Police on Wednesday arrested two former German soldiers accused of trying to form a "terrorist" paramilitary group to fight in Yemen's civil war, prosecutors said.

The two men had taken steps to "create a paramilitary unit of 100 to 150 men" composed of former police officers and soldiers, the Karlsruhe federal prosecutor's office in southwestern Germany said.

Named as Arend-Adolf G. and Achim A., both German citizens, the pair are accused of starting to plan their "terrorist organisation" in early 2021.

Arend-Adolf G., who was allegedly responsible for recruitment, had already contacted at least seven people in the hope of bringing them on board "to intervene in the civil war in Yemen", the prosecutors said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/police-detain-11-across-europe-in-mafia-probe-of-luxury-cars-422446" hreflang="en">Police detain 11 across Europe in mafia probe of luxury cars</a>

Both suspects were "aware that the unit they were to command would inevitably have to carry out acts of killing during their mission" and also expected civilians to be killed and injured, the prosecutors said.&nbsp;

They had been hoping to secure funds from Saudi Arabia for the project and were intending to pay members a monthly wage of 40,000 euros ($46,000) each.

Achim A. is accused of contacting representatives of the Saudi Arabian government and trying to arrange a meeting, but the prosecutors said the government did not respond.&nbsp;

Far-right networks&nbsp;

A Saudi-led coalition has for years been fighting against so-called Huthi rebels in Yemen, who are in turn supported by Iran.

The two suspects had wanted their unit to help bring peace in Yemen by pushing for negotiations between the Huthi rebels and the Yemeni government, according to the prosecutors.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/probability-of-war-with-china-within-one-year-very-low-taiwan-security-official-422455" hreflang="en">Probability of war with China within one year very low: Taiwan security official</a>

The pair were arrested by special forces on Wednesday morning in the southwestern district of Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald and in Munich. They later appeared before a judge and were remanded in custody.

The suspects' flats were searched in Munich and in the southern German district of Calw, and further properties were also searched in Baden-Wuerttemberg and Bavaria.

A spokesman for the defence ministry said it was "working very closely with the investigating authorities" on the case, but the two suspects were "not members of the Bundeswehr in the last quarter of a century".&nbsp;

The German government has been worried for years about some soldiers going rogue, especially those connected to far-right groups.

In early October, the army suspended soldiers in its ceremonial guard over suspicion of sexual aggression and sympathy with the far-right.

The elite KSK commando force was partially dissolved in 2020 after munitions were stolen and members were seen performing a Hitler salute at a party.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolsonaro-says-he-is-guilty-of-nothing-as-committee-accuses-him-of-crimes-against-humanity-422462" hreflang="en">Bolsonaro says he is 'guilty of nothing' as committee accuses him of 'crimes against humanity'</a>

In May, the trial opened of a German soldier who allegedly plotted to attack prominent politicians while posing as a Syrian refugee -- a bizarre case further fuelling concerns over right-wing extremism.

And in June, a platoon stationed in Lithuania was recalled after accusations of racist and anti-Semitic behaviour.

Security company&nbsp;

According to Der Spiegel weekly, Arend-Adolf G. and Achim A. were paratroopers in the Bundeswehr and had later both worked for the controversial security company Asgaard.&nbsp;

Asgaard, which actively recruits former members of special units of the Bundeswehr and the police, came under fire in 2010 for signing a contract with opponents of the Somali government.

It also faced controversy in 2020 after German media exposed it as the hub of a wide-ranging right-wing extremist network.

The Yemeni civil war began in 2014 when the Huthis seized the capital Sanaa, 120 kilometres (75 miles) west of Marib, prompting Saudi-led forces to intervene to prop up the government the following year.

Tens of thousands of people have died and millions have been displaced in what the United Nations calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

The seven years of conflict have killed or injured at least 10,000 children, according to the United Nations children's fund, UNICEF.

Police on Wednesday arrested two former German soldiers accused of trying to form a "terrorist" paramilitary group to fight in Yemen's civil war, prosecutors said.

Police on Wednesday arrested two former German soldiers accused of trying to form a "terrorist" paramilitary group to fight in Yemen's civil war, prosecutors said. The two men had taken steps to "create a paramilitary unit of 100 to 150 men" composed of former police officers and soldiers, the Karlsruhe federal prosecutor's office in southwestern Germany said. Named as Arend-Adolf G. and Achim A., both German citizens, the pair are accused of starting to plan their "terrorist organisation" in early 2021. Arend-Adolf G., who was allegedly responsible for recruitment, had already contacted at least seven people in the hope of bringing them on board "to intervene in the civil war in Yemen", the prosecutors said. Also read | Police detain 11 across Europe in mafia probe of luxury cars Both suspects were "aware that the unit they were to command would inevitably have to carry out acts of killing during their mission" and also expected civilians to be killed and injured, the prosecutors said. They had been hoping to secure funds from Saudi Arabia for the project and were intending to pay members a monthly wage of 40,000 euros ($46,000) each. Achim A. is accused of contacting representatives of the Saudi Arabian government and trying to arrange a meeting, but the prosecutors said the government did not respond. Far-right networks A Saudi-led coalition has for years been fighting against so-called Huthi rebels in Yemen, who are in turn supported by Iran. The two suspects had wanted their unit to help bring peace in Yemen by pushing for negotiations between the Huthi rebels and the Yemeni government, according to the prosecutors. Also read | Probability of war with China within one year very low: Taiwan security official The pair were arrested by special forces on Wednesday morning in the southwestern district of Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald and in Munich. They later appeared before a judge and were remanded in custody. The suspects' flats were searched in Munich and in the southern German district of Calw, and further properties were also searched in Baden-Wuerttemberg and Bavaria. A spokesman for the defence ministry said it was "working very closely with the investigating authorities" on the case, but the two suspects were "not members of the Bundeswehr in the last quarter of a century". The German government has been worried for years about some soldiers going rogue, especially those connected to far-right groups. In early October, the army suspended soldiers in its ceremonial guard over suspicion of sexual aggression and sympathy with the far-right. The elite KSK commando force was partially dissolved in 2020 after munitions were stolen and members were seen performing a Hitler salute at a party. Also read | Bolsonaro says he is 'guilty of nothing' as committee accuses him of 'crimes against humanity' In May, the trial opened of a German soldier who allegedly plotted to attack prominent politicians while posing as a Syrian refugee -- a bizarre case further fuelling concerns over right-wing extremism. And in June, a platoon stationed in Lithuania was recalled after accusations of racist and anti-Semitic behaviour. Security company According to Der Spiegel weekly, Arend-Adolf G. and Achim A. were paratroopers in the Bundeswehr and had later both worked for the controversial security company Asgaard. Asgaard, which actively recruits former members of special units of the Bundeswehr and the police, came under fire in 2010 for signing a contract with opponents of the Somali government. It also faced controversy in 2020 after German media exposed it as the hub of a wide-ranging right-wing extremist network. The Yemeni civil war began in 2014 when the Huthis seized the capital Sanaa, 120 kilometres (75 miles) west of Marib, prompting Saudi-led forces to intervene to prop up the government the following year. Tens of thousands of people have died and millions have been displaced in what the United Nations calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis. The seven years of conflict have killed or injured at least 10,000 children, according to the United Nations children's fund, UNICEF.

Yemen unrest: Two ex-soldiers arrested in Germany over bid to form paramilitary unit

A bronze statue of the main God of the kingdom of Saba, located in what is now the Yemeni province of Marib, lies in a dark and fortified room of the Sanaa National Museum. The piece was made by a man named Hawtar Athat in the first half of the sixth century BC. It has been lucky enough to survive the latest war in Yemen. Many other artefacts have not.

As war destroys Yemen's present, museums struggle to preserve its past

The United Nations special envoy on Yemen is visiting Iran for the first time to discuss Yemen`s crisis, Iranian state TV reported on Sunday, days after Washington announced an end to its support for Saudi-led military operations in Yemen.

A Saudi Arabia-led coalition intervened in Yemen`s civil war in 2015, backing government forces fighting Iran-aligned Houthi rebels. Saudi Arabia and Iran compete for influence across the Middle East, from Syria to Iraq and Yemen.

"The U.N. Special Envoy Martin Griffiths has arrived in Tehran for a two-day visit, during which he will meet with Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and other Iranian officials," state TV said.

Griffiths` office said the visit was part of his diplomatic efforts to support a negotiated political solution to the conflict. His immediate priority was to support agreement between the warring parties on a ceasefire, urgent humanitarian measures and a resumption of the political process, it said in a press release.

Griffiths` spokeswoman, Ismini Palla, said the visit had been planned for some time, adding it comes at a time when he is trying to bring together more diplomatic, regional and international support to his efforts to end the war.

"Griffiths will consult with Iranian officials on ways to alleviate sufferings of the Yemeni people," Iranian state news agency IRNA reported.

On Saturday, Iran welcomed U.S. President Joe Biden`s move on Thursday to end Washington`s support for offensive operations in the Saudi-led military campaign in Yemen as a "step towards correcting past mistakes".

When asked whether the U.S. decision will produce the opportunity to end the war in Yemen, Zarif told CNN: "I certainly hope that it does ... it is best for the United States to show some tough love to its allies and tell them to stop this atrocity. They will never win in Yemen."

Reversing one of former U.S. President Donald Trump`s most criticised last-minute decisions, Washington also said on Friday it intended to revoke a terrorist designation for the Houthi movement in response to the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, where the United Nations says some 80% of the population is in need.

The United Nations special envoy on Yemen is visiting Iran for the first time to discuss Yemen`s crisis, Iranian state TV reported on Sunday, days after Washington announced an end to its support for Saudi-led military operations in Yemen.

The United Nations special envoy on Yemen is visiting Iran for the first time to discuss Yemen`s crisis, Iranian state TV reported on Sunday, days after Washington announced an end to its support for Saudi-led military operations in Yemen. A Saudi Arabia-led coalition intervened in Yemen`s civil war in 2015, backing government forces fighting Iran-aligned Houthi rebels. Saudi Arabia and Iran compete for influence across the Middle East, from Syria to Iraq and Yemen. "The U.N. Special Envoy Martin Griffiths has arrived in Tehran for a two-day visit, during which he will meet with Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and other Iranian officials," state TV said. Griffiths` office said the visit was part of his diplomatic efforts to support a negotiated political solution to the conflict. His immediate priority was to support agreement between the warring parties on a ceasefire, urgent humanitarian measures and a resumption of the political process, it said in a press release. Griffiths` spokeswoman, Ismini Palla, said the visit had been planned for some time, adding it comes at a time when he is trying to bring together more diplomatic, regional and international support to his efforts to end the war. "Griffiths will consult with Iranian officials on ways to alleviate sufferings of the Yemeni people," Iranian state news agency IRNA reported. On Saturday, Iran welcomed U.S. President Joe Biden`s move on Thursday to end Washington`s support for offensive operations in the Saudi-led military campaign in Yemen as a "step towards correcting past mistakes". When asked whether the U.S. decision will produce the opportunity to end the war in Yemen, Zarif told CNN: "I certainly hope that it does ... it is best for the United States to show some tough love to its allies and tell them to stop this atrocity. They will never win in Yemen." Reversing one of former U.S. President Donald Trump`s most criticised last-minute decisions, Washington also said on Friday it intended to revoke a terrorist designation for the Houthi movement in response to the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, where the United Nations says some 80% of the population is in need.

