Despite occasional peace overtures, the conflict in Yemen is continuing unabated, with Saudi Arabia and Iran supporting either sides of the surrogate war.

On Monday, the Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed to have launched drone strikes against Saudi energy giant Aramco's facilities, amid an upsurge in fighting between the insurgents and the Riyadh-backed government in northern Yemen.

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea said the group had fired 17 drones and two missiles towards the kingdom.

On Sunday, the Saudi-led coalition said it had intercepted and destroyed six armed Houthi drones.

The coalition entered the war after the Houthis ousted the internationally recognised government from the capital Sanaa. Last week, intense fighting between pro-government forces and Houthi rebels on three fronts, in which missiles and machine guns were fired, killed 70 people in a day.

When will this conflict end?

When Saudi Arabia recently offered peace to Houthi rebels, the message was clear: “The Houthis must decide whether to put their interests first or Iran’s interests first.”

The Houthis rejected the olive branch, saying Riyadh was not offering anything new.

The failure of the peace attempt did not come as a surprise. The Yemeni Civil War that began in 2014 has been in stalemate for a long time.

But the move showed the Gulf kingdom’s sense of urgency to exit the conflict, especially after successful Houthi strikes on Saudi oil facilities.

&nbsp;

The Iran-Saudi Arabia proxy war

The war has become the focal point of the rivalry between the Sunni-dominated Saudi Arabia and Shia-majority Iran.

Saudi intervened in Yemen in 2015, a few months after the Houthis ousted the country’s internationally recognised government from power. Riyadh has been leading a military coalition in favour of the government.

Its intervention has been direct, while Iran’s involvement has been covert. The Islamic Republic has publicly denied that it is providing military support to Houthi rebels who are Shias, though the experts think otherwise.

Saudi’s stakes in Yemen are higher than Iran’s

The scale of Saudi intervention in Yemen should not be underestimated. The Saudi-led coalition includes countries in West Asia, North Africa, and mercenaries. The alliance also received intelligence from the United States.

Yet, the Gulf kingdom has been suffering setbacks. It has been the target of Houthi drone attacks. It is suspected that Iran supplied the unmanned aerial vehicles to Houthis.

The Saudi-led coalition is not as strong on the ground. There have been infighting within local forces supporting the alliance. The coalition also saw withdrawal of members as the war hit an impasse.

Most notably, one of Saudi's main allies UAE pulled the bulk of its troops out of Yemen in 2019.

There has been international criticism of the war which has resulted in civilian casualties and destruction of heritage sites and hospitals, besides causing massive hunger and child malnutrition and deaths, worsened by the coronavirus pandemic.

The United Nations called Yemen situation the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

Interestingly, Iran has mostly been spared the global backlash due its underhand role in the war.

Despite all the complications, Saudi is not ready for an unconditional withdrawal.

It’s strategic interests in Yemen are high.

Saudi Arabia shares a border with Yemen and cannot afford to have a pro-Iran establishment led by the Shias as its neighbour.

Iran also has a lot to lose in the prolonged conflict. Funding the proxy war has been taking a toll on the cash-strapped Islamic Republic.

But for the war to resolve, rivals Saudi and Iran will have to come to the negotiation table which seems unlikely in the near future.

Till then, the two countries will continue to remain mired in an unending war

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Despite occasional peace overtures, the conflict in Yemen is continuing unabated, with Saudi Arabia and Iran supporting either sides of the surrogate war. On Monday, the Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed to have launched drone strikes against Saudi energy giant Aramco's facilities, amid an upsurge in fighting between the insurgents and the Riyadh-backed government in northern Yemen.

Despite occasional peace overtures, the conflict in Yemen is continuing unabated, with Saudi Arabia and Iran supporting either sides of the surrogate war. On Monday, the Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed to have launched drone strikes against Saudi energy giant Aramco's facilities, amid an upsurge in fighting between the insurgents and the Riyadh-backed government in northern Yemen. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea said the group had fired 17 drones and two missiles towards the kingdom. On Sunday, the Saudi-led coalition said it had intercepted and destroyed six armed Houthi drones. The coalition entered the war after the Houthis ousted the internationally recognised government from the capital Sanaa. Last week, intense fighting between pro-government forces and Houthi rebels on three fronts, in which missiles and machine guns were fired, killed 70 people in a day. When will this conflict end? When Saudi Arabia recently offered peace to Houthi rebels, the message was clear: “The Houthis must decide whether to put their interests first or Iran’s interests first.” The Houthis rejected the olive branch, saying Riyadh was not offering anything new. The failure of the peace attempt did not come as a surprise. The Yemeni Civil War that began in 2014 has been in stalemate for a long time. But the move showed the Gulf kingdom’s sense of urgency to exit the conflict, especially after successful Houthi strikes on Saudi oil facilities. The Iran-Saudi Arabia proxy war The war has become the focal point of the rivalry between the Sunni-dominated Saudi Arabia and Shia-majority Iran. Saudi intervened in Yemen in 2015, a few months after the Houthis ousted the country’s internationally recognised government from power. Riyadh has been leading a military coalition in favour of the government. Its intervention has been direct, while Iran’s involvement has been covert. The Islamic Republic has publicly denied that it is providing military support to Houthi rebels who are Shias, though the experts think otherwise. Saudi’s stakes in Yemen are higher than Iran’s The scale of Saudi intervention in Yemen should not be underestimated. The Saudi-led coalition includes countries in West Asia, North Africa, and mercenaries. The alliance also received intelligence from the United States. Yet, the Gulf kingdom has been suffering setbacks. It has been the target of Houthi drone attacks. It is suspected that Iran supplied the unmanned aerial vehicles to Houthis. The Saudi-led coalition is not as strong on the ground. There have been infighting within local forces supporting the alliance. The coalition also saw withdrawal of members as the war hit an impasse. Most notably, one of Saudi's main allies UAE pulled the bulk of its troops out of Yemen in 2019. There has been international criticism of the war which has resulted in civilian casualties and destruction of heritage sites and hospitals, besides causing massive hunger and child malnutrition and deaths, worsened by the coronavirus pandemic. The United Nations called Yemen situation the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Interestingly, Iran has mostly been spared the global backlash due its underhand role in the war. Despite all the complications, Saudi is not ready for an unconditional withdrawal. It’s strategic interests in Yemen are high. Saudi Arabia shares a border with Yemen and cannot afford to have a pro-Iran establishment led by the Shias as its neighbour. Iran also has a lot to lose in the prolonged conflict. Funding the proxy war has been taking a toll on the cash-strapped Islamic Republic. But for the war to resolve, rivals Saudi and Iran will have to come to the negotiation table which seems unlikely in the near future. Till then, the two countries will continue to remain mired in an unending war (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

When will we see an end to the war in Yemen?

The situation in Yemen is worrying. Yemeni protesters stormed the residential Palace when cabinet members were inside. The UN's top envoy in Yemen says the war 'is back in full force'. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: War in Yemen back in full force

The Yemen war intensified amid an international and regional diplomatic push to end the conflict that began with the 2014 takeover of the capital Sanaa by the Iran-backed Houthis. Yemen was devastated by the escalating conflict in 2015.

Yemen war 'back in full force', US envoy to UN calls for a ceasefire

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud about diplomatic efforts to end the war in Yemen. US State Department and Saudi state media said that the two ministers discussed the need ti find political solution to the war in Yemen.

Saudi Arabia leads a coalition that intervened in Yemen 2015 and backed government forces against Houthi rebels. UN has called the subsequent war the largest humanitarian crisis in the world.

Saudi state media and the state department said the two ministers also discussed the need to find a political solution to the war in Yemen.

On Wednesday, the Houthis said that they carried out drone attack on Abha airport in Saudi Arabia.

