 1st fighter wing, located at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, the US Air Force said. The recent Houthi attacks have highlighted the unsuccessful UN-led efforts to broker an end to the war in Yemen. The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people and caused a humanitarian crisis. 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. (With inputs from agencies)

After a series of Houthi attacks, US F-22 fighter jets arrive in UAE

The United States has sent fighter jets to assist the United Arab Emirates following a series of missile attacks on the Gulf state launched by Yemen's Houthi movement.

The United States' F-22 fighter jets arrive in UAE after recent Houthi attacks in Abu Dhabi

In a third such recent attack, a ballistic missile, which was fired by Houthi rebels of Yemen, was intercepted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) early on Monday. &nbsp; &nbsp;

This comes as the Israeli president has visited the country, the authorities said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"The attack did not result in any losses, as the remnants of the ballistic missile fell outside the populated areas,” said the UAE's state-run WAM news agency, while reporting the interception. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-president-expresses-support-for-uaes-security-needs-during-his-visit-449057" hreflang="en">Israel president expresses support for UAE's security needs during his visit</a>

It was not immediately clear where the missile remnants fell. &nbsp;&nbsp;

There was no immediate effect on air travel in the UAE, the country's civilian air traffic control agency said. &nbsp;

The Emirati Defense Ministry has also released black-and-white footage, which it said to be showing the destruction of a ballistic missile launcher in Yemen's al-Jawf province just 30 minutes after the attack. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-confirms-hwasong-12-irbm-test-shares-pictures-taken-in-space-449078" hreflang="en">North Korea confirms Hwasong-12 IRBM test, shares&nbsp;pictures taken in space</a>

On Twitter, Houthi military spokesman Yehia Sarei wrote that the rebels would make an announcement about an attack in the coming hours that reached into "the depths of the UAE." &nbsp;

Sarei did not elaborate. Airstrikes had begun targeting Sanaa, Yemen's rebel-held capital, reported the Houthis' Al-Masirah satellite news channel. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a third such recent attack, a ballistic missile, which was fired by Houthi rebels of Yemen, was intercepted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) early on Monday.

In a third such recent attack, a ballistic missile, which was fired by Houthi rebels of Yemen, was intercepted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) early on Monday. This comes as the Israeli president has visited the country, the authorities said. "The attack did not result in any losses, as the remnants of the ballistic missile fell outside the populated areas,” said the UAE's state-run WAM news agency, while reporting the interception. Also Read: Israel president expresses support for UAE's security needs during his visit It was not immediately clear where the missile remnants fell. There was no immediate effect on air travel in the UAE, the country's civilian air traffic control agency said. The Emirati Defense Ministry has also released black-and-white footage, which it said to be showing the destruction of a ballistic missile launcher in Yemen's al-Jawf province just 30 minutes after the attack. Also Read: North Korea confirms Hwasong-12 IRBM test, shares pictures taken in space On Twitter, Houthi military spokesman Yehia Sarei wrote that the rebels would make an announcement about an attack in the coming hours that reached into "the depths of the UAE." Sarei did not elaborate. Airstrikes had begun targeting Sanaa, Yemen's rebel-held capital, reported the Houthis' Al-Masirah satellite news channel. (With inputs from agencies)

UAE intercepts ballistic missile fired by Yemen’s Houthi rebels

UAE has intercepted and destroyed yet another ballistic missile launched by Yemen's Houthi rebels towards the gulf country. Marking the third such incident to take place in this month itself, taking to twitter the UAE defense ministry in a statement said and 'air defenses intercepted and destroyed the ballistic missile launched by the Houthi terrorist group'

UAE 'ready to deal with any threats', intercepts 3rd Houthi missile

In form of support for the Houthis of Yemen, hundreds of protesters gathered in the capital city of Tehran to condemn the recent airstrikes on a prison in Yemen by the Saudi-led coalition.