UN envoy Griffiths in Iran for first time to discuss Yemen crisis

In a major reset of American foreign policy, US President Joe <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-to-issue-executive-orders-on-asylum-legal-immigration-separated-families-360866">Biden</a> on Thursday said the United States will end all support including arms sales for ally Saudi Arabia's war in Yemen.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-criticizes-bidens-bid-to-rejoin-iran-nuclear-deal-360990/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Biden said the war in Yemen as "has created a humanitarian and strategic catastrophe" as Saudi Arabia later reaffirmed support for a "comprehensive political solution" in Yemen.

"We are ending all American support for offensive operations in the war in Yemen, including relevant arm sales," President Biden said adding, "at the same time, Saudi Arabia faces missile attacks and other attacks from Iranian supplied forces in multiple countries. We're going to help Saudi Arabia to defend its territory and its people."

Biden also appointed US special envoy for Yemen, Timothy Lenderking in a bid to ensure a ceasefire and revive peace talks between the government and Huthi rebels.&nbsp;

"America is back. Diplomacy is back," Biden asserted. Biden said the United States will work "to ensure that humanitarian aid is reaching the Yemeni people who are suffering unendurable devastation&nbsp;while stating that "this war has to end".

"The kingdom has affirmed its firm position in support of a comprehensive political solution to the Yemeni crisis, and welcomes the US emphasis on the importance of supporting diplomatic efforts to resolve the Yemeni crisis," Saudi Arabia said in a statement.

In a Twitter message, Prince Khalid bin Salman said: "We welcome President Biden's stated commitment to work with friends and allies to resolve conflicts, and deal with attacks from Iran &amp; its proxies in the region, "we look forward to continuing working with our American partners to alleviate the humanitarian situation and find a solution to the Yemen crisis."&nbsp;

In a major reset of American foreign policy, US President Joe Biden on Thursday said the United States will end all support including arms sales for ally Saudi Arabia's war in Yemen.

In a major reset of American foreign policy, US President Joe Biden on Thursday said the United States will end all support including arms sales for ally Saudi Arabia's war in Yemen. Watch: Biden said the war in Yemen as "has created a humanitarian and strategic catastrophe" as Saudi Arabia later reaffirmed support for a "comprehensive political solution" in Yemen. "We are ending all American support for offensive operations in the war in Yemen, including relevant arm sales," President Biden said adding, "at the same time, Saudi Arabia faces missile attacks and other attacks from Iranian supplied forces in multiple countries. We're going to help Saudi Arabia to defend its territory and its people." Biden also appointed US special envoy for Yemen, Timothy Lenderking in a bid to ensure a ceasefire and revive peace talks between the government and Huthi rebels. "America is back. Diplomacy is back," Biden asserted. Biden said the United States will work "to ensure that humanitarian aid is reaching the Yemeni people who are suffering unendurable devastation while stating that "this war has to end". "The kingdom has affirmed its firm position in support of a comprehensive political solution to the Yemeni crisis, and welcomes the US emphasis on the importance of supporting diplomatic efforts to resolve the Yemeni crisis," Saudi Arabia said in a statement. In a Twitter message, Prince Khalid bin Salman said: "We welcome President Biden's stated commitment to work with friends and allies to resolve conflicts, and deal with attacks from Iran & its proxies in the region, "we look forward to continuing working with our American partners to alleviate the humanitarian situation and find a solution to the Yemen crisis."

'Humanitarian catastrophe': Biden pulls US out of Yemen war, stops Saudi support

A group of artists has created an immense portrait of a young child in a field in Yorkshire, England, to highlight the plight of children in Yemen. The portrait created by the Sand In Your Eye group is made up of 6,000 real-sized figures of playing children, symbolising the 6,000 UNICEF warned could die a day because of the dire situation in Yemen.

Huge image in UK highlights Yemen children's plight

Abu Mohammed fusses over the donkeys he is selling in war-torn Yemen, where the animal has become a must-have commodity at a time of biting fuel and currency crises.

Yemenis have resorted to using donkeys to transport water and goods, as the conflict that has ravaged the economy for more than five years leaves gas-guzzling SUVs out of reach for most.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-coalition-attack-houthi-military-sites-in-yemens-sanaa-al-arabiya-327154">Saudi coalition attack Houthi military sites in Yemen's Sanaa: Al-Arabiya</a>

"The higher the price of fuel and costs of living, the more demand there is for donkeys," said Mohammed, as he saddled up along a garbage-strewn road in the southern port city of Aden.

No part of Yemen has been spared the conflict, in which Iran-backed Huthi rebels have captured swathes of the north from the internationally-recognised government.

Meanwhile, rampant inflation has made most supplies scarce and expensive.&nbsp;

Aden is under the control of the separatist Southern Transitional Council, which while technically an ally of the government, is at odds with the loyalists over the future status of the south.

As Yemen sinks deeper into crisis, the UN estimates three quarters of its 29-million population is dependent on aid, in what it calls the worst humanitarian crisis on earth.

A litre (a quarter of a gallon) of petrol now sells for $0.50, in an oil-producing country where teachers earn less than $25 a month.

Yemen's currency keeps depreciating -- it is currently at over 800 riyals to the US dollar on the black market, compared to 610 riyals in January.

'Simpler methods'&nbsp;

In Aden, built partly on a volcanic site called Crater, the use of donkeys was long the norm for the hilly coastal district before modern means of transport.

Now, in the 21st century, children on donkeys transporting heavy loads and jerrycans of water have once again become a common sight.&nbsp;

"Sometimes gasoline can't be found for as long as two weeks," said Mohammed. "People are returning to simpler methods."

The 38-year-old father of nine, who looks far older than his years, turned to donkey trading two years ago after he lost his job.

Business has since boomed.

He buys the animals from nearby Abyan province, where they cost less, and then puts them up for sale in Aden.

"We can make a profit of between 7,000 and 8,000 riyals a day, and it costs almost nothing to feed the donkeys," he said.

"How could I have fed my children with the cost of living so high? Even if I looked for another job, I can't find one," he said.

"Thanks to God, and then to donkeys, I have an income."

Mohammed Anwar, a father of three who also supports his mother and sister, said his household is one of many in Yemen without piped water.

"If we didn't have a donkey, we wouldn't have water," he said, as he led the animal to the local pump with a pile of jerrycans.&nbsp;

But as queues at petrol stations stretch longer and demand for donkeys rises, the price of the animal is also going up.

"A donkey can now cost between 70,000 and 100,000 riyals, and the poor still cannot afford that," Anwar said.

&nbsp;

Abu Mohammed fusses over the donkeys he is selling in war-torn Yemen, where the animal has become a must-have commodity at a time of biting fuel and currency crises.

Abu Mohammed fusses over the donkeys he is selling in war-torn Yemen, where the animal has become a must-have commodity at a time of biting fuel and currency crises. Yemenis have resorted to using donkeys to transport water and goods, as the conflict that has ravaged the economy for more than five years leaves gas-guzzling SUVs out of reach for most. Also read | Saudi coalition attack Houthi military sites in Yemen's Sanaa: Al-Arabiya "The higher the price of fuel and costs of living, the more demand there is for donkeys," said Mohammed, as he saddled up along a garbage-strewn road in the southern port city of Aden. No part of Yemen has been spared the conflict, in which Iran-backed Huthi rebels have captured swathes of the north from the internationally-recognised government. Meanwhile, rampant inflation has made most supplies scarce and expensive. Aden is under the control of the separatist Southern Transitional Council, which while technically an ally of the government, is at odds with the loyalists over the future status of the south. As Yemen sinks deeper into crisis, the UN estimates three quarters of its 29-million population is dependent on aid, in what it calls the worst humanitarian crisis on earth. A litre (a quarter of a gallon) of petrol now sells for $0.50, in an oil-producing country where teachers earn less than $25 a month. Yemen's currency keeps depreciating -- it is currently at over 800 riyals to the US dollar on the black market, compared to 610 riyals in January. 'Simpler methods' In Aden, built partly on a volcanic site called Crater, the use of donkeys was long the norm for the hilly coastal district before modern means of transport. Now, in the 21st century, children on donkeys transporting heavy loads and jerrycans of water have once again become a common sight. "Sometimes gasoline can't be found for as long as two weeks," said Mohammed. "People are returning to simpler methods." The 38-year-old father of nine, who looks far older than his years, turned to donkey trading two years ago after he lost his job. Business has since boomed. He buys the animals from nearby Abyan province, where they cost less, and then puts them up for sale in Aden. "We can make a profit of between 7,000 and 8,000 riyals a day, and it costs almost nothing to feed the donkeys," he said. "How could I have fed my children with the cost of living so high? Even if I looked for another job, I can't find one," he said. "Thanks to God, and then to donkeys, I have an income." Mohammed Anwar, a father of three who also supports his mother and sister, said his household is one of many in Yemen without piped water. "If we didn't have a donkey, we wouldn't have water," he said, as he led the animal to the local pump with a pile of jerrycans. But as queues at petrol stations stretch longer and demand for donkeys rises, the price of the animal is also going up. "A donkey can now cost between 70,000 and 100,000 riyals, and the poor still cannot afford that," Anwar said.

In war-torn Yemen, how donkeys became a prized commodity

The number of malnourished children in Yemen could rise to 2.4 million by the end of the year due to a big shortfall in humanitarian funding, the United Nations children`s agency UNICEF said on Friday.

A UNICEF report warned of a rise of 20 per cent in the number of malnourished children under the age of five - almost half of all of that age in the country.