Blinken and al Saud "discussed joint efforts to bolster Saudi defenses against attacks on the Kingdom," the State Department said in a statement.

U.S. President Joe Biden last week named veteran U.S. diplomat Tim Lenderking as a U.S. special envoy to Yemen in a bid to step up American diplomacy to end the war.

The new administration in Washington has also announced an end to its support for Saudi-led military operations in Yemen.

(With Reuters inputs)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud about diplomatic efforts to end the war in Yemen.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud about diplomatic efforts to end the war in Yemen. US State Department and Saudi state media said that the two ministers discussed the need ti find political solution to the war in Yemen. Saudi Arabia leads a coalition that intervened in Yemen 2015 and backed government forces against Houthi rebels. UN has called the subsequent war the largest humanitarian crisis in the world. Saudi state media and the state department said the two ministers also discussed the need to find a political solution to the war in Yemen. On Wednesday, the Houthis said that they carried out drone attack on Abha airport in Saudi Arabia. Blinken and al Saud "discussed joint efforts to bolster Saudi defenses against attacks on the Kingdom," the State Department said in a statement. U.S. President Joe Biden last week named veteran U.S. diplomat Tim Lenderking as a U.S. special envoy to Yemen in a bid to step up American diplomacy to end the war. The new administration in Washington has also announced an end to its support for Saudi-led military operations in Yemen. (With Reuters inputs)

Blinken speaks with Saudi foreign minister on Yemen war

Iran's foreign ministry said Saturday the US decision to end military support to a Saudi-led military coalition can help fix 'past mistakes', but falls short of a solution to Yemen's six-year war.

Regional rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran are on opposing sides of Yemen's conflict, with the former backing an internationally recognised government and the latter supporting the Huthi rebels.

"Stopping support ... for the Saudi coalition, if not a political manoeuvre, could be a step towards correcting past mistakes," state media quoted ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh as saying.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yemen-houthis-say-end-of-terror-designation-a-step-towards-peace-361870" hreflang="en">Yemen Houthis say end of terror designation a 'step towards peace'</a>

But he added: "This alone won't solve&nbsp;Yemen's problem, and the air, sea and land blockade that killed thousands of people in the country due to a lack of food and medicine must be lifted, and the military attacks of the aggressor states led by Saudi Arabia must be ended".

US President Joe Biden had announced on Thursday that Washington was terminating all offensive support for Saudi Arabia in the war, including related arms sales to Riyadh, in stark contrast to former President Donald Trump's line.

Biden said on Thursday the more than six-year war, widely seen as a proxy conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran, "has to end." He also named veteran US&nbsp;diplomat Timothy Lenderking as the US&nbsp;special envoy for&nbsp;Yemen&nbsp;in a bid to step up American diplomacy to try to end the war.

Iran's foreign ministry said Saturday the US decision to end military support to a Saudi-led military coalition can help fix 'past mistakes', but falls short of a solution to Yemen's six-year war.

Iran's foreign ministry said Saturday the US decision to end military support to a Saudi-led military coalition can help fix 'past mistakes', but falls short of a solution to Yemen's six-year war. Regional rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran are on opposing sides of Yemen's conflict, with the former backing an internationally recognised government and the latter supporting the Huthi rebels. "Stopping support ... for the Saudi coalition, if not a political manoeuvre, could be a step towards correcting past mistakes," state media quoted ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh as saying. Also read: Yemen Houthis say end of terror designation a 'step towards peace' But he added: "This alone won't solve Yemen's problem, and the air, sea and land blockade that killed thousands of people in the country due to a lack of food and medicine must be lifted, and the military attacks of the aggressor states led by Saudi Arabia must be ended". US President Joe Biden had announced on Thursday that Washington was terminating all offensive support for Saudi Arabia in the war, including related arms sales to Riyadh, in stark contrast to former President Donald Trump's line. Biden said on Thursday the more than six-year war, widely seen as a proxy conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran, "has to end." He also named veteran US diplomat Timothy Lenderking as the US special envoy for Yemen in a bid to step up American diplomacy to try to end the war.

Iran says US ending Saudi support does not solve Yemen war

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

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 United Nations said Wednesday it has been forced to close or severely cut back half of its major programmes in Yemen to tackle the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

"We have a moral obligation to warn the world that millions of Yemenis will suffer and could die because we don't have the funding we need to keep going," said the UN humanitarian coordinator for Yemen, Lisa Grande.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mali-soldiers-promise-elections-after-coup-condemned-abroad-321668" hreflang="en">Mali soldiers promise elections after coup condemned abroad</a>

Grande said UN programmes in Yemen had had a "real impact", preventing large-scale famine, rolling back the worst cholera epidemic in modern history and providing help to millions of displaced people, and she appealed to donors to provide the funds to keep them going.

Five years of war between pro-Iran rebels and a Saudi-led coalition which intervened to shore up the beleaguered government have left nearly 80 percent of Yemenis -- more than 24 million people -- dependent on some form of humanitarian aid.

A Yemen aid conference held in Riyadh on June 2 saw donors pledge only $1.35 billion of the $2.41 billion needed to cover essential humanitarian activities until the end of the year, leaving a gap of more than $1 billion.

Saudi Arabia, a key player in the conflict, emerged as the biggest donor, pledging an aid package worth $500 million.

The UN said the impact of underfunding had been dramatic, against what it has termed the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

In April, food rations for more than eight million people in northern Yemen were halved and humanitarian agencies were forced to stop reproductive health services in 140 facilities.

Health services were cut or reduced in a further 275 specialised centres for treating people with cholera and other infectious diseases.&nbsp;

Allowances to nearly 10,000 frontline health workers were stopped and the supplies needed to treat trauma patients, who will almost certainly die without immediate treatment, were halted.

If funding is not urgently received within weeks, medicines and essential supplies for 189 hospitals and 2,500 clinics, representing half of the health facilities in Yemen, will halt just as the world does battle with the coronavirus pandemic.

International medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has warned that Yemen faces a "catastrophe" from the disease.&nbsp;

The UN says COVID-19 has likely already spread throughout most of&nbsp;Yemen, even though less than 2,000 cases, including 537 deaths, have been recorded

The United Nations said Wednesday it has been forced to close or severely cut back half of its major programmes in Yemen to tackle the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

The United Nations said Wednesday it has been forced to close or severely cut back half of its major programmes in Yemen to tackle the world's worst humanitarian crisis. "We have a moral obligation to warn the world that millions of Yemenis will suffer and could die because we don't have the funding we need to keep going," said the UN humanitarian coordinator for Yemen, Lisa Grande. Also read: Mali soldiers promise elections after coup condemned abroad Grande said UN programmes in Yemen had had a "real impact", preventing large-scale famine, rolling back the worst cholera epidemic in modern history and providing help to millions of displaced people, and she appealed to donors to provide the funds to keep them going. Five years of war between pro-Iran rebels and a Saudi-led coalition which intervened to shore up the beleaguered government have left nearly 80 percent of Yemenis -- more than 24 million people -- dependent on some form of humanitarian aid. A Yemen aid conference held in Riyadh on June 2 saw donors pledge only $1.35 billion of the $2.41 billion needed to cover essential humanitarian activities until the end of the year, leaving a gap of more than $1 billion. Saudi Arabia, a key player in the conflict, emerged as the biggest donor, pledging an aid package worth $500 million. The UN said the impact of underfunding had been dramatic, against what it has termed the world's worst humanitarian crisis. In April, food rations for more than eight million people in northern Yemen were halved and humanitarian agencies were forced to stop reproductive health services in 140 facilities. Health services were cut or reduced in a further 275 specialised centres for treating people with cholera and other infectious diseases. Allowances to nearly 10,000 frontline health workers were stopped and the supplies needed to treat trauma patients, who will almost certainly die without immediate treatment, were halted. If funding is not urgently received within weeks, medicines and essential supplies for 189 hospitals and 2,500 clinics, representing half of the health facilities in Yemen, will halt just as the world does battle with the coronavirus pandemic. International medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has warned that Yemen faces a "catastrophe" from the disease. The UN says COVID-19 has likely already spread throughout most of Yemen, even though less than 2,000 cases, including 537 deaths, have been recorded

UN says half its Yemen aid programmes hit by lack of funds

Britain will resume weapons sales to Saudi Arabia despite international concerns that some could be used in the war in Yemen.