Chants of 'Death to America' in Tehran as protests against Saudi-led airstrikes rage

At least 70 people were killed in an air strike on a prison and at least three children died in a separate bombardment as Yemen's long-running conflict suffered a dramatic escalation of violence on Friday.

The Houthi rebels released gruesome video footage showing bodies in the rubble and mangled corpses from the prison attack, which levelled buildings at the jail in their northern heartland of Saada.

Further south in the port city of Hodeida, the children died when air strikes by the Saudi-led coalition hit a telecommunications facility as they played nearby, Save the Children said. Yemen also suffered a country-wide internet blackout.

"The children were reportedly playing on a nearby football field when missiles struck," Save the Children said.

The UN Human Rights Office said the reports of intensifying coalition air strikes on populated areas were "deeply shocking".

Eight aid agencies operating in Yemen said in a joint statement they were "horrified by the news that more than 70 people, including migrants, women and children, have been killed... in a blatant disregard for civilian lives."

They said the prison in Saada was used as a holding centre for migrants, who made up many of the casualties.

But the United Arab Emirates insisted that it and other coalition members remained committed to "proportionate" responses to Huthi attacks.

"The coalition undertakes to abide by international law and proportionate response in all its military operations," UAE ambassador to the United Nations Lana Nusseibeh said.

The coalition attacks come after the Huthis took the seven-year war into a new phase by claiming a drone and missile attack on Abu Dhabi that killed three people on Monday.

The United Arab Emirates, part of the Saudi-led coalition fighting the rebels, had threatened reprisals.

Aid workers said hospitals were overwhelmed in Saada after the prison attack, with one receiving 70 dead and 138 wounded, according to Doctors Without Borders.

Two other hospitals have received "many wounded" and as night fell, the rubble was still being searched, the aid agency said.

"Horrific act"

Ahmed Mahat, Doctors Without Borders' head of mission in Yemen, said: "There are many bodies still at the scene of the air strike, many missing people."

"It is impossible to know how many people have been killed. It seems to have been a horrific act of violence."

The UN Security Council, meeting Friday at the request of non-permanent member the United Arab Emirates, unanimously condemned what it called the Huthis' "heinous terrorist attacks in Abu Dhabi... as well as in other sites in Saudi Arabia".

The coalition has been fighting the rebels since 2015, in an intractable conflict that has displaced millions of Yemenis and left them on the brink of famine.

The coalition claimed the attack in Hodeida, a lifeline port for the shattered country, but did not say it had carried out any strikes on Saada.

Saudi Arabia's state news agency said the coalition carried out "precision air strikes... to destroy the capabilities of the Huthi militia in Hodeida".

"Collapse of internet"

Global internet watchdog NetBlocks reported a "nation-scale collapse of internet connectivity". AFP correspondents in Hodeida and Sanaa confirmed the outage. Save the Children said it would hamper its operating capacity.

Yemen's civil war began in 2014 when the Huthis descended from their base in Saada to overrun the capital Sanaa, prompting Saudi-led forces to intervene to prop up the government the following year.

Tensions have soared in recent weeks after the UAE-backed Giants Brigade drove the rebels out of Shabwa province, undermining their months-long campaign to take the key city of Marib further north.

On January 3, the Huthis hijacked a United Arab Emirates-flagged ship in the Red Sea, prompting a warning from the coalition that it would target rebel-held ports.

And on Monday, they claimed a long-range attack that struck oil facilities and the airport in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi, killing two Indians and a Pakistani, and wounding six other people.

The attack -- the first deadly assault acknowledged by the UAE inside its borders and claimed by the Huthis -- opened up a new front in Yemen's war and sent regional tensions soaring.

In retaliation, the coalition carried out airstrikes against rebel-held Sanaa that killed 14 people.

Yemen's civil war has been a catastrophe for millions of its citizens who have fled their homes, with many close to famine in what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

The UN has estimated the war killed 377,000 people by the end of 2021, both directly and indirectly through hunger and disease.