"If we do not receive urgent funding, children will be pushed to the brink of starvation and many will die," said UNICEF Yemen representative Sara Beysolow Nyanti. "We cannot overstate the scale of this emergency."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-half-year-into-coronavirus-pandemic-and-these-migrants-have-not-heard-about-covid-19-308551">Also read:&nbsp;A half-year into coronavirus pandemic, and these migrants have not heard about COVID-19</a>

Yemen has been wracked for more than five years by a war pitting the Iran-aligned Houthi movement which controls much of the country and a Saudi-led coalition which supports the internationally-recognised government based in the south.

Tens of thousands of people have died, many of them civilians, and the ensuing humanitarian crisis has been called the worst in the world.

The United Nations has said it does not have enough funding to maintain the aid response, the world`s largest. A pledging event this month raised half of what was needed and aid programmes impacting millions are set to close in coming weeks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/theres-a-country-where-thousands-havent-even-heard-of-coronavirus-308208">Also read: There's a country where thousands haven't even heard of coronavirus!</a>

UNICEF is appealing for $461 million for its humanitarian response, which is currently only 39% funded, and $53 million for its COVID-19 response which is only 10% funded.

Sanitation, immunisation and malnutrition programmes risk reduction and closure.

Yemen`s health system is already on the brink of collapse, kept going through aid. Cholera, malaria and dengue were rife amid a malnourished population even before the coronavirus outbreak.

About 7.8 million children are now out of school, putting them at risk of child labour, recruitment into armed groups and child marriage, UNICEF said.

"UNICEF has previously said, and again repeats, that Yemen is the worst place in the world to be a child and it is not getting any better," Nyanti said.

Cases of coronavirus infection reported by Yemeni authorities surpassed 1,000 on Wednesday, but the United Nations says the virus is spreading unmitigated in a country with shattered health systems and infections are likely much higher.

The number of malnourished children in Yemen could rise to 2.4 million by the end of the year due to a big shortfall in humanitarian funding, the United Nations children`s agency UNICEF said on Friday.

The number of malnourished children in Yemen could rise to 2.4 million by the end of the year due to a big shortfall in humanitarian funding, the United Nations children`s agency UNICEF said on Friday. A UNICEF report warned of a rise of 20 per cent in the number of malnourished children under the age of five - almost half of all of that age in the country. "If we do not receive urgent funding, children will be pushed to the brink of starvation and many will die," said UNICEF Yemen representative Sara Beysolow Nyanti. "We cannot overstate the scale of this emergency." Also read: A half-year into coronavirus pandemic, and these migrants have not heard about COVID-19 Yemen has been wracked for more than five years by a war pitting the Iran-aligned Houthi movement which controls much of the country and a Saudi-led coalition which supports the internationally-recognised government based in the south. Tens of thousands of people have died, many of them civilians, and the ensuing humanitarian crisis has been called the worst in the world. The United Nations has said it does not have enough funding to maintain the aid response, the world`s largest. A pledging event this month raised half of what was needed and aid programmes impacting millions are set to close in coming weeks. Also read: There's a country where thousands haven't even heard of coronavirus! UNICEF is appealing for $461 million for its humanitarian response, which is currently only 39% funded, and $53 million for its COVID-19 response which is only 10% funded. Sanitation, immunisation and malnutrition programmes risk reduction and closure. Yemen`s health system is already on the brink of collapse, kept going through aid. Cholera, malaria and dengue were rife amid a malnourished population even before the coronavirus outbreak. About 7.8 million children are now out of school, putting them at risk of child labour, recruitment into armed groups and child marriage, UNICEF said. "UNICEF has previously said, and again repeats, that Yemen is the worst place in the world to be a child and it is not getting any better," Nyanti said. Cases of coronavirus infection reported by Yemeni authorities surpassed 1,000 on Wednesday, but the United Nations says the virus is spreading unmitigated in a country with shattered health systems and infections are likely much higher.

More Yemeni children face malnourishment amid aid shortage, coronavirus - UNICEF

The fate of the crew of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-31-civilians-killed-in-yemens-air-strikes-after-saudi-jet-crash-280916">Saudi warplane that crashed in Yemen remained uncertain Sunday</a> after Iran-linked Huthi rebels claimed to have shot down the aircraft.

The Riyadh-led military coalition fighting the rebels said the two officers ejected from the plane before it crashed in northern Al-Jawf province Friday but that the rebels opened fire at them in "violation of the international humanitarian law".

"The joint forces command of the Coalition holds the terrorist Huthi militia responsible for the lives and wellbeing of the Tornado air crew under the international humanitarian law," the coalition said in a statement released by the official Saudi Press Agency late Saturday.

The statement did not specify whether the crew had survived or if they had been captured after the plane crashed in Huthi-controlled territory.

The coalition also did not elaborate on the reasons for the crash.

But if Huthi involvement is confirmed, the rare downing of a coalition warplane would mark a setback for a military alliance known for its air supremacy and signal the rebels' increasingly potent arsenal.

The rebels released footage of what they called the launch of their "advanced surface-to-air missile" and the moment it purportedly struck the jet in the night sky, sending it crashing down in a ball of flames.

The crash triggered air strikes in the area where the plane went down, an apparent Saudi-led retaliation that the UN said left 31 civilians dead and 12 others wounded.

The rebels reported multiple coalition air strikes in the area, adding that women and children were among the dead and wounded, according to rebel television station Al-Masirah.

The coalition conceded the "possibility of collateral damage" during a "search and rescue operation" at the site of the jet crash.

The coalition force has been widely criticised for the high civilian death toll from its bombing campaigns in Yemen, which has prompted some Western governments to cut arms deliveries to the countries taking part.

The coalition intervened against the Huthis in 2015, in a conflict that has killed tens of thousands of people, most of them civilians, and sparked what the United Nations calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

The fate of the crew of a Saudi warplane that crashed in Yemen remained uncertain Sunday after Iran-linked Huthi rebels claimed to have shot down the aircraft. The Riyadh-led military coalition fighting the rebels said the two officers ejected from the plane before it crashed in northern Al-Jawf province Friday but that the rebels opened fire at them in "violation of the international humanitarian law".

The fate of the crew of a Saudi warplane that crashed in Yemen remained uncertain Sunday after Iran-linked Huthi rebels claimed to have shot down the aircraft. The Riyadh-led military coalition fighting the rebels said the two officers ejected from the plane before it crashed in northern Al-Jawf province Friday but that the rebels opened fire at them in "violation of the international humanitarian law". "The joint forces command of the Coalition holds the terrorist Huthi militia responsible for the lives and wellbeing of the Tornado air crew under the international humanitarian law," the coalition said in a statement released by the official Saudi Press Agency late Saturday. The statement did not specify whether the crew had survived or if they had been captured after the plane crashed in Huthi-controlled territory. The coalition also did not elaborate on the reasons for the crash. But if Huthi involvement is confirmed, the rare downing of a coalition warplane would mark a setback for a military alliance known for its air supremacy and signal the rebels' increasingly potent arsenal. The rebels released footage of what they called the launch of their "advanced surface-to-air missile" and the moment it purportedly struck the jet in the night sky, sending it crashing down in a ball of flames. The crash triggered air strikes in the area where the plane went down, an apparent Saudi-led retaliation that the UN said left 31 civilians dead and 12 others wounded. The rebels reported multiple coalition air strikes in the area, adding that women and children were among the dead and wounded, according to rebel television station Al-Masirah. The coalition conceded the "possibility of collateral damage" during a "search and rescue operation" at the site of the jet crash. The coalition force has been widely criticised for the high civilian death toll from its bombing campaigns in Yemen, which has prompted some Western governments to cut arms deliveries to the countries taking part. The coalition intervened against the Huthis in 2015, in a conflict that has killed tens of thousands of people, most of them civilians, and sparked what the United Nations calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

Questions hang over fate of Saudi crew in Yemen jet crash

Over 80 Yemeni soldiers were killed and several wounded in missile and drone attack blamed on Huthi rebels in central Yemen, sources said on Sunday.&nbsp;

A mosque in a military camp was attacked by the Huthis in the central province of Marib, during evening prayers, military sources said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-climbs-to-seven-in-missile-attack-in-yemen-270894">Death toll climbs to seven in missile attack in Yemen</a>

A medical source at a Marib city hospital, where casualties were admitted, informed that 83 soldiers are killed and 148 injured in the attack.&nbsp;

Saudi state TV said that 60 people are killed in the attack.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blast-hits-military-parade-in-yemen-at-least-five-dead-270854">Blast hits military parade in Yemen, at least five dead</a>

Death toll figures are mostly disputed, but the huge toll from this strike means that it is one of the bloodiest attacks since the beginning of the war&nbsp;in 2014 when Sanaa was captured by rebels.&nbsp;

The attack came a day after the coalition-backed government forces initiated a large-scale operation against the Huthis in the Nihm region, north of Sanaa.&nbsp;

Another military source informed that fighting in Nihm is ongoing on Sunday.&nbsp;

"Dozens from the (Huthi) militia were killed and injured," the source said.&nbsp;

Yemeni President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi condemned the mosque attack.&nbsp;

"The disgraceful actions of the Huthi militia without a doubt confirm its unwillingness to (achieve) peace, because it knows nothing but death and destruction and is a cheap Iranian tool in the region," official Saba news agency quoted Hadi as saying.&nbsp;

The drone and missile attack comes after months of relative peace in the war between Iran-backed Huthis and Yemen's internationally recognised government, which is backed by Saudi and its military allies.&nbsp;

Recently, United Nations envoy Martin Griffiths also welcomed a significant reduction in airstrikes and the movement of ground troops.&nbsp;

Tens of thousands of people, mostly civilians, have been killed and millions displaced in the war in Yemen, which the UN describes as the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

An UN-brokered agreement signed between the warring sides in December 2018 is seen as a hope to reduce the crisis in Yemen but the slow implementation means that the intense conflict continues.&nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP and Reuters)

Over 80 Yemeni soldiers were killed and several wounded in missile and drone attack blamed on Huthi rebels in central Yemen, sources said on Sunday. A mosque in a military camp was attacked by the Huthis in the central province of Marib, during evening prayers, military sources said.

