Moments after the arrival of the new cabinet, loud explosions and gunfire were heard at Yemen's Aden airport. The blasts were caught on camera. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas | Yemen Airport Attack: Chilling images

At least 2 massive explosions rocked the Aden International Airport in southern Yemen on Wednesday, killing at least 10 people.

WION Dispatch: Explosions rock Aden's airport in Yemen, killed at least 10

European Union and China have agreed 'in-principle' to strike a major investment deal that EU officials said would give EU companies "unprecedented" access to Chinese markets. Meanwhile, blasts rocked airport in Aden, Yemen as plane carrying unity government members landed. A fisherman has been reported to have caught a 'Chinese' submarine drone in Indonesia. Read this and much more in top 10 world news.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blasts-at-aden-airport-in-yemen-as-unity-government-arrives-5-dead-353398">Blasts at Aden airport in Yemen as unity government arrives; 5 dead</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blasts-at-aden-airport-in-yemen-as-unity-government-arrives-5-dead-353398"><img alt="Yemen blast" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4fc9849f-99d4-4068-87c1-559dc4d536cb" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/yemen%20new.PNG" /></a> 
 
Reports said there were at least two blasts with five people killed in the explosion at Aden airport in Yemen.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-china-agree-on-a-major-investment-deal-353420">EU-China agree on a major investment deal</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-china-agree-on-a-major-investment-deal-353420"><img alt="EU-China deal" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b43584a7-9b0f-488f-850a-3ab88fec7cf3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/EU-China.PNG" /></a> 
 
Calling the deal "of major economic significance", an EU statement said: "China has committed to an unprecedented level of market access for EU investors."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesian-fisherman-catches-chinese-submarine-drone-353396">Indonesian fisherman catches 'Chinese' submarine drone</a>

<img alt="Indonesia Chinese drone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7c2424db-6234-4cc9-8ab3-d6a8e8e48a82" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Capture%201_0.JPG" />

China has long been working to increase its presence in Indian Ocean where Indian Navy is dominant

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-brushes-aside-fears-of-uighur-deportations-to-china-353427">Turkey brushes aside fears of Uighur deportations to China</a>

<img alt="Turkey" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="856d4935-8dad-4893-bc4d-a62c59c347dd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Turkey_3.JPG" /> 
 
Turkey has linguistic and cultural ties with the Uighurs and Ankara has for quite some time been one of the primary safeguards of their motivation on the worldwide stage, however lately Turkey's public demonstration of help has faded

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-air-force-to-induct-indigenously-built-chinas-jf-17-fighter-jet-report-353387">Pakistan Air Force to induct indigenously built China's JF-17 fighter jet: Report</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-air-force-to-induct-indigenously-built-chinas-jf-17-fighter-jet-report-353387"><img alt="Pakistan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4c3d4f89-5d6b-485f-b99c-8935bfcfa4c4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Pakistan_0.JPG" /></a> 
 
China's JF-17 fighter mostly relies on Russian engine supplies even then Pakistan hopes it will give its Air Force an edge over the Indian Air Force(IAF).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-bans-hardline-islamic-defenders-front-group-353416">Indonesia bans hardline Islamic Defender's Front group</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-bans-hardline-islamic-defenders-front-group-353416"><img alt="Indonesia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fd60de0f-7277-4c07-be71-4fe8edbf02ad" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Indonesia_0.JPG" /></a> 
 
The ban follows the November return of the group's spiritual figurehead, Rizieq Shihab, from three years of self-exile in Saudi Arabia, which was celebrated with events attended by thousands

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pranksters-are-hijacking-smart-devices-to-live-stream-swatting-says-fbi-353401">Pranksters are hijacking smart devices to live-stream swatting, says FBI</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pranksters-are-hijacking-smart-devices-to-live-stream-swatting-says-fbi-353401"><img alt="SWAT" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ee478d10-e414-44d0-ba43-31300fcc256b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/swat.JPG" /></a> 
 
FBI authorities state pranksters are assuming control over gadgets on which proprietors made records yet reused accreditations that previously leaked online during data breaches at other companies

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-anti-semitic-attack-jewish-graves-vandalised-with-swastikas-353383">France anti-Semitic attack: Jewish graves vandalised with swastikas</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-anti-semitic-attack-jewish-graves-vandalised-with-swastikas-353383"><img alt="Swastika" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b59fb19a-a905-4991-82a8-125b68377e1c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Swastika.JPG" /></a> 
 
French Interior Minister Christophe Castaner assured that everything was being done to guarantee the miscreants are dealt with

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nawaz-sharifs-passport-will-be-cancelled-on-february-16-shaikh-rasheed-353399">Nawaz Sharif's passport will be cancelled on February 16: Shaikh Rasheed</a>

<img alt="Nawaz" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="75561396-47b9-4371-97fb-8cdd1a8d39bb" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Nawaz.JPG" />

Nawaz Sharif has been living in London since November last year after he was permitted to leave the nation for clinical treatment

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-crackdown-on-alibabas-jack-ma-cost-him-11-billion-353324">China's crackdown on Alibaba's Jack Ma cost him $11 billion</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-crackdown-on-alibabas-jack-ma-cost-him-11-billion-353324"><img alt="Jack Ma" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6b9d3cf3-f1b2-4a24-bdee-65a989dc884d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Jack%20ma.JPG" /></a> 
 
Chinese tycoon Jack Ma’s fortune has been hit hard as Chinese authorities crack down on his empire 
&nbsp;

European Union and China have agreed 'in-principle' to strike a major investment deal that EU officials said would give EU companies "unprecedented" access to Chinese markets.