At least 70 people were killed in an air strike on a prison and at least three children died in a separate bombardment as Yemen's long-running conflict suffered a dramatic escalation of violence on Friday.

At least 70 people were killed in an air strike on a prison and at least three children died in a separate bombardment as Yemen's long-running conflict suffered a dramatic escalation of violence on Friday. The Houthi rebels released gruesome video footage showing bodies in the rubble and mangled corpses from the prison attack, which levelled buildings at the jail in their northern heartland of Saada. Further south in the port city of Hodeida, the children died when air strikes by the Saudi-led coalition hit a telecommunications facility as they played nearby, Save the Children said. Yemen also suffered a country-wide internet blackout. "The children were reportedly playing on a nearby football field when missiles struck," Save the Children said. The UN Human Rights Office said the reports of intensifying coalition air strikes on populated areas were "deeply shocking". Eight aid agencies operating in Yemen said in a joint statement they were "horrified by the news that more than 70 people, including migrants, women and children, have been killed... in a blatant disregard for civilian lives." They said the prison in Saada was used as a holding centre for migrants, who made up many of the casualties. But the United Arab Emirates insisted that it and other coalition members remained committed to "proportionate" responses to Huthi attacks. "The coalition undertakes to abide by international law and proportionate response in all its military operations," UAE ambassador to the United Nations Lana Nusseibeh said. The coalition attacks come after the Huthis took the seven-year war into a new phase by claiming a drone and missile attack on Abu Dhabi that killed three people on Monday. The United Arab Emirates, part of the Saudi-led coalition fighting the rebels, had threatened reprisals. Aid workers said hospitals were overwhelmed in Saada after the prison attack, with one receiving 70 dead and 138 wounded, according to Doctors Without Borders. Two other hospitals have received "many wounded" and as night fell, the rubble was still being searched, the aid agency said. "Horrific act" Ahmed Mahat, Doctors Without Borders' head of mission in Yemen, said: "There are many bodies still at the scene of the air strike, many missing people." "It is impossible to know how many people have been killed. It seems to have been a horrific act of violence." The UN Security Council, meeting Friday at the request of non-permanent member the United Arab Emirates, unanimously condemned what it called the Huthis' "heinous terrorist attacks in Abu Dhabi... as well as in other sites in Saudi Arabia". The coalition has been fighting the rebels since 2015, in an intractable conflict that has displaced millions of Yemenis and left them on the brink of famine. The coalition claimed the attack in Hodeida, a lifeline port for the shattered country, but did not say it had carried out any strikes on Saada. Saudi Arabia's state news agency said the coalition carried out "precision air strikes... to destroy the capabilities of the Huthi militia in Hodeida". "Collapse of internet" Global internet watchdog NetBlocks reported a "nation-scale collapse of internet connectivity". AFP correspondents in Hodeida and Sanaa confirmed the outage. Save the Children said it would hamper its operating capacity. Yemen's civil war began in 2014 when the Huthis descended from their base in Saada to overrun the capital Sanaa, prompting Saudi-led forces to intervene to prop up the government the following year. Tensions have soared in recent weeks after the UAE-backed Giants Brigade drove the rebels out of Shabwa province, undermining their months-long campaign to take the key city of Marib further north. On January 3, the Huthis hijacked a United Arab Emirates-flagged ship in the Red Sea, prompting a warning from the coalition that it would target rebel-held ports. And on Monday, they claimed a long-range attack that struck oil facilities and the airport in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi, killing two Indians and a Pakistani, and wounding six other people. The attack -- the first deadly assault acknowledged by the UAE inside its borders and claimed by the Huthis -- opened up a new front in Yemen's war and sent regional tensions soaring. In retaliation, the coalition carried out airstrikes against rebel-held Sanaa that killed 14 people. Yemen's civil war has been a catastrophe for millions of its citizens who have fled their homes, with many close to famine in what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis. The UN has estimated the war killed 377,000 people by the end of 2021, both directly and indirectly through hunger and disease.