Over 80 Yemeni soldiers were killed and several wounded in missile and drone attack blamed on Huthi rebels in central Yemen, sources said on Sunday. A mosque in a military camp was attacked by the Huthis in the central province of Marib, during evening prayers, military sources said. Also read: Death toll climbs to seven in missile attack in Yemen A medical source at a Marib city hospital, where casualties were admitted, informed that 83 soldiers are killed and 148 injured in the attack. Saudi state TV said that 60 people are killed in the attack. Also read: Blast hits military parade in Yemen, at least five dead Death toll figures are mostly disputed, but the huge toll from this strike means that it is one of the bloodiest attacks since the beginning of the war in 2014 when Sanaa was captured by rebels. The attack came a day after the coalition-backed government forces initiated a large-scale operation against the Huthis in the Nihm region, north of Sanaa. Another military source informed that fighting in Nihm is ongoing on Sunday. "Dozens from the (Huthi) militia were killed and injured," the source said. Yemeni President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi condemned the mosque attack. "The disgraceful actions of the Huthi militia without a doubt confirm its unwillingness to (achieve) peace, because it knows nothing but death and destruction and is a cheap Iranian tool in the region," official Saba news agency quoted Hadi as saying. The drone and missile attack comes after months of relative peace in the war between Iran-backed Huthis and Yemen's internationally recognised government, which is backed by Saudi and its military allies. Recently, United Nations envoy Martin Griffiths also welcomed a significant reduction in airstrikes and the movement of ground troops. Tens of thousands of people, mostly civilians, have been killed and millions displaced in the war in Yemen, which the UN describes as the world's worst humanitarian crisis. An UN-brokered agreement signed between the warring sides in December 2018 is seen as a hope to reduce the crisis in Yemen but the slow implementation means that the intense conflict continues. (With inputs from AFP and Reuters)

Yemen: Over 80 killed in missile attack, bloodiest since beginning of war

At least seven people were killed and several injured in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blast-hits-military-parade-in-yemen-at-least-five-dead-270854">missile attack </a>on a military parade in Yemen's town of al-Dhalea on Sunday.&nbsp;

Government-allied southern separatist forces who control that area blamed Iran-backed Houthi group for the attack. However, no immediate claim of responsibility was made by the Houthis.

The missile struck a parade ground where a military graduation for Security Belt forces had just finished, Security Belt group and the al-Dhalea southern separatist forces said.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/missile-hits-military-parade-in-yemen-killing-at-least-five-270904/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

Seven people died in the attack which included four children and 25 others were wounded, as per the statement by local forces spokesperson.&nbsp;

As per witnesses account, the missile blasted near a guest platform during the parade.&nbsp;

The Security Belt group is a part of southern separatist forces in south Yemen and backs the creation of an independent state.&nbsp;

UAE also supports the Security Belt forces in a battle against the Iran-aligned Houthis.&nbsp;

Yemen is in the middle of massive chaos since almost five years when the Houthi movement ousted President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi's government in late 2014. The Saudi-led coalition, including the United Arab Emirates intervened militarily, in order to restore Hadi's internationally recognized government.

(with inputs from Reuters)

At least seven people were killed and several injured in a missile attack on a military parade in Yemen's town of al-Dhalea on Sunday. Government-allied southern separatist forces who control that area blamed Iran-backed Houthi group for the attack.

At least seven people were killed and several injured in a missile attack on a military parade in Yemen's town of al-Dhalea on Sunday. Government-allied southern separatist forces who control that area blamed Iran-backed Houthi group for the attack. However, no immediate claim of responsibility was made by the Houthis. The missile struck a parade ground where a military graduation for Security Belt forces had just finished, Security Belt group and the al-Dhalea southern separatist forces said. Watch Video: Seven people died in the attack which included four children and 25 others were wounded, as per the statement by local forces spokesperson. As per witnesses account, the missile blasted near a guest platform during the parade. The Security Belt group is a part of southern separatist forces in south Yemen and backs the creation of an independent state. UAE also supports the Security Belt forces in a battle against the Iran-aligned Houthis. Yemen is in the middle of massive chaos since almost five years when the Houthi movement ousted President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi's government in late 2014. The Saudi-led coalition, including the United Arab Emirates intervened militarily, in order to restore Hadi's internationally recognized government. (with inputs from Reuters)

Death toll climbs to seven in missile attack in Yemen

Yemen: A humanitarian crisis with thousands dead

The conflict in Yemen, described by the United Nations as the world's worst humanitarian crisis, originated with the&nbsp;political transition that occurred in the country following the uprising of the Arab Spring.

The transition from the longtime authoritarian president, Ali Abdullah Saleh to his deputy Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi in 2011 was expected to bring stability to Yemen.

The new government under Hadi, however, struggled to deal with several problems.

Besides corruption, unemployment and food security, Hadi also faced difficulty in handling the security personnel who continued to exhibit loyalty to Saleh.

Hadi's government also faced attacks from the jihadists.

Taking advantage of the weak Hadi government, Yemen's Zaidi Shia Muslim minority who had fought series of rebellions against Saleh during the previous decade, took control of their northern heartland of Saada province and neighbouring areas.&nbsp;

Yemen's Zaidi Shia Muslim minority's Houthi movement was also supported by many ordinary Yemenis - including Sunnis.

The Houthis and security forces loyal to Saleh then attempted to take control of the entire country, forcing Hadi to flee the country in March 2015.

The crisis in Yemen escalated in 2015 after the intervention of the Shia power Iran, Saudi Arabia and eight other mostly Sunni Arab states.

The rebels in the country, backed by Iran, fought against the Saudi-led military coalition which supported the government.

The war has since then left about 10,000 dead, the World Health Organisation states. The United Nations has also defined the conflict in Yemen as the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

Here is a broad overview:

Riyadh enters the war

Houthi fighters from the Zaidi Shiite minority, opposed to the central government for a decade, launch their offensive in mid-2014, seizing swathes of territory.

Their conquests include the capital Sanaa and the Red Sea port of Hodeida, a crucial entry point for imports and humanitarian aid.

A coalition led by regional Sunni power Saudi Arabia comes to the embattled government's aid on March 26, 2015, launching air strikes on rebels.

Their intervention is requested by Hadi, who moved to the southern city of Aden after the fall of Sanaa.

Riyadh has since deployed 1,50,000 troops and 100 fighter planes to the conflict, according to Saudi television Al-Arabiya.

The United Arab Emirates contributes 30 fighter jets. The United States says it is providing logistical support and intelligence.

Coalition successes

On March 27 the coalition says it has full control of Yemen's airspace and destroyed aircraft seized by the Houthis.

In July the Yemen government announces it has retaken the entire province of Aden, its first success since the coalition stepped in.

The coalition supplements its air power with hundreds of ground troops.

By mid-August 2015 loyalist forces have retaken five southern provinces. Aden city becomes the de facto capital, with Sanaa still under rebel control.

In October the government reclaims the Bab al-Mandab Strait, an internationally vital shipping route.

Saudi vs Iran

Splits emerge in the rebel camp in 2017 after their ally, ex-president Ali Abdullah Saleh, makes overtures to the Saudi-led coalition.&nbsp;

Armed clashes rock Sanaa and in December he is assassinated by the Houthis.

In November 2017 Houthi rebels fire a missile in the direction of the international airport in Riyadh.&nbsp;

Intercepted and destroyed, it is the first to reach the Saudi capital. Saudi Arabia is enraged, accusing its arch-foe Iran of "blatant military aggression" through its support for the rebels.

Iran denies supplying them with weapons.

Rebels have since regularly fired missiles at Saudi Arabia.

Battle for aid port

In December 2017 government forces make a breakthrough in efforts to reconquer the aid hub of Hodeida when they drive Houthi fighters out of a town en route.

As they press their advance, the insurgents' second-in-command, Saleh al-Sammad, dies in a coalition air raid in April 2018.

In June government fighters, backed by Saudi and Emirati land forces, launch an offensive on Hodeida.

With international players stepping up diplomatic efforts to end the war, government forces say in November they have orders to halt operations against the rebels.

Rebel leaders and Yemeni officials meet for UN-brokered talks in Sweden in December.&nbsp;

After a week of meetings, a ceasefire in Hodeida is announced.

It comes into effect on December 18, 2018, but both sides accuse each other of violations.

A UN-led ceasefire monitoring team deploys to the city from December 22 but is unable to secure the pullback of armed forces, as agreed in the peace deal.

(With inputs from AFP) 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The conflict in Yemen, described by the United Nations as the world's worst humanitarian crisis, originated with the political transition that occurred in the country following the uprising of the Arab Spring.

The conflict in Yemen, described by the United Nations as the world's worst humanitarian crisis, originated with the political transition that occurred in the country following the uprising of the Arab Spring. The transition from the longtime authoritarian president, Ali Abdullah Saleh to his deputy Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi in 2011 was expected to bring stability to Yemen. The new government under Hadi, however, struggled to deal with several problems. Besides corruption, unemployment and food security, Hadi also faced difficulty in handling the security personnel who continued to exhibit loyalty to Saleh. Hadi's government also faced attacks from the jihadists. Taking advantage of the weak Hadi government, Yemen's Zaidi Shia Muslim minority who had fought series of rebellions against Saleh during the previous decade, took control of their northern heartland of Saada province and neighbouring areas. Yemen's Zaidi Shia Muslim minority's Houthi movement was also supported by many ordinary Yemenis - including Sunnis. The Houthis and security forces loyal to Saleh then attempted to take control of the entire country, forcing Hadi to flee the country in March 2015. The crisis in Yemen escalated in 2015 after the intervention of the Shia power Iran, Saudi Arabia and eight other mostly Sunni Arab states. The rebels in the country, backed by Iran, fought against the Saudi-led military coalition which supported the government. The war has since then left about 10,000 dead, the World Health Organisation states. The United Nations has also defined the conflict in Yemen as the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Here is a broad overview: Riyadh enters the war Houthi fighters from the Zaidi Shiite minority, opposed to the central government for a decade, launch their offensive in mid-2014, seizing swathes of territory. Their conquests include the capital Sanaa and the Red Sea port of Hodeida, a crucial entry point for imports and humanitarian aid. A coalition led by regional Sunni power Saudi Arabia comes to the embattled government's aid on March 26, 2015, launching air strikes on rebels. Their intervention is requested by Hadi, who moved to the southern city of Aden after the fall of Sanaa. Riyadh has since deployed 1,50,000 troops and 100 fighter planes to the conflict, according to Saudi television Al-Arabiya. The United Arab Emirates contributes 30 fighter jets. The United States says it is providing logistical support and intelligence. Coalition successes On March 27 the coalition says it has full control of Yemen's airspace and destroyed aircraft seized by the Houthis. In July the Yemen government announces it has retaken the entire province of Aden, its first success since the coalition stepped in. The coalition supplements its air power with hundreds of ground troops. By mid-August 2015 loyalist forces have retaken five southern provinces. Aden city becomes the de facto capital, with Sanaa still under rebel control. In October the government reclaims the Bab al-Mandab Strait, an internationally vital shipping route. Saudi vs Iran Splits emerge in the rebel camp in 2017 after their ally, ex-president Ali Abdullah Saleh, makes overtures to the Saudi-led coalition. Armed clashes rock Sanaa and in December he is assassinated by the Houthis. In November 2017 Houthi rebels fire a missile in the direction of the international airport in Riyadh. Intercepted and destroyed, it is the first to reach the Saudi capital. Saudi Arabia is enraged, accusing its arch-foe Iran of "blatant military aggression" through its support for the rebels. Iran denies supplying them with weapons. Rebels have since regularly fired missiles at Saudi Arabia. Battle for aid port In December 2017 government forces make a breakthrough in efforts to reconquer the aid hub of Hodeida when they drive Houthi fighters out of a town en route. As they press their advance, the insurgents' second-in-command, Saleh al-Sammad, dies in a coalition air raid in April 2018. In June government fighters, backed by Saudi and Emirati land forces, launch an offensive on Hodeida. With international players stepping up diplomatic efforts to end the war, government forces say in November they have orders to halt operations against the rebels. Rebel leaders and Yemeni officials meet for UN-brokered talks in Sweden in December. After a week of meetings, a ceasefire in Hodeida is announced. It comes into effect on December 18, 2018, but both sides accuse each other of violations. A UN-led ceasefire monitoring team deploys to the city from December 22 but is unable to secure the pullback of armed forces, as agreed in the peace deal. (With inputs from AFP)