The Court of Appeal last year ruled that Britain broke the law by allowing weapons sales to Saudi Arabia that might have been deployed in the war in Yemen.

The court concluded that Britain’s government had erred in law in its decision-making processes on arms export licences to Saudi Arabia, after activists said there was evidence the weapons had been used in violation of human rights statutes.

While the court’s decision did not mean Britain had to halt arms exports to Saudi Arabia, it did mean it had to pause the granting of new export licences to sell arms to the kingdom - Britain’s biggest weapons purchaser.

To this end, opposition legislators and campaigners against the arms trade slammed the "morally bankrupt" decision by Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Conservative government.

The Campaign Against the Arms Trade (CAAT), which originally brought the legal action and had argued that British weapons were likely to have been used in Yemen in violation of human rights law, condemned the decision.

“This is a disgraceful and morally bankrupt decision. The Saudi-led bombardment of Yemen has created the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, and the government itself admits that UK-made arms have played a central role on the bombing,” it said.

(with inputs from agencies)

Britain will resume weapons sales to Saudi Arabia despite international concerns that some could be used in the war in Yemen. The Court of Appeal last year ruled that Britain broke the law by allowing weapons sales to Saudi Arabia that might have been deployed in the war in Yemen.

Britain will resume weapons sales to Saudi Arabia despite international concerns that some could be used in the war in Yemen. The Court of Appeal last year ruled that Britain broke the law by allowing weapons sales to Saudi Arabia that might have been deployed in the war in Yemen. The court concluded that Britain’s government had erred in law in its decision-making processes on arms export licences to Saudi Arabia, after activists said there was evidence the weapons had been used in violation of human rights statutes. While the court’s decision did not mean Britain had to halt arms exports to Saudi Arabia, it did mean it had to pause the granting of new export licences to sell arms to the kingdom - Britain’s biggest weapons purchaser. To this end, opposition legislators and campaigners against the arms trade slammed the "morally bankrupt" decision by Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Conservative government. The Campaign Against the Arms Trade (CAAT), which originally brought the legal action and had argued that British weapons were likely to have been used in Yemen in violation of human rights law, condemned the decision. “This is a disgraceful and morally bankrupt decision. The Saudi-led bombardment of Yemen has created the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, and the government itself admits that UK-made arms have played a central role on the bombing,” it said. (with inputs from agencies)

Britain to resume Saudi arms exports despite Yemen war concerns

Yemen's Huthi rebels have seized control of a strategic town north of the capital, government officials said Sunday, in what analysts say could change the course of the five-year-old war.

The Iran-aligned militia captured Al-Hazm, capital of the northern province of Al-Jawf, enabling the rebels to pose a threat to neighbouring oil-rich Marib province, a government military official told AFP.

Al-Jawf has been mostly controlled by the Huthis, but its capital -- only 150 kilometres (90 miles) south of the border with Saudi Arabia -- had been in the hands of the government.

Yemen's internationally-recognised government, backed by a Saudi-led military coalition, has been battling the Huthi rebels since 2014 after they captured the capital Sanaa and swathes of the impoverished Arab nation.

"The Huthi rebels have taken control of Al-Hazm, the regional capital of Al-Jawf, after fierce fighting with government troops who were forced to withdraw to neighbouring Marib province," the official said.&nbsp;

According to other military sources, at least 30 government troops -- including high-ranking officers -- were killed in the battle over the past two days.

The Huthis also suffered dozens of casualties, the sources added.

Maged al-Madhaji, executive director of the Sanaa Centre, a Yemeni think-tank, said the Huthis' capture of Al-Hazm could be a game-changer.

"Control of the capital of Al-Jawf could totally change the course of the war. Huthis have made an exceptional advance and are changing the balance" in their favour, Madhaji told AFP.

He said the advance would enable the rebels to surround Marib, the most significant territory in the hands of the government.

It also secures supply lines between Sanaa and the Huthi northern stronghold of Saada, Madhaji said.&nbsp;

Since the Saudi-led coalition intervened in March 2015, tens of thousands of people, mostly civilians, have been killed and millions displaced, in what the UN has termed the world's worst humanitarian crisis.&nbsp;

Yemen's Huthi rebels have seized control of a strategic town north of the capital, government officials said Sunday, in what analysts say could change the course of the five-year-old war.

Yemen's Huthi rebels have seized control of a strategic town north of the capital, government officials said Sunday, in what analysts say could change the course of the five-year-old war. The Iran-aligned militia captured Al-Hazm, capital of the northern province of Al-Jawf, enabling the rebels to pose a threat to neighbouring oil-rich Marib province, a government military official told AFP. Al-Jawf has been mostly controlled by the Huthis, but its capital -- only 150 kilometres (90 miles) south of the border with Saudi Arabia -- had been in the hands of the government. Yemen's internationally-recognised government, backed by a Saudi-led military coalition, has been battling the Huthi rebels since 2014 after they captured the capital Sanaa and swathes of the impoverished Arab nation. "The Huthi rebels have taken control of Al-Hazm, the regional capital of Al-Jawf, after fierce fighting with government troops who were forced to withdraw to neighbouring Marib province," the official said. According to other military sources, at least 30 government troops -- including high-ranking officers -- were killed in the battle over the past two days. The Huthis also suffered dozens of casualties, the sources added. Maged al-Madhaji, executive director of the Sanaa Centre, a Yemeni think-tank, said the Huthis' capture of Al-Hazm could be a game-changer. "Control of the capital of Al-Jawf could totally change the course of the war. Huthis have made an exceptional advance and are changing the balance" in their favour, Madhaji told AFP. He said the advance would enable the rebels to surround Marib, the most significant territory in the hands of the government. It also secures supply lines between Sanaa and the Huthi northern stronghold of Saada, Madhaji said. Since the Saudi-led coalition intervened in March 2015, tens of thousands of people, mostly civilians, have been killed and millions displaced, in what the UN has termed the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

Yemen rebels seize capital of strategic province

Eight of the Yemeni defence minister's bodyguards were killed Wednesday when their vehicle hit a landmine east of the capital Sanaa, but the official was unhurt, a ministry source said.

The Yemen government -- backed by a Saudi-led military coalition -- has been battling Iran-bached Huthi rebels since 2014, when the insurgents seized control of Sanaa.

Defence Minister General Mohammed Ali al-Maqdishi was in Marib province on Wednesday visiting one of the main frontlines.

"A vehicle accompanying that of the defence minister was struck by an explosion," a defence ministry source told AFP.&nbsp;

He said that eight of the guards were killed, raising an earlier toll of six dead.

"Nothing happened to the minister," the source said.&nbsp;

Loyalist military officials said in late January that the Huthis had made gains against government troops north and east of the capital, seizing a strategic road.

The road connects Sanaa to the provinces of Marib, to the east, and Jawf in the north.

Before the latest upsurge in fighting, Jawf province had been mostly controlled by the Huthis, with its capital still in the hands of the government.

Marib province, including its capital, is under government control.

The renewed fighting, which erupted several weeks ago, included a January 18 missile strike on a loyalist military camp that killed 116 people.