At least 70, including women, kids, killed in Saudi-led airstrike on Yemen prison

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the airstrikes allegedly conducted by the Saudi-led coalition forces on Yemen in which at least 70 people were killed.

The airstrikes were conducted on a prison in Houthi&nbsp;territory in Saada including a telecommunications facility in which at least three children were reportedly killed. Reports said over 100 people were injured in the strikes.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-and-uk-condemn-yemeni-drone-attack-on-abu-dhabi-that-killed-3-including-indians-445573">Also Read:&nbsp;US and UK condemn Yemeni drone attack on Abu Dhabi that killed 3, including Indians</a>

The Saudi-led coalition denied it carried out the airstrike in the prison area in northern Yemen calling it "baseless and unfounded".&nbsp;

The attack also hit the internet services. Guterres said the "escalation needs to stop" even as he condemned the attack by &nbsp;Houthi&nbsp;rebels on Abu Dhabi.

Rescue work&nbsp;is underway in the prison area as reports said bodies were being pulled out of the rubble. The Saudi-led coalition has intensified attacks on the&nbsp;Houthi&nbsp;military targets in the past year amid drone attacks on Saudi cities including its oil facilities.

The Iran-backed rebels had conducted an attack on the United Arab Emirates on Monday. The conflict in Yemen arose after the Houthis overthrew the government in Sanaa in 2015 as the Saudi backed coalition intervened.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/usd-39-billion-needed-for-war-torn-yemen-says-un-444263">Also Read:&nbsp;$3.9 billion needed for war-torn Yemen, says UN</a>

The UAE ambassador to the UN Lana Nusseibeh said the coalition is committed to "proportionate response in all its military operations" in its fight against the Houthi&nbsp;rebels.

Meanwhile, the US urged all sides to de-escalate and abide by "obligations under international humanitarian law" and to participate in the UN peace process.

(With inputs from Agencies)

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the airstrikes allegedly conducted by the Saudi-led coalition forces on Yemen in which at least 70 people were killed.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the airstrikes allegedly conducted by the Saudi-led coalition forces on Yemen in which at least 70 people were killed. The airstrikes were conducted on a prison in Houthi territory in Saada including a telecommunications facility in which at least three children were reportedly killed. Reports said over 100 people were injured in the strikes. Also Read: US and UK condemn Yemeni drone attack on Abu Dhabi that killed 3, including Indians The Saudi-led coalition denied it carried out the airstrike in the prison area in northern Yemen calling it "baseless and unfounded". The attack also hit the internet services. Guterres said the "escalation needs to stop" even as he condemned the attack by Houthi rebels on Abu Dhabi. Rescue work is underway in the prison area as reports said bodies were being pulled out of the rubble. The Saudi-led coalition has intensified attacks on the Houthi military targets in the past year amid drone attacks on Saudi cities including its oil facilities. The Iran-backed rebels had conducted an attack on the United Arab Emirates on Monday. The conflict in Yemen arose after the Houthis overthrew the government in Sanaa in 2015 as the Saudi backed coalition intervened. Also Read: $3.9 billion needed for war-torn Yemen, says UN The UAE ambassador to the UN Lana Nusseibeh said the coalition is committed to "proportionate response in all its military operations" in its fight against the Houthi rebels. Meanwhile, the US urged all sides to de-escalate and abide by "obligations under international humanitarian law" and to participate in the UN peace process. (With inputs from Agencies)

Saudi-led coalition denies it carried out airstrikes in Yemen

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? Ghadi Francis decodes the West Asian Cold War in this week's The West Asia Post.

The West Asia Post: West Asian Cold War escalates

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">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
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>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

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">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
*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>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

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

houthi

Houthi, News on Houthi, stories on Houthi, articles on Houthi, Houthi stories at Wion, Houthi news, Houthi latest news