Pope Francis on Sunday became the first pontiff to set foot on the Arabian Peninsula, just hours after<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-urges-respect-for-yemen-truce-accord-194830"> issuing his strongest condemnation</a> yet of the war in Yemen, where his host the United Arab Emirates has a leading military role.

Shortly before departing for Abu Dhabi, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-criticizes-those-who-build-walls-sow-fear-about-strangers-192644">Pope Francis </a>said he was following the humanitarian crisis in Yemen with great concern, using his regular Sunday address in Vatican City to urge all sides to implement a fragile peace deal and help deliver aid to millions of hungry people.

"The cry of these children and their parents rises up to God," he told tens of thousands of people in St. Peter's Square.

"Let us pray strongly because they are children who are hungry, who are thirsty, they don't have medicine and they are in danger of death," he said before boarding his flight.

The UAE welcomed the Pope's message on Yemen and believes the peace deal he referred to was a historic breakthrough, Foreign Minister Anwar Gargash wrote on Twitter.

"Let us assure its implementation and make 2019 the year of peace in Yemen," he said after the pope landed in Abu Dhabi.

Yemen's warring parties agreed to a ceasefire in December at the first major peace talks of the nearly four-year-old war, which pits Arab states backing an exiled president against the Iran-aligned Houthi movement that controls the capital.

Tens of thousands of people have been killed in the conflict, and the United Nations says millions are on the verge of starvation. Their survival depends on the truce preventing aid from being cut off by all-out fighting for the country's main port.

Francis was greeted by Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, who escorted him to meet Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Egypt's Al-Azhar mosque and university, one of the main seats of learning of Sunni Islam. The pontiff embraced him.

Both men will hold meetings with Pope Francis on Monday.

The UAE plays a leading role in the Saudi-led coalition battling the Houthis in Yemen. The United Nations is trying to implement a truce and troop withdrawal deal in the main Yemeni port of Hodeidah agreed at the December talks as a step that could pave the way for negotiations to end the conflict.

Vatican officials have said it is not clear whether Pope Francis will address the sensitive subject in public or private during his visit to Abu Dhabi, which is aimed at promoting interfaith dialogue.

"New page"

The pope will meet Muslim leaders and celebrate an outdoor mass for some 135,000 Catholics, an event with no precedent on the Arabian peninsula. He has said the trip, which ends on Tuesday, is an opportunity to write "a new page in the history of relations between religions".

The UAE, which named 2019 its Year of Tolerance, says the visit reflects its history as a "cradle of diversity".

But it faces criticism from human rights groups for jailing activists, including Ahmed Mansoor, an Emirati who is serving a 10-year sentence for criticising the government on social media.

"We are calling on Pope Francis to raise the issue of their incarceration with his hosts, and urge their immediate and unconditional release," Amnesty International said in a statement on Saturday. UAE authorities did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

The UAE is home to around 1 million expatriate Catholics, many from the Philippines. Another 1 million Catholics are believed to live in other countries in the Arabian Peninsula.

Priests and diplomats describe the UAE as one of the least restrictive environments in the Gulf for Christian worship. But like its neighbours, the UAE does not allow dissent or criticism of its leadership.

All Gulf states except Saudi Arabia allow Christian worship in churches or church compounds and other premises with special licences. In Saudi Arabia, non-Muslims pray in secret gatherings in private homes and embassies.

Abu Dhabi's crown prince is an ally of Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has reached out to Christian representatives abroad as part of attempts to open up the conservative kingdom. Mohammed bin Salman's international reputation has eroded since the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October.

The pope has already visited half a dozen predominantly Muslim nations during his reign, using the trips to call for inter-religious dialogue and to condemn the use of violence in the name of God.

The UAE ambassador to Washington, Yousef Al Otaiba, wrote in an op-ed in Politico magazine on Sunday that the pontiff's visit sent a signal of co-existence and respect in the face of the "menace of extremism" across the Middle East.

Pope Francis on Sunday became the first pontiff to set foot on the Arabian Peninsula, just hours after issuing his strongest condemnation yet of the war in Yemen, where his host the United Arab Emirates has a leading military role.

Pope Francis on Sunday became the first pontiff to set foot on the Arabian Peninsula, just hours after issuing his strongest condemnation yet of the war in Yemen, where his host the United Arab Emirates has a leading military role. Shortly before departing for Abu Dhabi, Pope Francis said he was following the humanitarian crisis in Yemen with great concern, using his regular Sunday address in Vatican City to urge all sides to implement a fragile peace deal and help deliver aid to millions of hungry people. "The cry of these children and their parents rises up to God," he told tens of thousands of people in St. Peter's Square. "Let us pray strongly because they are children who are hungry, who are thirsty, they don't have medicine and they are in danger of death," he said before boarding his flight. The UAE welcomed the Pope's message on Yemen and believes the peace deal he referred to was a historic breakthrough, Foreign Minister Anwar Gargash wrote on Twitter. "Let us assure its implementation and make 2019 the year of peace in Yemen," he said after the pope landed in Abu Dhabi. Yemen's warring parties agreed to a ceasefire in December at the first major peace talks of the nearly four-year-old war, which pits Arab states backing an exiled president against the Iran-aligned Houthi movement that controls the capital. Tens of thousands of people have been killed in the conflict, and the United Nations says millions are on the verge of starvation. Their survival depends on the truce preventing aid from being cut off by all-out fighting for the country's main port. Francis was greeted by Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, who escorted him to meet Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Egypt's Al-Azhar mosque and university, one of the main seats of learning of Sunni Islam. The pontiff embraced him. Both men will hold meetings with Pope Francis on Monday. The UAE plays a leading role in the Saudi-led coalition battling the Houthis in Yemen. The United Nations is trying to implement a truce and troop withdrawal deal in the main Yemeni port of Hodeidah agreed at the December talks as a step that could pave the way for negotiations to end the conflict. Vatican officials have said it is not clear whether Pope Francis will address the sensitive subject in public or private during his visit to Abu Dhabi, which is aimed at promoting interfaith dialogue. "New page" The pope will meet Muslim leaders and celebrate an outdoor mass for some 135,000 Catholics, an event with no precedent on the Arabian peninsula. He has said the trip, which ends on Tuesday, is an opportunity to write "a new page in the history of relations between religions". The UAE, which named 2019 its Year of Tolerance, says the visit reflects its history as a "cradle of diversity". But it faces criticism from human rights groups for jailing activists, including Ahmed Mansoor, an Emirati who is serving a 10-year sentence for criticising the government on social media. "We are calling on Pope Francis to raise the issue of their incarceration with his hosts, and urge their immediate and unconditional release," Amnesty International said in a statement on Saturday. UAE authorities did not immediately reply to a request for comment. The UAE is home to around 1 million expatriate Catholics, many from the Philippines. Another 1 million Catholics are believed to live in other countries in the Arabian Peninsula. Priests and diplomats describe the UAE as one of the least restrictive environments in the Gulf for Christian worship. But like its neighbours, the UAE does not allow dissent or criticism of its leadership. All Gulf states except Saudi Arabia allow Christian worship in churches or church compounds and other premises with special licences. In Saudi Arabia, non-Muslims pray in secret gatherings in private homes and embassies. Abu Dhabi's crown prince is an ally of Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has reached out to Christian representatives abroad as part of attempts to open up the conservative kingdom. Mohammed bin Salman's international reputation has eroded since the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October. The pope has already visited half a dozen predominantly Muslim nations during his reign, using the trips to call for inter-religious dialogue and to condemn the use of violence in the name of God. The UAE ambassador to Washington, Yousef Al Otaiba, wrote in an op-ed in Politico magazine on Sunday that the pontiff's visit sent a signal of co-existence and respect in the face of the "menace of extremism" across the Middle East.

Pope arrives in UAE for historic gulf visit, condemns Yemen war

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo vowed Saturday that the United States would continue supporting Saudi Arabia's military campaign in Yemen, despite rising outrage over the kingdom.

Speaking from a Group of 20 summit in Buenos Aires, Pompeo acknowledged that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/yemen-on-brink-of-major-catastrophe-un-aid-chief-180743">humanitarian crisis in Yemen</a> -- where millions are at risk of starvation -- had reached "epic proportions" but said Washington and Riyadh were offering aid.

"The program that we're involved in today we intend to continue," Pompeo told CNN when asked about military assistance to the Saudi-led coalition.

The US Senate on Wednesday took an initial vote to cut off the war support, with 14 members of President Donald Trump's Republican Party defying appeals from Pompeo and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis.

A final vote could come in the next week, setting the stage for a fresh battle if Trump vetoes the bill.

Pompeo, who met in Buenos Aires with his Saudi counterpart, has backed the war as a way to counter Iran, which has ties to Yemen's Huthi rebels.

Outrage over attacks

But senators have voiced outrage over attacks on civilian targets, including hospitals and a school bus, as well as a Saudi hit squad's murder in October of journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the kingdom's Istanbul consulate.

Pompeo reiterated his insistence that there was no "direct evidence" that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the killing of Khashoggi, who lived in the United States and wrote for The Washington Post.