Tens of thousands of people, mostly civilians, have been killed and millions been displaced in a war that the United Nations has termed the world's worst humanitarian crisis.&nbsp;

Eight of the Yemeni defence minister's bodyguards were killed Wednesday when their vehicle hit a landmine east of the capital Sanaa, but the official was unhurt, a ministry source said.

Eight of the Yemeni defence minister's bodyguards were killed Wednesday when their vehicle hit a landmine east of the capital Sanaa, but the official was unhurt, a ministry source said. The Yemen government -- backed by a Saudi-led military coalition -- has been battling Iran-bached Huthi rebels since 2014, when the insurgents seized control of Sanaa. Defence Minister General Mohammed Ali al-Maqdishi was in Marib province on Wednesday visiting one of the main frontlines. "A vehicle accompanying that of the defence minister was struck by an explosion," a defence ministry source told AFP. He said that eight of the guards were killed, raising an earlier toll of six dead. "Nothing happened to the minister," the source said. Loyalist military officials said in late January that the Huthis had made gains against government troops north and east of the capital, seizing a strategic road. The road connects Sanaa to the provinces of Marib, to the east, and Jawf in the north. Before the latest upsurge in fighting, Jawf province had been mostly controlled by the Huthis, with its capital still in the hands of the government. Marib province, including its capital, is under government control. The renewed fighting, which erupted several weeks ago, included a January 18 missile strike on a loyalist military camp that killed 116 people. Tens of thousands of people, mostly civilians, have been killed and millions been displaced in a war that the United Nations has termed the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

Yemen minister's bodyguards killed in convoy blast

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

Saudi&nbsp;Arabia&nbsp;has deployed more&nbsp;troops in&nbsp;southern&nbsp;Yemen&nbsp;to try to contain clashes between nominal allies in the Saudi-led military coalition fighting the Houthis that risks further fragmenting the country.&nbsp;

The fight for the&nbsp;south of the country has opened a new conflict, focused around the port of Aden, in a multifaceted war that has killed tens of thousands and pushed the long-impoverished&nbsp;Arabian Peninsula nation to the brink of famine.

Saudi&nbsp;soldiers and armed vehicles arrived over the weekend in the capital of the oil-producing Shabwa province where the United Arab Emirates-backed separatists have been battling forces of&nbsp;Yemen's&nbsp;Saudi-backed government for control, two local officials said.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-france-britain-may-be-complicit-in-yemen-war-crimes-un-report-247434">US, France, Britain may be complicit in Yemen war crimes,&nbsp;UN report&nbsp;says</a>

The two sides are part of the Sunni Muslim coalition, led by&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia&nbsp;and the UAE, that intervened in&nbsp;Yemen&nbsp;in March 2015 against the Iran-aligned Houthi group which ousted the government of Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi from power in the capital Sanaa in 2014.

But the separatists, who seek to restore the former&nbsp;South&nbsp;Yemen&nbsp;republic, turned on the government in early August and seized control of Aden, interim seat of Hadi's government.

They have since been trying to extend their reach to nearby Abyan and Shabwa, clashing repeatedly with government forces.

Saudi&nbsp;Arabia&nbsp;has reinforced its positions in Shabwa and Aden as Riyadh called for talks to resolve the crisis and refocus the Western-backed coalition on battling the Houthis, who have stepped up missile and drone attacks on&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;cities.

"Saudi&nbsp;forces arrived in Shabwa and started working with the local government for a de-escalation and a ceasefire. All parties responded positively to the coalition's calls," coalition spokesman Colonel Turki al-Malki said on Monday.

Trenches and tunnels

Saudi&nbsp;Arabia's main coalition partner, the Gulf ally the UAE, openly intervened on behalf of the separatist&nbsp;Southern Transitional Council (STC) last week by bombing government forces trying to regain control of Aden, forcing them to retreat.

STC forces also brought reinforcements into Aden, witnesses said on Tuesday, calling back fighters who had been deployed on the outskirts of the main port of Hodeidah, held by the Houthis, in the west.

The fighters dug tunnels and built trenches at the edges of Aden and blocked main roads leading out of the city to prevent government forces from recapturing it, they said.

The STC, which accuses Hadi's government of mismanagement, made its move on Aden after the UAE scaled down its military presence in&nbsp;Yemen&nbsp;in June under increased Western pressure to the end the war. But Abu Dhabi retained influence through tens of thousands of&nbsp;southern fighters it has armed and trained.

The UN&nbsp;Security Council last week urged all sides to show restraint and preserve&nbsp;Yemen's territorial integrity.

Escalating violence across&nbsp;Yemen&nbsp;and the evident rift between&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia&nbsp;and the UAE could complicate United Nations efforts to restart peace talks to end the conflict, which is largely seen as a proxy war between&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia&nbsp;and Iran.

Earlier this week, coalition warplanes bombed a prison complex in&nbsp;southwest&nbsp;Yemen, killing more than 100 people. The UN&nbsp;called for an investigation but the coalition insisted it had struck a Houthi arms storage site.

The Houthis, who hold Sanaa and most big population centres, have seized on the Aden events as proof that Hadi cannot rule or be a serious partner in any negotiations. The group denies being a puppet of Tehran and says it is fighting a corrupt system.

Saudi Arabia has deployed more troops in southern Yemen to try to contain clashes between nominal allies in the Saudi-led military coalition fighting the Houthis that risks further fragmenting the country.

Saudi Arabia has deployed more troops in southern Yemen to try to contain clashes between nominal allies in the Saudi-led military coalition fighting the Houthis that risks further fragmenting the country. The fight for the south of the country has opened a new conflict, focused around the port of Aden, in a multifaceted war that has killed tens of thousands and pushed the long-impoverished Arabian Peninsula nation to the brink of famine. Saudi soldiers and armed vehicles arrived over the weekend in the capital of the oil-producing Shabwa province where the United Arab Emirates-backed separatists have been battling forces of Yemen's Saudi-backed government for control, two local officials said. Also Read: US, France, Britain may be complicit in Yemen war crimes, UN report says The two sides are part of the Sunni Muslim coalition, led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, that intervened in Yemen in March 2015 against the Iran-aligned Houthi group which ousted the government of Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi from power in the capital Sanaa in 2014. But the separatists, who seek to restore the former South Yemen republic, turned on the government in early August and seized control of Aden, interim seat of Hadi's government. They have since been trying to extend their reach to nearby Abyan and Shabwa, clashing repeatedly with government forces. Saudi Arabia has reinforced its positions in Shabwa and Aden as Riyadh called for talks to resolve the crisis and refocus the Western-backed coalition on battling the Houthis, who have stepped up missile and drone attacks on Saudi cities. "Saudi forces arrived in Shabwa and started working with the local government for a de-escalation and a ceasefire. All parties responded positively to the coalition's calls," coalition spokesman Colonel Turki al-Malki said on Monday. Trenches and tunnels Saudi Arabia's main coalition partner, the Gulf ally the UAE, openly intervened on behalf of the separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC) last week by bombing government forces trying to regain control of Aden, forcing them to retreat. STC forces also brought reinforcements into Aden, witnesses said on Tuesday, calling back fighters who had been deployed on the outskirts of the main port of Hodeidah, held by the Houthis, in the west. The fighters dug tunnels and built trenches at the edges of Aden and blocked main roads leading out of the city to prevent government forces from recapturing it, they said. The STC, which accuses Hadi's government of mismanagement, made its move on Aden after the UAE scaled down its military presence in Yemen in June under increased Western pressure to the end the war. But Abu Dhabi retained influence through tens of thousands of southern fighters it has armed and trained. The UN Security Council last week urged all sides to show restraint and preserve Yemen's territorial integrity. Escalating violence across Yemen and the evident rift between Saudi Arabia and the UAE could complicate United Nations efforts to restart peace talks to end the conflict, which is largely seen as a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Earlier this week, coalition warplanes bombed a prison complex in southwest Yemen, killing more than 100 people. The UN called for an investigation but the coalition insisted it had struck a Houthi arms storage site. The Houthis, who hold Sanaa and most big population centres, have seized on the Aden events as proof that Hadi cannot rule or be a serious partner in any negotiations. The group denies being a puppet of Tehran and says it is fighting a corrupt system.