Prince Mohammed is taking part in the Buenos Aires summit in a bold signal that he remains in charge. The 33-year-old was seen speaking with Trump, although the White House said they only exchanged "pleasantries."

Trump has said it is vital to preserve the decades-old alliance with Saudi Arabia, as the kingdom is the top buyer of US weapons and key oil supplier.

But Bob Corker, the outgoing Republican chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said in an interview published Friday that the United States needed to rein in Prince Mohammed, who was "out of control."

"To me, we've got a relationship with a country that's a semi-important country and a semi-important ally. I wouldn't elevate them beyond that," Corker told congressional newspaper Roll Call.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo vowed Saturday that the United States would continue supporting Saudi Arabia's military campaign in Yemen, despite rising outrage over the kingdom.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo vowed Saturday that the United States would continue supporting Saudi Arabia's military campaign in Yemen, despite rising outrage over the kingdom. Speaking from a Group of 20 summit in Buenos Aires, Pompeo acknowledged that the humanitarian crisis in Yemen -- where millions are at risk of starvation -- had reached "epic proportions" but said Washington and Riyadh were offering aid. "The program that we're involved in today we intend to continue," Pompeo told CNN when asked about military assistance to the Saudi-led coalition. The US Senate on Wednesday took an initial vote to cut off the war support, with 14 members of President Donald Trump's Republican Party defying appeals from Pompeo and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis. A final vote could come in the next week, setting the stage for a fresh battle if Trump vetoes the bill. Pompeo, who met in Buenos Aires with his Saudi counterpart, has backed the war as a way to counter Iran, which has ties to Yemen's Huthi rebels. Outrage over attacks But senators have voiced outrage over attacks on civilian targets, including hospitals and a school bus, as well as a Saudi hit squad's murder in October of journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the kingdom's Istanbul consulate. Pompeo reiterated his insistence that there was no "direct evidence" that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the killing of Khashoggi, who lived in the United States and wrote for The Washington Post. Prince Mohammed is taking part in the Buenos Aires summit in a bold signal that he remains in charge. The 33-year-old was seen speaking with Trump, although the White House said they only exchanged "pleasantries." Trump has said it is vital to preserve the decades-old alliance with Saudi Arabia, as the kingdom is the top buyer of US weapons and key oil supplier. But Bob Corker, the outgoing Republican chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said in an interview published Friday that the United States needed to rein in Prince Mohammed, who was "out of control." "To me, we've got a relationship with a country that's a semi-important country and a semi-important ally. I wouldn't elevate them beyond that," Corker told congressional newspaper Roll Call.

US to keep aiding Saudis in Yemen despite furor: Mike Pompeo

Peace talks aimed at ending the war in Yemen have been set for early December in Sweden, between Huthi rebels and the UN-recognized government, US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said Wednesday.

He said the Saudis and United Arab Emirates -- who have militarily backed President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi in the brutal three-year-old war -- "are fully on board, by the way."

"It looks like that very, very early in December, up in Sweden, we'll see both the Huthi rebel side and the UN-recognized government, President Hadi's government, will be up there."

Mattis last month made a surprise call for a ceasefire in Yemen and urged warring parties to enter negotiations within the next 30 days.

The United Nations has now pushed that deadline back to the end of the year.

Mattis' latest comments came as the US State Department said talks must not be delayed any longer, and UN envoy Martin Griffiths was in Sanaa for talks with rebel leaders to push them to join the peace talks in Sweden.

Griffiths is spearheading the biggest push in two years to end the war, which has sparked what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

It also comes a day after US President Donald Trump vowed to stick with Saudi Arabia as an ally despite the gruesome murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul October 2.

The CIA has reportedly concluded that the murder was ordered by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, but Trump chose to overlook that in favor of the larger relationship with the kingdom.

"On the Khashoggi affair, presidents don't often get the freedom to work with unblemished partners in all things," Mattis said.

"If you want to end the war you're going to deal with Saudi. You can't say I'm not going to deal with them," he said.

US weapons

Washington has been providing bombs and other weapons, as well as intelligence support, to the Saudi-led coalition backing Hadi, but recently ended its refueling support for Saudi warplanes.

The Huthis failed to show up to peace talks in Switzerland in September, leading to the collapse of that effort to end the fighting.

The Huthis have said repeatedly that they need stronger security guarantees from the international community that they will be given safe passage through the crippling air and sea blockade the coalition has enforced since March 2015.

UN agencies say up to 14 million Yemenis are at risk of starvation if fighting closes the port of Hodeida, a gateway for humanitarian aid.

"All parties must not delay talks any longer, or insist on travel or transport conditions that call into question good faith intentions to look for a solution or to make necessary concessions," State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement.

"The time for direct talks and building mutual confidence is now."

Nauert said the US welcomes the coalition's Tuesday announcement of $500 million to address Yemen's food security crisis.

"In addition to this, Hodeida port must be turned over to a neutral party to accelerate the distribution of aid to address the acute humanitarian crisis, and to prevent the port from being used to smuggle weapons and contraband into the country or to finance the Huthi militia," Nauert said. &nbsp;

"It is time to end this conflict, replace conflict with compromise, and allow the Yemeni people to heal through peace and reconstruction."

Years of United Nations-backed peace efforts have failed to end Yemen's fighting, which has killed nearly 10,000 people -- mostly civilians -- since the Saudi-led coalition intervened.

Peace talks aimed at ending the war in Yemen have been set for early December in Sweden, between Huthi rebels and the UN-recognized government, US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said Wednesday.

Peace talks aimed at ending the war in Yemen have been set for early December in Sweden, between Huthi rebels and the UN-recognized government, US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said Wednesday. He said the Saudis and United Arab Emirates -- who have militarily backed President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi in the brutal three-year-old war -- "are fully on board, by the way." "It looks like that very, very early in December, up in Sweden, we'll see both the Huthi rebel side and the UN-recognized government, President Hadi's government, will be up there." Mattis last month made a surprise call for a ceasefire in Yemen and urged warring parties to enter negotiations within the next 30 days. The United Nations has now pushed that deadline back to the end of the year. Mattis' latest comments came as the US State Department said talks must not be delayed any longer, and UN envoy Martin Griffiths was in Sanaa for talks with rebel leaders to push them to join the peace talks in Sweden. Griffiths is spearheading the biggest push in two years to end the war, which has sparked what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis. It also comes a day after US President Donald Trump vowed to stick with Saudi Arabia as an ally despite the gruesome murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul October 2. The CIA has reportedly concluded that the murder was ordered by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, but Trump chose to overlook that in favor of the larger relationship with the kingdom. "On the Khashoggi affair, presidents don't often get the freedom to work with unblemished partners in all things," Mattis said. "If you want to end the war you're going to deal with Saudi. You can't say I'm not going to deal with them," he said. US weapons Washington has been providing bombs and other weapons, as well as intelligence support, to the Saudi-led coalition backing Hadi, but recently ended its refueling support for Saudi warplanes. The Huthis failed to show up to peace talks in Switzerland in September, leading to the collapse of that effort to end the fighting. The Huthis have said repeatedly that they need stronger security guarantees from the international community that they will be given safe passage through the crippling air and sea blockade the coalition has enforced since March 2015. UN agencies say up to 14 million Yemenis are at risk of starvation if fighting closes the port of Hodeida, a gateway for humanitarian aid. "All parties must not delay talks any longer, or insist on travel or transport conditions that call into question good faith intentions to look for a solution or to make necessary concessions," State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement. "The time for direct talks and building mutual confidence is now." Nauert said the US welcomes the coalition's Tuesday announcement of $500 million to address Yemen's food security crisis. "In addition to this, Hodeida port must be turned over to a neutral party to accelerate the distribution of aid to address the acute humanitarian crisis, and to prevent the port from being used to smuggle weapons and contraband into the country or to finance the Huthi militia," Nauert said. "It is time to end this conflict, replace conflict with compromise, and allow the Yemeni people to heal through peace and reconstruction." Years of United Nations-backed peace efforts have failed to end Yemen's fighting, which has killed nearly 10,000 people -- mostly civilians -- since the Saudi-led coalition intervened.

Yemen peace talks set for early December in Sweden: US

The United Nations envoy to Yemen will visit the rebel-held battleground port city of Hodeida this week, a UN source said Thursday, as he presses warring parties to uphold pledges to join peace talks.

Martin Griffiths, who arrived in the rebel-held capital Sanaa on Wednesday, was in the Arabian Peninsula country to lay the groundwork for next month's negotiations in Sweden.

The British diplomat's visit to Hodeida on Friday was aimed at encouraging Iran-aligned Huthi rebels and government forces backed by a Saudi-led coalition to stay calm ahead of the talks in Stockholm, the UN source said.

The conflict in Yemen, which escalated when the Saudi-led alliance intervened in 2015, has killed thousands and sparked what the United Nations has called the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

UN agencies say up to 14 million Yemenis would be at risk of starvation if fighting closes the port of Hodeida, through which nearly all of the country's imports and humanitarian aid pass.

Both sides have in the past week expressed support for the envoy and his mission to hold discussions, but military officials have said that intermittent clashes continued to erupt in the Red Sea city of Hodeida.

Mohammed Ali al-Huthi, head of the rebels' Higher Revolutionary Committee and an influential political figure, said the rebels were ready for peace.

"We support peace. We are ready for peace if that is what they (the Saudi-led coalition) want," he told reporters after meeting Griffiths on Thursday.

"I do not think anyone can doubt our desire for peace," he said, adding the envoy would hold talks with rebel chief Abdulmalik al-Huthi before heading to Hodeida.

'Fully on board'

United States Defence Secretary Jim Mattis confirmed on Wednesday peace discussions between the Huthis and the internationally-recognised government would take place early December.

He said Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates -- which is also a key member of the military coalition supporting the loyalists -- were "fully on board".

"It looks like that very, very early in December, up in Sweden, we'll see both the Huthi rebel side and the UN-recognised government, President (Abedrabbo Mansour) Hadi's government, will be up there."

Mattis last month made a surprise call for a ceasefire in Yemen and urged warring parties to enter negotiations within the next 30 days.

The UN has now pushed that deadline back to the end of the year.

Mattis' latest comments came as the US State Department said talks must not be delayed any longer.

The United States has been providing bombs and other weapons, as well as intelligence support, to the Saudi-led coalition backing Hadi, but recently ended its refuelling support for Saudi warplanes.

On Monday, Britain presented to the UN Security Council a draft resolution urging an immediate truce in Hodeida.

The draft, circulated by Britain to the 14 other council members, and seen by AFP, sets a two-week deadline for the warring sides to remove all barriers to humanitarian aid.

The proposed resolution would significantly ratchet up pressure on the Saudi-led coalition and the Huthis to seek a negotiated settlement in Yemen, where millions are on the brink of starvation.

It also calls for a large injection of foreign cash to support Yemen's collapsing currency and for salaries of civil servants, teachers, and health workers to be paid within a month.

UN peace efforts

Griffiths -- whose efforts at kickstarting peace talks in September collapsed -- is spearheading the biggest push in two years to end the war.

In September, a previous round of UN-led peace talks faltered when the Huthis refused to travel to Geneva, accusing the world body of failing to guarantee their delegation's return to Sanaa or secure the evacuation of wounded rebels to Oman.

Previous talks broke down in 2016, when 108 days of negotiations in Kuwait failed to yield a deal and left rebel delegates stranded in Oman for three months.

A UN panel of experts has accused both the Huthis and the Saudi-led coalition of acts that could amount to war crimes.

According to the World Health Organization, nearly 10,000 people have been killed in the conflict, though some rights groups estimate the toll could be five times higher.

The World Food Programme says up to 14 million Yemenis are at risk of starvation, and 18-19 million are "food insecure".

The United Nations envoy to Yemen will visit the rebel-held battleground port city of Hodeida this week, a UN source said Thursday, as he presses warring parties to uphold pledges to join peace talks.

The United Nations envoy to Yemen will visit the rebel-held battleground port city of Hodeida this week, a UN source said Thursday, as he presses warring parties to uphold pledges to join peace talks. Martin Griffiths, who arrived in the rebel-held capital Sanaa on Wednesday, was in the Arabian Peninsula country to lay the groundwork for next month's negotiations in Sweden. The British diplomat's visit to Hodeida on Friday was aimed at encouraging Iran-aligned Huthi rebels and government forces backed by a Saudi-led coalition to stay calm ahead of the talks in Stockholm, the UN source said. The conflict in Yemen, which escalated when the Saudi-led alliance intervened in 2015, has killed thousands and sparked what the United Nations has called the world's worst humanitarian crisis. UN agencies say up to 14 million Yemenis would be at risk of starvation if fighting closes the port of Hodeida, through which nearly all of the country's imports and humanitarian aid pass. Both sides have in the past week expressed support for the envoy and his mission to hold discussions, but military officials have said that intermittent clashes continued to erupt in the Red Sea city of Hodeida. Mohammed Ali al-Huthi, head of the rebels' Higher Revolutionary Committee and an influential political figure, said the rebels were ready for peace. "We support peace. We are ready for peace if that is what they (the Saudi-led coalition) want," he told reporters after meeting Griffiths on Thursday. "I do not think anyone can doubt our desire for peace," he said, adding the envoy would hold talks with rebel chief Abdulmalik al-Huthi before heading to Hodeida. 'Fully on board' United States Defence Secretary Jim Mattis confirmed on Wednesday peace discussions between the Huthis and the internationally-recognised government would take place early December. He said Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates -- which is also a key member of the military coalition supporting the loyalists -- were "fully on board". "It looks like that very, very early in December, up in Sweden, we'll see both the Huthi rebel side and the UN-recognised government, President (Abedrabbo Mansour) Hadi's government, will be up there." Mattis last month made a surprise call for a ceasefire in Yemen and urged warring parties to enter negotiations within the next 30 days. The UN has now pushed that deadline back to the end of the year. Mattis' latest comments came as the US State Department said talks must not be delayed any longer. The United States has been providing bombs and other weapons, as well as intelligence support, to the Saudi-led coalition backing Hadi, but recently ended its refuelling support for Saudi warplanes. On Monday, Britain presented to the UN Security Council a draft resolution urging an immediate truce in Hodeida. The draft, circulated by Britain to the 14 other council members, and seen by AFP, sets a two-week deadline for the warring sides to remove all barriers to humanitarian aid. The proposed resolution would significantly ratchet up pressure on the Saudi-led coalition and the Huthis to seek a negotiated settlement in Yemen, where millions are on the brink of starvation. It also calls for a large injection of foreign cash to support Yemen's collapsing currency and for salaries of civil servants, teachers, and health workers to be paid within a month. UN peace efforts Griffiths -- whose efforts at kickstarting peace talks in September collapsed -- is spearheading the biggest push in two years to end the war. In September, a previous round of UN-led peace talks faltered when the Huthis refused to travel to Geneva, accusing the world body of failing to guarantee their delegation's return to Sanaa or secure the evacuation of wounded rebels to Oman. Previous talks broke down in 2016, when 108 days of negotiations in Kuwait failed to yield a deal and left rebel delegates stranded in Oman for three months. A UN panel of experts has accused both the Huthis and the Saudi-led coalition of acts that could amount to war crimes. According to the World Health Organization, nearly 10,000 people have been killed in the conflict, though some rights groups estimate the toll could be five times higher. The World Food Programme says up to 14 million Yemenis are at risk of starvation, and 18-19 million are "food insecure".

UN Yemen envoy to visit battleground port ahead of peace talks

Yemen's rebel chief on Wednesday vowed his fighters would never surrender to Saudi-backed pro-government forces, as the two sides battle for control of the insurgent-held port city of Hodeida.

"Does the enemy think that penetrating this or that area, or seizing this or that area, means we will be convinced that we should surrender and hand over control?" Abdulmalik al-Huthi said in a televised address.&nbsp;

"This is not happening and will not happen ever."

Yemen's rebel chief on Wednesday vowed his fighters would never surrender to Saudi-backed pro-government forces, as the two sides battle for control of the insurgent-held port city of Hodeida.

Yemen's rebel chief on Wednesday vowed his fighters would never surrender to Saudi-backed pro-government forces, as the two sides battle for control of the insurgent-held port city of Hodeida. "Does the enemy think that penetrating this or that area, or seizing this or that area, means we will be convinced that we should surrender and hand over control?" Abdulmalik al-Huthi said in a televised address. "This is not happening and will not happen ever."

Yemen rebel chief vows to 'never surrender'

Government troops and rebels clashed again Tuesday near a Yemeni port city crucial for humanitarian aid, where hundreds of thousands of civilians could be trapped as war closes in.

Five days of battles between Iran-linked Huthi rebels and the army, allied with a regional military coalition led by Saudi Arabia, have left more than 150 combatants dead in the Red Sea province of Hodeida.

A spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition on Monday said the government alliance had no plans to launch a full offensive to retake Hodeida.

But multiple military officials on the ground reported their troops had encircled the rebel-held city.

The rebels have also confirmed fierce fighting in the area via their Al-Masirah television station.

The fighting comes as the United Nations pushes to restart negotiations between warring parties, after talks collapsed in Geneva in September.

Hodeida is one of the last Huthi strongholds on Yemen's western coastline. The rebels seized the port, along with the capital, in 2014.

The rival Saudi-led camp, a powerful military alliance that includes the United Arab Emirates, has since retaken most of the country's ports.

'Never-ending nightmare'

The United Nations' children's fund (UNICEF) -- which has called Yemen a "living hell" -- this week warned an assault on Hodeida would jeopardise the lives of people in the city and across the country.

The port of Hodeida is crucial for aid delivery and food imports to Yemen, where famine looms over 14 million people and a child dies every 10 minutes, according to the UN.

Medics at hospitals in the Hodeida neighbourhood of Bajil reported they had received the bodies of 49 Huthi rebels on Tuesday morning.

Hospitals in government-held Mokha, south of Hodeida, said 15 soldiers had been killed.

Rights groups warn the worst could be yet to come in Hodeida.

"The past days have... seen fierce fighting and air strikes pick up in the vicinity of Hodeida city, threatening to further deteriorate civilians' access to safety and aid," the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) warned on Monday night.

Save the Children reported almost 100 air strikes counted by its staff at the weekend -- five times as many as in the whole first week of October.

The NRC warned the fighting around Hodeida city threatened "to further deteriorate civilians' access to safety and aid".

Failing economy

The poorest country in the Arab world, Yemen is now home to what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

Nearly 14 million people are at risk of famine as the war nears its fourth year.

The World Health Organization says 10,000 people have been killed since the Saudi-led coalition intervened on the side of the government in 2015.

Yemen's government on Tuesday approved new budget and tax collection measures aimed at bolstering the central bank as looming famine threatens millions.

The cabinet backed the formation of a committee tasked with setting the government budget for 2019, according to state news agency Saba.

It also passed a resolution pushing for the collection of owed taxes and customs "on all taxable imports at all land, sea and air ports in liberated areas", or areas under government control.

The Yemeni riyal has plunged more than 36 percent in 2018, despite a $2-billion deposit in the central bank by Saudi Arabia aimed at saving the currency.

The riyal's slide has triggered a sharp rise in the prices of commodities, especially food and fuel, leaving millions unable to afford basic staples.

Government troops and rebels clashed again Tuesday near a Yemeni port city crucial for humanitarian aid, where hundreds of thousands of civilians could be trapped as war closes in.

Government troops and rebels clashed again Tuesday near a Yemeni port city crucial for humanitarian aid, where hundreds of thousands of civilians could be trapped as war closes in. Five days of battles between Iran-linked Huthi rebels and the army, allied with a regional military coalition led by Saudi Arabia, have left more than 150 combatants dead in the Red Sea province of Hodeida. A spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition on Monday said the government alliance had no plans to launch a full offensive to retake Hodeida. But multiple military officials on the ground reported their troops had encircled the rebel-held city. The rebels have also confirmed fierce fighting in the area via their Al-Masirah television station. The fighting comes as the United Nations pushes to restart negotiations between warring parties, after talks collapsed in Geneva in September. Hodeida is one of the last Huthi strongholds on Yemen's western coastline. The rebels seized the port, along with the capital, in 2014. The rival Saudi-led camp, a powerful military alliance that includes the United Arab Emirates, has since retaken most of the country's ports. 'Never-ending nightmare' The United Nations' children's fund (UNICEF) -- which has called Yemen a "living hell" -- this week warned an assault on Hodeida would jeopardise the lives of people in the city and across the country. The port of Hodeida is crucial for aid delivery and food imports to Yemen, where famine looms over 14 million people and a child dies every 10 minutes, according to the UN. Medics at hospitals in the Hodeida neighbourhood of Bajil reported they had received the bodies of 49 Huthi rebels on Tuesday morning. Hospitals in government-held Mokha, south of Hodeida, said 15 soldiers had been killed. Rights groups warn the worst could be yet to come in Hodeida. "The past days have... seen fierce fighting and air strikes pick up in the vicinity of Hodeida city, threatening to further deteriorate civilians' access to safety and aid," the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) warned on Monday night. Save the Children reported almost 100 air strikes counted by its staff at the weekend -- five times as many as in the whole first week of October. The NRC warned the fighting around Hodeida city threatened "to further deteriorate civilians' access to safety and aid". Failing economy The poorest country in the Arab world, Yemen is now home to what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Nearly 14 million people are at risk of famine as the war nears its fourth year. The World Health Organization says 10,000 people have been killed since the Saudi-led coalition intervened on the side of the government in 2015. Yemen's government on Tuesday approved new budget and tax collection measures aimed at bolstering the central bank as looming famine threatens millions. The cabinet backed the formation of a committee tasked with setting the government budget for 2019, according to state news agency Saba. It also passed a resolution pushing for the collection of owed taxes and customs "on all taxable imports at all land, sea and air ports in liberated areas", or areas under government control. The Yemeni riyal has plunged more than 36 percent in 2018, despite a $2-billion deposit in the central bank by Saudi Arabia aimed at saving the currency. The riyal's slide has triggered a sharp rise in the prices of commodities, especially food and fuel, leaving millions unable to afford basic staples.