Saudi Arabia boosts troop levels in south Yemen as tensions rise

The United States, Britain and France may be complicit in war crimes in Yemen by arming and providing intelligence and logistics support to a Saudi-led coalition that starves civilians as a war tactic, the United Nations said on Tuesday.

UN&nbsp;investigators recommended that all states impose a ban on arms transfers to the warring parties to prevent them from being used to commit serious violations.

"It is clear that the continued supply of weapons to parties to the conflict is perpetuating the conflict and prolonging the suffering of the Yememi people," Melissa Parke, an expert on the independent UN&nbsp;panel, told a news conference.

"That is why we are urging member states to no longer supply weapons to parties to the conflict," she said.

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the main parties in the coalition fighting against the Iran-aligned Houthi movement that controls Yemen's capital, are two of the biggest buyers of US, British and French weapons.

The experts compiled a secret list of suspected war criminals. Investigators found potential crimes on both sides, while highlighting the role Western countries play as backers of the Arab states and Iran plays in support of the Houthis.

"There are no clean hands in this combat, in this contest," panelist Charles Garraway said.

The report accused the anti-Houthi coalition led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE of killing civilians in air strikes and deliberately denying them food in a country facing famine. The Houthis, for their part, have shelled cities, deployed child soldiers and used "siege-like warfare", it said.

Neither the Saudi government communications office nor UAE officials responded immediately to Reuters requests for comment.

The Houthis drove Yemen's government out of the capital Sanaa in 2014. The Saudi-led coalition of Sunni Muslim states intervened the following year to restore the ousted government, a conflict that has since killed tens of thousands of people.

The prospect of famine has created what the United Nations describes as the world's biggest humanitarian crisis, where 24 million people rely on aid.

Secret List

The UN&nbsp;report said its independent panel had sent a secret list to UN&nbsp;human rights chief Michelle Bachelet, identifying "individuals who may be responsible for international crimes".

Its appendix lists more than 160 "main actors" among Saudi, Emirati and Yemeni government and Houthi officials, although it said this was separate from the suspects list.

The report said, "The legality of arms transfers by France, the United Kingdom, the United States and other States remains questionable, and is the subject of various domestic court proceedings."

It found that a Joint Incidents Assessment Team set up by Saudi Arabia to review alleged coalition violations had failed to hold anyone accountable for any strike killing civilians, raising "concerns as to the impartiality of its investigations".

"Of one thing we are pretty sure - things are going wrong in the (coalition) targeting process," Garraway said.

The UN&nbsp;panel said it had received allegations that Emirati and affiliated forces have tortured, raped and killed suspected political opponents detained in secret facilities, while Houthi forces had planted land mines that killed hundreds.

The United States, Britain and France may be complicit in war crimes in Yemen by arming and providing intelligence and logistics support to a Saudi-led coalition that starves civilians as a war tactic, the United Nations said on Tuesday.

The United States, Britain and France may be complicit in war crimes in Yemen by arming and providing intelligence and logistics support to a Saudi-led coalition that starves civilians as a war tactic, the United Nations said on Tuesday. UN investigators recommended that all states impose a ban on arms transfers to the warring parties to prevent them from being used to commit serious violations. "It is clear that the continued supply of weapons to parties to the conflict is perpetuating the conflict and prolonging the suffering of the Yememi people," Melissa Parke, an expert on the independent UN panel, told a news conference. "That is why we are urging member states to no longer supply weapons to parties to the conflict," she said. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the main parties in the coalition fighting against the Iran-aligned Houthi movement that controls Yemen's capital, are two of the biggest buyers of US, British and French weapons. The experts compiled a secret list of suspected war criminals. Investigators found potential crimes on both sides, while highlighting the role Western countries play as backers of the Arab states and Iran plays in support of the Houthis. "There are no clean hands in this combat, in this contest," panelist Charles Garraway said. The report accused the anti-Houthi coalition led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE of killing civilians in air strikes and deliberately denying them food in a country facing famine. The Houthis, for their part, have shelled cities, deployed child soldiers and used "siege-like warfare", it said. Neither the Saudi government communications office nor UAE officials responded immediately to Reuters requests for comment. The Houthis drove Yemen's government out of the capital Sanaa in 2014. The Saudi-led coalition of Sunni Muslim states intervened the following year to restore the ousted government, a conflict that has since killed tens of thousands of people. The prospect of famine has created what the United Nations describes as the world's biggest humanitarian crisis, where 24 million people rely on aid. Secret List The UN report said its independent panel had sent a secret list to UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet, identifying "individuals who may be responsible for international crimes". Its appendix lists more than 160 "main actors" among Saudi, Emirati and Yemeni government and Houthi officials, although it said this was separate from the suspects list. The report said, "The legality of arms transfers by France, the United Kingdom, the United States and other States remains questionable, and is the subject of various domestic court proceedings." It found that a Joint Incidents Assessment Team set up by Saudi Arabia to review alleged coalition violations had failed to hold anyone accountable for any strike killing civilians, raising "concerns as to the impartiality of its investigations". "Of one thing we are pretty sure - things are going wrong in the (coalition) targeting process," Garraway said. The UN panel said it had received allegations that Emirati and affiliated forces have tortured, raped and killed suspected political opponents detained in secret facilities, while Houthi forces had planted land mines that killed hundreds.

US, France, Britain may be complicit in Yemen war crimes: UN report

Thousands of Yemenis marched through Aden Thursday demanding renewed independence for the south after separatist fighters drove unionist forces out of its former capital in deadly fighting last week.

The demonstrators rallied in the Khormaksar district in the heart of the sprawling port city, waving southern flags and banners proclaiming loyalty to the separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC).

Organisers said many of the demonstrators had travelled into the city from neighbouring southern provinces to add their voice to the calls for secession.

South Yemen was an independent country until it merged with the north in 1990. An armed secession bid four years later ended in occupation by northern forces, which provoked resentments that persist to this day.

Separatist forces trained and equipped by the United Arab Emirates seized the presidential palace in Aden on Saturday following days of clashes with rival, unionist forces loyal to the government of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi.

The clashes left at least 40 people dead and 260 wounded, according to the United Nations.

Hadi's government on Wednesday ruled out any talks with the separatists until they withdraw from the positions they seized last week.

Saudi Arabia, which has led a long and costly military intervention supporting the government against Huthi rebels from the north, has also called on the separatists to pull back to clear the way for dialogue.

But a petition signed by southern civil society organisations and trade unions called on the Saudi-led coalition to hand over the administration of the south to the separatist STC.

It urged STC chief Aidarus al-Zubaidi to declare independence and appealed for international recognition for the breakaway state.

Analysts say the break between Hadi's government and the separatists reflects a wider split between the main partners in the coalition, Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, that threatens to undermine their common battle against the Huthis.

After four and a half years of military intervention, the rebels remain in control of the capital Sanaa and much of the more populous north.&nbsp;

The conflict has claimed the lives of tens of thousands of people and displaced some 3.3 million. Two-thirds of the population -- some 20 million people -- require humanitarian support, according to the United Nations.

Thousands of Yemenis marched through Aden Thursday demanding renewed independence for the south after separatist fighters drove unionist forces out of its former capital in deadly fighting last week.