Fears for civilians rise as clashes rattle Yemen port city

The Saudi-led military coalition in Yemen has sent more than 10,000 new troops towards a vital rebel-held port city ahead of a new assault, Yemeni government officials said Tuesday.

The pro-government coalition deployed the reinforcements to the Red Sea coast ahead of a new offensive on Hodeida "within days", a military official told AFP.&nbsp;

He said they would also "secure areas liberated" from the Iran-backed Huthi rebels, and that forces from Sudan, part of the coalition, had moved in to "secure" areas around the city.

Huthi rebels have for the past 10 days been stationing fighters on rooftops of buildings in Hodeida city, government military officials told AFP.&nbsp;

The adjacent port is the entry point for three-quarters of imports to the impoverished country, which is teetering on the edge of famine.

Saudi Arabia and its allies intervened in Yemen in 2015 to support President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi's government after the Huthis ousted it swathes of territory including the capital Sanaa.

The coalition has used air power to push the rebels back from much of Yemen, but the Huthis have held onto Hodeida and Sanaa.

After UN-backed talks collapsed in September, the coalition announced it was relaunching an assault on Hodeida.

The fighting has since eased and Saudi-led forces have focused their raids on the city limits and other parts of the surrounding province.

But last week strikes in the province killed dozens of civilians, the United Nations said, as the Huthis blamed aerial bombardment by the Saudi-led coalition.

The coalition has drawn heavy global criticism for the high civilian death toll from its campaign in Yemen.

The war has left almost 10,000 people dead since the coalition intervened, and sparked what the UN has labelled the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

The world body warned last week that 14 million people in Yemen now face a serious threat of famine.&nbsp;

The Saudi-led military coalition in Yemen has sent more than 10,000 new troops towards a vital rebel-held port city ahead of a new assault, Yemeni government officials said Tuesday.

The Saudi-led military coalition in Yemen has sent more than 10,000 new troops towards a vital rebel-held port city ahead of a new assault, Yemeni government officials said Tuesday. The pro-government coalition deployed the reinforcements to the Red Sea coast ahead of a new offensive on Hodeida "within days", a military official told AFP. He said they would also "secure areas liberated" from the Iran-backed Huthi rebels, and that forces from Sudan, part of the coalition, had moved in to "secure" areas around the city. Huthi rebels have for the past 10 days been stationing fighters on rooftops of buildings in Hodeida city, government military officials told AFP. The adjacent port is the entry point for three-quarters of imports to the impoverished country, which is teetering on the edge of famine. Saudi Arabia and its allies intervened in Yemen in 2015 to support President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi's government after the Huthis ousted it swathes of territory including the capital Sanaa. The coalition has used air power to push the rebels back from much of Yemen, but the Huthis have held onto Hodeida and Sanaa. After UN-backed talks collapsed in September, the coalition announced it was relaunching an assault on Hodeida. The fighting has since eased and Saudi-led forces have focused their raids on the city limits and other parts of the surrounding province. But last week strikes in the province killed dozens of civilians, the United Nations said, as the Huthis blamed aerial bombardment by the Saudi-led coalition. The coalition has drawn heavy global criticism for the high civilian death toll from its campaign in Yemen. The war has left almost 10,000 people dead since the coalition intervened, and sparked what the UN has labelled the world's worst humanitarian crisis. The world body warned last week that 14 million people in Yemen now face a serious threat of famine.

Saudi-led coalition sends thousands of troops towards Yemen port

Ahmed Hassan is only a few months old, but his emaciated frame twitches as he cries in pain when Yemeni doctors gently place him on a scale. He is starving.

In the next room, nurses make baby formula by the pitcher, filling syringes to ration a portion for each malnourished child who comes to Sabaeen Hospital in the rebel-held capital for emergency treatment.

Too weak to swallow, some babies are fed through feeding tubes that go through the nose directly into the stomach.

After being fed, some of them appear to feel a bit better, crawling over to play with other emaciated children in the clinic, tubes still taped to their faces.

"Life's become really very difficult... but we do our best, given the circumstances," said Umm Tarek, as her nine-month-old baby underwent treated for malnutrition.

"We're not from here, so we rent an old, old house for 10,000 riyals ($40) in Hiziaz," south of Sanaa, she told AFP.

"Then my baby got sick because we used to give him formula, but now we can't afford both the house and powdered milk anymore."

Four years of war between Yemen's Saudi-backed government and Huthi rebels have pushed the country to the brink of mass starvation.

The United Nations last week warned 14 million Yemenis are at serious risk of famine, as the war shows no sign of waning.

Mark Lowcock, the UN's humanitarian chief, said Monday the danger of famine in Yemen is "much bigger than anything any professional in this field has seen during their working lives".

'At death's door'

At Sabaeen hospital, paediatrician Sharaf Nashwan said some families can't afford transport costs to reach the facility.

"So their children are left for days or weeks suffering malnutrition, until someone helps them out with a little money to get their kids to hospital. But by then we're looking at a really severe case," he said.

Nearly 10,000 people have been killed in Yemen and more than 56,000 injured since 2015, according to the World Health Organization.

The UN this month called for a humanitarian ceasefire around facilities involved in food aid distribution, but neither the Iran-backed rebels nor Saudi Arabia and its allies have heeded the call.

The two sides are fighting for control of the country, which shares a land border with Saudi Arabia and is home to a string of valuable ports.

The rebels now control the capital Sanaa along with much of Yemen's northern highlands and western Hodeida, Yemen's largest port through which nearly three-quarters of imports flow.

A blockade has been imposed on the port and Sanaa airport by the Saudi-led coalition, which controls Yemen's airspace.

Yemenis struggling to survive such conditions are also confronted with a collapsed economy, leaving government clerks and teachers without pay for months.

The International Monetary Fund expects Yemen's economy will contract by 2.6 percent in 2018, while inflation is forecast to hit 42 percent.

In the face of such dire circumstances, paediatrician Nashwan said medical staff do their utmost to save the children in their care.

"The cases that we get here at the hospital tend to be severe. At death's door, sometimes. We do our jobs, do everything we can to push them back to good health," he said.

"Some get well. Others die."

Ahmed Hassan is only a few months old, but his emaciated frame twitches as he cries in pain when Yemeni doctors gently place him on a scale. He is starving. In the next room, nurses make baby formula by the pitcher, filling syringes to ration a portion for each malnourished child who comes to Sabaeen Hospital in the rebel-held capital for emergency treatment.

Ahmed Hassan is only a few months old, but his emaciated frame twitches as he cries in pain when Yemeni doctors gently place him on a scale. He is starving. In the next room, nurses make baby formula by the pitcher, filling syringes to ration a portion for each malnourished child who comes to Sabaeen Hospital in the rebel-held capital for emergency treatment. Too weak to swallow, some babies are fed through feeding tubes that go through the nose directly into the stomach. After being fed, some of them appear to feel a bit better, crawling over to play with other emaciated children in the clinic, tubes still taped to their faces. "Life's become really very difficult... but we do our best, given the circumstances," said Umm Tarek, as her nine-month-old baby underwent treated for malnutrition. "We're not from here, so we rent an old, old house for 10,000 riyals ($40) in Hiziaz," south of Sanaa, she told AFP. "Then my baby got sick because we used to give him formula, but now we can't afford both the house and powdered milk anymore." Four years of war between Yemen's Saudi-backed government and Huthi rebels have pushed the country to the brink of mass starvation. The United Nations last week warned 14 million Yemenis are at serious risk of famine, as the war shows no sign of waning. Mark Lowcock, the UN's humanitarian chief, said Monday the danger of famine in Yemen is "much bigger than anything any professional in this field has seen during their working lives". 'At death's door' At Sabaeen hospital, paediatrician Sharaf Nashwan said some families can't afford transport costs to reach the facility. "So their children are left for days or weeks suffering malnutrition, until someone helps them out with a little money to get their kids to hospital. But by then we're looking at a really severe case," he said. Nearly 10,000 people have been killed in Yemen and more than 56,000 injured since 2015, according to the World Health Organization. The UN this month called for a humanitarian ceasefire around facilities involved in food aid distribution, but neither the Iran-backed rebels nor Saudi Arabia and its allies have heeded the call. The two sides are fighting for control of the country, which shares a land border with Saudi Arabia and is home to a string of valuable ports. The rebels now control the capital Sanaa along with much of Yemen's northern highlands and western Hodeida, Yemen's largest port through which nearly three-quarters of imports flow. A blockade has been imposed on the port and Sanaa airport by the Saudi-led coalition, which controls Yemen's airspace. Yemenis struggling to survive such conditions are also confronted with a collapsed economy, leaving government clerks and teachers without pay for months. The International Monetary Fund expects Yemen's economy will contract by 2.6 percent in 2018, while inflation is forecast to hit 42 percent. In the face of such dire circumstances, paediatrician Nashwan said medical staff do their utmost to save the children in their care. "The cases that we get here at the hospital tend to be severe. At death's door, sometimes. We do our jobs, do everything we can to push them back to good health," he said. "Some get well. Others die."

Yemen's infants face starvation as war rages on

Saudi-led coalition urges talks between belligerents in Yemen&#39;s Aden

At least 10 people were killed and about 100 others were wounded as southern Yemeni separatists fought government troops in Aden

Saudi-led coalition urges talks between belligerents in Yemen's Aden

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Saudi-led coalition urges talks between belligerents in Yemen's Aden