Thousands of Yemenis marched through Aden Thursday demanding renewed independence for the south after separatist fighters drove unionist forces out of its former capital in deadly fighting last week. The demonstrators rallied in the Khormaksar district in the heart of the sprawling port city, waving southern flags and banners proclaiming loyalty to the separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC). Organisers said many of the demonstrators had travelled into the city from neighbouring southern provinces to add their voice to the calls for secession. South Yemen was an independent country until it merged with the north in 1990. An armed secession bid four years later ended in occupation by northern forces, which provoked resentments that persist to this day. Separatist forces trained and equipped by the United Arab Emirates seized the presidential palace in Aden on Saturday following days of clashes with rival, unionist forces loyal to the government of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi. The clashes left at least 40 people dead and 260 wounded, according to the United Nations. Hadi's government on Wednesday ruled out any talks with the separatists until they withdraw from the positions they seized last week. Saudi Arabia, which has led a long and costly military intervention supporting the government against Huthi rebels from the north, has also called on the separatists to pull back to clear the way for dialogue. But a petition signed by southern civil society organisations and trade unions called on the Saudi-led coalition to hand over the administration of the south to the separatist STC. It urged STC chief Aidarus al-Zubaidi to declare independence and appealed for international recognition for the breakaway state. Analysts say the break between Hadi's government and the separatists reflects a wider split between the main partners in the coalition, Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, that threatens to undermine their common battle against the Huthis. After four and a half years of military intervention, the rebels remain in control of the capital Sanaa and much of the more populous north. The conflict has claimed the lives of tens of thousands of people and displaced some 3.3 million. Two-thirds of the population -- some 20 million people -- require humanitarian support, according to the United Nations.

Thousands march in Yemen's Aden for independent south

Yemen's southern separatists have taken effective control of Aden, seat of the internationally recognised government, fracturing the Saudi-led coalition which is trying to break the grip of the Iran-aligned Houthi movement on the country.

In a move that complicates efforts by the United Nations to end a four-year war, the separatists seized control of all government military camps in the southern port city on Saturday, officials said. A separatist military commander later said they had also taken the all-but empty presidential palace.

"What is happening in the temporary (government) capital of Aden by the Southern Transitional Council is a coup against institutions of the internationally recognised government," the foreign ministry said in a Twitter post.

Although they have a rival agenda to President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi's government on the future of Yemen, the separatists have been part of the Saudi-led pro-government coalition that has been battling the Houthis since March 2015.

The war has killed tens of thousands and pushed the poorest Arabian Peninsula nation to the brink of famine.

Four days of clashes between the separatists and government forces have killed at least nine civilians and more than 20 combatants, according to medical sources. The fighting, which trapped civilians in their homes with dwindling water supplies, resumed at dawn on Saturday but has since abated.

"It is all over, the (Southern Transitional Council) forces are in control of all the military camps," an official in Hadi's government told Reuters.

The separatist commander, speaking in a video message circulated by the movement's supporters, said their forces had not encountered resistance at the palace, located in the predominantly residential Crater district. A witness told Reuters the separatists were now inside the palace.

The separatists also took over the house of Interior Minister Ahmed al-Mayssari after he was evacuated by coalition forces, government officials said. President Hadi is based in the Saudi capital Riyadh.

There was no immediate comment from the Western-backed, Sunni Muslim coalition led by Saudi Arabia that intervened after the Houthis ousted Hadi's government from power in the capital Sanaa in late 2014.

Alliance member the United Arab Emirates, which has armed and trained thousands of southern separatist fighters, earlier called for calm and a renewed focus on opposing the Houthis.

Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed urged UN&nbsp;special envoy Martin Griffiths, who is trying to de-escalate tensions across Yemen, "to deploy efforts and exert pressure" to that purpose.

Coalition's hand weakened

The clashes between government forces and separatists began on Wednesday after the latter accused an Islamist party allied to Hadi of complicity in a missile attack on a southern forces military parade in Aden, which was claimed by the Houthis.

Analysts say the Houthis may have used the attack to test dynamics on the ground after the UAE in June scaled down its presence under pressure from Western allies to end the war and concerns about rising tensions with Iran in the Gulf.

The separatists move against Hadi could weaken the coalition's hand in any negotiations with the Houthis to form a transitional government to end the war.

"It's good news for the Houthis and really bad news for the Saudis ... It ends the exclusivity of the Houthis being the coup against Hadi," Farea al-Muslimi, an associate fellow at Chatham House, told Reuters.

The Houthi's deputy foreign minister said on Saturday that the events in Aden proved Hadi's government, which holds Aden and a string of western coastal towns, was not fit to rule.

"It is time for the main powers on the ground to hold serious and constructive talks to take Yemen towards a federation that appeases all sides under a united national framework," Hussein al-Azzi tweeted.

The UN is trying to implement a stalled peace deal in the main port city of Hodeidah, further to the north, to pave the way for wider political negotiations to end the war.

The Houthis, who control Sanaa, Hodeidah and other urban centres, have stepped up missile and drone attacks on Saudi cities, complicating the UN's efforts to implement the troop withdrawal deal in Hodeidah that was reached between the Houthis and Hadi's government in Sweden in December.

The Yemen conflict is widely seen in the region as a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran. The Houthis say their revolution is against corruption.

Yemen's southern separatists have taken effective control of Aden, seat of the internationally recognised government, fracturing the Saudi-led coalition which is trying to break the grip of the Iran-aligned Houthi movement on the country.

Yemen's southern separatists have taken effective control of Aden, seat of the internationally recognised government, fracturing the Saudi-led coalition which is trying to break the grip of the Iran-aligned Houthi movement on the country. In a move that complicates efforts by the United Nations to end a four-year war, the separatists seized control of all government military camps in the southern port city on Saturday, officials said. A separatist military commander later said they had also taken the all-but empty presidential palace. "What is happening in the temporary (government) capital of Aden by the Southern Transitional Council is a coup against institutions of the internationally recognised government," the foreign ministry said in a Twitter post. Although they have a rival agenda to President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi's government on the future of Yemen, the separatists have been part of the Saudi-led pro-government coalition that has been battling the Houthis since March 2015. The war has killed tens of thousands and pushed the poorest Arabian Peninsula nation to the brink of famine. Four days of clashes between the separatists and government forces have killed at least nine civilians and more than 20 combatants, according to medical sources. The fighting, which trapped civilians in their homes with dwindling water supplies, resumed at dawn on Saturday but has since abated. "It is all over, the (Southern Transitional Council) forces are in control of all the military camps," an official in Hadi's government told Reuters. The separatist commander, speaking in a video message circulated by the movement's supporters, said their forces had not encountered resistance at the palace, located in the predominantly residential Crater district. A witness told Reuters the separatists were now inside the palace. The separatists also took over the house of Interior Minister Ahmed al-Mayssari after he was evacuated by coalition forces, government officials said. President Hadi is based in the Saudi capital Riyadh. There was no immediate comment from the Western-backed, Sunni Muslim coalition led by Saudi Arabia that intervened after the Houthis ousted Hadi's government from power in the capital Sanaa in late 2014. Alliance member the United Arab Emirates, which has armed and trained thousands of southern separatist fighters, earlier called for calm and a renewed focus on opposing the Houthis. Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed urged UN special envoy Martin Griffiths, who is trying to de-escalate tensions across Yemen, "to deploy efforts and exert pressure" to that purpose. Coalition's hand weakened The clashes between government forces and separatists began on Wednesday after the latter accused an Islamist party allied to Hadi of complicity in a missile attack on a southern forces military parade in Aden, which was claimed by the Houthis. Analysts say the Houthis may have used the attack to test dynamics on the ground after the UAE in June scaled down its presence under pressure from Western allies to end the war and concerns about rising tensions with Iran in the Gulf. The separatists move against Hadi could weaken the coalition's hand in any negotiations with the Houthis to form a transitional government to end the war. "It's good news for the Houthis and really bad news for the Saudis ... It ends the exclusivity of the Houthis being the coup against Hadi," Farea al-Muslimi, an associate fellow at Chatham House, told Reuters. The Houthi's deputy foreign minister said on Saturday that the events in Aden proved Hadi's government, which holds Aden and a string of western coastal towns, was not fit to rule. "It is time for the main powers on the ground to hold serious and constructive talks to take Yemen towards a federation that appeases all sides under a united national framework," Hussein al-Azzi tweeted. The UN is trying to implement a stalled peace deal in the main port city of Hodeidah, further to the north, to pave the way for wider political negotiations to end the war. The Houthis, who control Sanaa, Hodeidah and other urban centres, have stepped up missile and drone attacks on Saudi cities, complicating the UN's efforts to implement the troop withdrawal deal in Hodeidah that was reached between the Houthis and Hadi's government in Sweden in December. The Yemen conflict is widely seen in the region as a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran. The Houthis say their revolution is against corruption.

Yemen’s pro-government coalition fractures as separatists grab control in Aden

Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi movement said it launched missile and drone attacks on Thursday on a military parade in Aden, the seat of the Saudi-backed government, killing several people including a commander.

Houthi attack on military parade in Yemen kills more than 30: Sources

The UN's World Food Programme has warned that aid could be suspended to areas of Yemen under the control of Huthi rebels unless they abide by accords aimed at ensuring that supplies are not diverted.

"If the beneficiary targeting and biometric exercise is not carried out as agreed, WFP will be left with no option but to suspend food distributions in the areas controlled by Ansarullah," the Huthis, David Beasley, the agency's executive director, wrote in a letter sent to the rebel movement.

He was referring to accords the WFP signed with the warring parties in December and January.

Herve Verhoosel, a spokesman for the WFP's Geneva office, said Monday that the letter was hand-delivered to the Huthi leadership in Yemen.

It was "the second letter WFP has sent requesting greater access", he said.

"WFP noted some progress after the first letter was sent in December, but in recent weeks that progress has halted and in some cases it has been reversed."

The Rome-headquartered WFP lamented that in Yemen "our greatest challenge does not come from the guns... it is the obstructive and uncooperative role of some of the Huthi leaders in areas under their control."

"Humanitarian workers in Yemen are being denied access to the hungry, aid convoys have been blocked, and local authorities have interfered with food distribution," the WFP said in a statement.

"Most importantly, there have been repeated obstacles placed in the way of our independent selection of beneficiaries and a request for a rollout of a biometric registration system."

"This has to stop," WFP said.

The Yemen conflict has killed tens of thousands of people since a Saudi-led military coalition intervened in support of the beleaguered government in March 2015, according to the World Health Organisation.

The fighting has triggered what the United Nations describes as the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with 3.3 million people still displaced and 24.1 million -- more than two-thirds of the population -- in need of aid.

The UN's World Food Programme has warned that aid could be suspended to areas of Yemen under the control of Huthi rebels unless they abide by accords aimed at ensuring that supplies are not diverted.

The UN's World Food Programme has warned that aid could be suspended to areas of Yemen under the control of Huthi rebels unless they abide by accords aimed at ensuring that supplies are not diverted. "If the beneficiary targeting and biometric exercise is not carried out as agreed, WFP will be left with no option but to suspend food distributions in the areas controlled by Ansarullah," the Huthis, David Beasley, the agency's executive director, wrote in a letter sent to the rebel movement. He was referring to accords the WFP signed with the warring parties in December and January. Herve Verhoosel, a spokesman for the WFP's Geneva office, said Monday that the letter was hand-delivered to the Huthi leadership in Yemen. It was "the second letter WFP has sent requesting greater access", he said. "WFP noted some progress after the first letter was sent in December, but in recent weeks that progress has halted and in some cases it has been reversed." The Rome-headquartered WFP lamented that in Yemen "our greatest challenge does not come from the guns... it is the obstructive and uncooperative role of some of the Huthi leaders in areas under their control." "Humanitarian workers in Yemen are being denied access to the hungry, aid convoys have been blocked, and local authorities have interfered with food distribution," the WFP said in a statement. "Most importantly, there have been repeated obstacles placed in the way of our independent selection of beneficiaries and a request for a rollout of a biometric registration system." "This has to stop," WFP said. The Yemen conflict has killed tens of thousands of people since a Saudi-led military coalition intervened in support of the beleaguered government in March 2015, according to the World Health Organisation. The fighting has triggered what the United Nations describes as the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with 3.3 million people still displaced and 24.1 million -- more than two-thirds of the population -- in need of aid.

United Nations warns aid to Yemen could be suspended

The United Arab Emirates announced Sunday it would deposit $250 million in Sudan's central bank as part of a support package for the country following the overthrow of longtime leader Omar al-Bashir.

The government-owned Abu Dhabi Fund for Development signed an agreement with the Sudanese central bank "confirming the deposit", the UAE's official WAM news agency said.&nbsp;

Last week, Saudi Arabia and the UAE announced three billion dollars (2.7 billion euros) in financial aid for Sudan.

The oil-rich Gulf states pledged to inject $500 million into the Sudanese central bank and $2.5 billion to help provide food, medicine and petroleum products, the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

The deposit for the central bank was aimed at shoring up the Sudanese pound, the SPA said.&nbsp;

In recent years Sudan has been hit by an acute lack of dollars, a key factor behind the nationwide protests that led to the toppling of Bashir by the army this month.

Sudan plays a key role in the regional interests of Saudi Arabia and its allies, siding with Riyadh against Shiite Iran and providing troops in the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen's war.

Both Gulf nations have voiced backing for Sudan's military rulers, who are facing calls from protesters to cede power to a civilian transitional government.

The Sudanese currency had plunged even after the United States lifted its 20-year-old trade embargo on the country in October 2017.

Expectations that the end of US sanctions would bring an economic recovery failed to materialise, putting pressure on the pound.

The country's economic crisis has deepened since the secession of South Sudan in 2011 that took away the bulk of oil earnings.

The United Arab Emirates announced Sunday it would deposit $250 million in Sudan's central bank as part of a support package for the country following the overthrow of longtime leader Omar al-Bashir.

The United Arab Emirates announced Sunday it would deposit $250 million in Sudan's central bank as part of a support package for the country following the overthrow of longtime leader Omar al-Bashir. The government-owned Abu Dhabi Fund for Development signed an agreement with the Sudanese central bank "confirming the deposit", the UAE's official WAM news agency said. Last week, Saudi Arabia and the UAE announced three billion dollars (2.7 billion euros) in financial aid for Sudan. The oil-rich Gulf states pledged to inject $500 million into the Sudanese central bank and $2.5 billion to help provide food, medicine and petroleum products, the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. The deposit for the central bank was aimed at shoring up the Sudanese pound, the SPA said. In recent years Sudan has been hit by an acute lack of dollars, a key factor behind the nationwide protests that led to the toppling of Bashir by the army this month. Sudan plays a key role in the regional interests of Saudi Arabia and its allies, siding with Riyadh against Shiite Iran and providing troops in the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen's war. Both Gulf nations have voiced backing for Sudan's military rulers, who are facing calls from protesters to cede power to a civilian transitional government. The Sudanese currency had plunged even after the United States lifted its 20-year-old trade embargo on the country in October 2017. Expectations that the end of US sanctions would bring an economic recovery failed to materialise, putting pressure on the pound. The country's economic crisis has deepened since the secession of South Sudan in 2011 that took away the bulk of oil earnings.

UAE to deposit $250 million in Sudan's central bank

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-trump-vetoes-resolution-calling-to-end-us-support-in-yemen-war-211018">President Trump vetoes resolution calling to end US support in Yemen war</a>

President Donald Trump has vetoed a congressional resolution that sought to end US involvement in the Saudi-led war in Yemen, the White House said on Tuesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-worlds-biggest-one-day-election-indonesia-votes-for-its-president-211029">In world's biggest one-day election, Indonesia votes for its president</a>

Indonesians began voting in the&nbsp;world's biggest single-day election&nbsp;on Wednesday as polling stations opened across the sprawling equatorial archipelago following a six-month campaign to choose a new president and parliament.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/only-strong-can-talk-about-peace-nobody-listens-to-a-weak-nation-pm-modi-in-odisha-211021">Only strong can talk about peace, nobody listens to a weak nation: PM Modi in Odisha</a>

Prime Minister&nbsp;Narendra Modi&nbsp;Tuesday slammed the Congress for being "soft" towards terrorism for 40 years and said India can now talk about peace after it exhibited the strength by destroying terror camps across the border.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bahrain-jails-138-for-planning-iran-linked-terror-group-211019">Bahrain jails 138 for planning Iran-linked 'terror' group</a>

The Gulf state of Bahrain Tuesday jailed 138 people and revoked their citizenship for plotting to form a "terror" group with links to&nbsp;Iran's Revolutionary Guards, the public prosecutor said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boeing-737-max-software-upgrade-operationally-suitable-faa-panel-211034">Boeing 737 MAX software upgrade 'operationally suitable': FAA panel</a>

A review by a&nbsp;US&nbsp;Federal Aviation Administration panel into Boeing Co's grounded 737 MAX aircraft found a planned software update and training revisions to be "operationally suitable," the agency said Tuesday, an important milestone in getting the planes back in the air.

President Trump vetoes resolution calling to end US support in Yemen war President Donald Trump has vetoed a congressional resolution that sought to end US involvement in the Saudi-led war in Yemen, the White House said on Tuesday.

President Trump vetoes resolution calling to end US support in Yemen war President Donald Trump has vetoed a congressional resolution that sought to end US involvement in the Saudi-led war in Yemen, the White House said on Tuesday. In world's biggest one-day election, Indonesia votes for its president Indonesians began voting in the world's biggest single-day election on Wednesday as polling stations opened across the sprawling equatorial archipelago following a six-month campaign to choose a new president and parliament. Only strong can talk about peace, nobody listens to a weak nation: PM Modi in Odisha Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday slammed the Congress for being "soft" towards terrorism for 40 years and said India can now talk about peace after it exhibited the strength by destroying terror camps across the border. Bahrain jails 138 for planning Iran-linked 'terror' group The Gulf state of Bahrain Tuesday jailed 138 people and revoked their citizenship for plotting to form a "terror" group with links to Iran's Revolutionary Guards, the public prosecutor said. Boeing 737 MAX software upgrade 'operationally suitable': FAA panel A review by a US Federal Aviation Administration panel into Boeing Co's grounded 737 MAX aircraft found a planned software update and training revisions to be "operationally suitable," the agency said Tuesday, an important milestone in getting the planes back in the air.

News brief: Big stories of the day

President Donald Trump has vetoed a bill Congress passed to end the United State's military assistance in the Saudi Arabia-led war in Yemen.

Donald Trump vetoes bill to end US involvement in Yemen war

President Donald Trump has vetoed a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-congress-ends-support-for-yemen-war-trump-likely-to-veto-move-207976">congressional resolution</a> that sought to end US involvement in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/starving-girl-shows-impact-of-yemen-war-economic-collapse-197909">Saudi-led war in Yemen,</a> the White House said on Tuesday.

"This resolution is an unnecessary, dangerous attempt to weaken my constitutional authorities, endangering the lives of American citizens and brave service members, both today and in the future," Trump said in the veto message.

The resolution passed the House of Representatives in April and the Senate in March, marking the first time both chambers of Congress had supported a War Powers resolution, which limits the president`s ability to send troops into action.

Neither the 247-175 tally in the Democratic-majority House nor the 54-46 vote in the Republican-led Senate would be enough to override the veto, which would require two-thirds majorities in both chambers.
<img alt="Yemen War" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="12878aed-72d7-49c1-b319-d26269e49153" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Yemen%20War.JPG" />
A Houthi militant walks through a government compound following Saudi-led air strikes, in the northwestern city of Amran in July 2015. (Reuters Photo) 
 
Backers of the measure said the Saudi-led bombing campaign in Yemen had made the humanitarian crisis worse, harshly criticizing Riyadh for killing civilians.

They also argued that US involvement in Yemen violated the constitutional requirement that Congress, not the president, should determine when the country goes to war.

The four-year-long civil war in Yemen, which pits the Saudi-led coalition against Houthi rebels backed by Iran, has killed tens of thousands of people and spawned what the United Nations calls the world's most dire humanitarian crisis, with the country on the brink of famine.

President Donald Trump has vetoed a congressional resolution that sought to end US involvement in the Saudi-led war in Yemen, the White House said on Tuesday. "This resolution is an unnecessary, dangerous attempt to weaken my constitutional authorities, endangering the lives of American citizens and brave service members, both today and in the future," Trump said in the veto message.

President Donald Trump has vetoed a congressional resolution that sought to end US involvement in the Saudi-led war in Yemen, the White House said on Tuesday. "This resolution is an unnecessary, dangerous attempt to weaken my constitutional authorities, endangering the lives of American citizens and brave service members, both today and in the future," Trump said in the veto message. The resolution passed the House of Representatives in April and the Senate in March, marking the first time both chambers of Congress had supported a War Powers resolution, which limits the president`s ability to send troops into action. Neither the 247-175 tally in the Democratic-majority House nor the 54-46 vote in the Republican-led Senate would be enough to override the veto, which would require two-thirds majorities in both chambers. A Houthi militant walks through a government compound following Saudi-led air strikes, in the northwestern city of Amran in July 2015. (Reuters Photo) Backers of the measure said the Saudi-led bombing campaign in Yemen had made the humanitarian crisis worse, harshly criticizing Riyadh for killing civilians. They also argued that US involvement in Yemen violated the constitutional requirement that Congress, not the president, should determine when the country goes to war. The four-year-long civil war in Yemen, which pits the Saudi-led coalition against Houthi rebels backed by Iran, has killed tens of thousands of people and spawned what the United Nations calls the world's most dire humanitarian crisis, with the country on the brink of famine.

President Trump vetoes resolution calling to end US support in Yemen war

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is calling on President Donald Trump to sign into law a resolution ending American involvement in the war in Yemen.

Historic resolution to end US role in Yemen war

The US House voted Thursday to end military support for the Saudi-led war in Yemen, dealing a bipartisan rebuke to Donald Trump and taking the historic step of curtailing a president's war-making powers.

The House of Representatives voted 247 to 175, with one congressman voting present, to approve a resolution that directs the president "to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities in or affecting the Republic of Yemen" within 30 days.

The text, which passed the Senate last month, now heads to Trump, who is expected to veto the legislation. The White House called the measure "flawed" and warned it would harm bilateral relations in the region, including with Saudi Arabia.

The US House voted Thursday to end military support for the Saudi-led war in Yemen, dealing a bipartisan rebuke to Donald Trump and taking the historic step of curtailing a president's war-making powers.

The US House voted Thursday to end military support for the Saudi-led war in Yemen, dealing a bipartisan rebuke to Donald Trump and taking the historic step of curtailing a president's war-making powers. The House of Representatives voted 247 to 175, with one congressman voting present, to approve a resolution that directs the president "to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities in or affecting the Republic of Yemen" within 30 days. The text, which passed the Senate last month, now heads to Trump, who is expected to veto the legislation. The White House called the measure "flawed" and warned it would harm bilateral relations in the region, including with Saudi Arabia.

US Congress ends support for Yemen war, Trump likely to veto move

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