European Union and China have agreed 'in-principle' to strike a major investment deal that EU officials said would give EU companies "unprecedented" access to Chinese markets. Meanwhile, blasts rocked airport in Aden, Yemen as plane carrying unity government members landed. A fisherman has been reported to have caught a 'Chinese' submarine drone in Indonesia. Read this and much more in top 10 world news. Blasts at Aden airport in Yemen as unity government arrives; 5 dead Reports said there were at least two blasts with five people killed in the explosion at Aden airport in Yemen. EU-China agree on a major investment deal Calling the deal "of major economic significance", an EU statement said: "China has committed to an unprecedented level of market access for EU investors." Indonesian fisherman catches 'Chinese' submarine drone China has long been working to increase its presence in Indian Ocean where Indian Navy is dominant Turkey brushes aside fears of Uighur deportations to China Turkey has linguistic and cultural ties with the Uighurs and Ankara has for quite some time been one of the primary safeguards of their motivation on the worldwide stage, however lately Turkey's public demonstration of help has faded Pakistan Air Force to induct indigenously built China's JF-17 fighter jet: Report China's JF-17 fighter mostly relies on Russian engine supplies even then Pakistan hopes it will give its Air Force an edge over the Indian Air Force(IAF). Indonesia bans hardline Islamic Defender's Front group The ban follows the November return of the group's spiritual figurehead, Rizieq Shihab, from three years of self-exile in Saudi Arabia, which was celebrated with events attended by thousands Pranksters are hijacking smart devices to live-stream swatting, says FBI FBI authorities state pranksters are assuming control over gadgets on which proprietors made records yet reused accreditations that previously leaked online during data breaches at other companies France anti-Semitic attack: Jewish graves vandalised with swastikas French Interior Minister Christophe Castaner assured that everything was being done to guarantee the miscreants are dealt with Nawaz Sharif's passport will be cancelled on February 16: Shaikh Rasheed Nawaz Sharif has been living in London since November last year after he was permitted to leave the nation for clinical treatment China's crackdown on Alibaba's Jack Ma cost him $11 billion Chinese tycoon Jack Ma’s fortune has been hit hard as Chinese authorities crack down on his empire

Top 10 world news: EU-China deal, blast in Yemen, and more

Yemeni men, women and children filled a hall earlier this month in rebel-held Sanaa, laughing and clapping as actors took to the stage with comic relief for their war-wracked country.

Yemen's conflict has sparked the world's worst humanitarian crisis, the UN says, and the Arab world's poorest country has also been hit hard by the novel coronavirus.

Hoping to provide entertainment to the embattled population, a troupe of struggling artists performed in the capital Sanaa a play called "Yemeni Film", which showcased the country's hardships.

It revolved around young people who want to produce a film but face a mountain of challenges, including violence, air strikes, a lack of funding and a shortage of trained actors.

In an effort to avoid the minefields of political sensitivities and any backlash, the actors turned to comedy to paint a picture of their ordeal.

For the dozens of men, women and children who packed a Sanaa cultural centre, it was a welcome respite from their daily struggles.

They cheered, whistled and laughed openly, as they sat side by side with no face masks, despite coronavirus dangers.

"We, as struggling artists, cannot provide food aid or stop the ongoing conflict," Mohammed Khaled, the director of the play, told AFP.&nbsp;

"All we can do is offer the people entertainment to take them out of their current situation and an artistic message that they can enjoy."

Tens of thousands of people, mostly civilians, have been killed and millions displaced in the Yemen war, which erupted after the Iran-backed Huthis took control of Sanaa in 2014.

The conflict has deepened since 2015, when a Saudi-led coalition intervened to support the government against the rebels.

After five years of war, malnutrition has reached record levels and pushed the country further to the brink of famine, the United Nations World Food Programme warned in early December.

Despite a UN-brokered agreement reached two years ago between the warring parties, a peaceful settlement has yet to materialise.&nbsp;

- No infrastructure -&nbsp; 
The conflict affected everyone and everything in Yemen, said Khaled, and the art scene is no exception. &nbsp;

"This play talks about me, and all the artists and filmmakers in Yemen who are struggling," he said.

Before the war, Yemen had a small but budding film and theatre industry but there were only a handful of makeshift cinemas that showed old films, while often cultural centres or schools provided the backdrop for plays that spoke of politics or significant moments in Yemeni history.

Over the years, some films produced by Yemenis grabbed headlines.

"Karama Has No Walls", a documentary short by Sara Ishaq, was an Oscar-nominated movie in 2014 that told the story of 2011 protests in Sanaa.

The documentary "I am Nojoom, Age 10 and Divorced" -- the real story of a child bride -- was submitted for consideration at the 2017 Academy Awards but not selected.

The 2018 drama "10 Days Before the Wedding" that told the story of a couple trying to tie the knot during the war was selected as Yemen's entry for Best Foreign Language Film the following year, but it was not nominated.

"The biggest problem that we face is that there are no movie theatres," said Khaled.

Today filmmakers produce their work but "upload it online only", he said.

"There is no financial return and this undermines (our) ability to sustain the industry."

- A 'Yemen that we miss' - 
But these are not the only challenges.

Huthi authorities that control Sanaa -- whose Old City is one of Yemen's four UNESCO World Heritage sites -- have imposed strict rules on dress, gender segregation and entertainment in the capital.&nbsp;

Although Yemeni society has always been conservative, it has traditionally allowed space for personal freedom and for cultural events, including concerts.

Actor Ahmad Hilmy hopes that such activities will return to Sanaa.

"We actors and filmmakers suffer a lot because there is no infrastructure for the film and theatre industry," he said.

Sanaa resident Ayash Subai said cultural activities should be used to deflect from usual headlines that only depict Yemen as a war zone.&nbsp;

"This is what we young people in the country miss. These activities convey the beautiful and positive image of Yemen that we miss," he said.

To make up for it, Subai said, young people follow the work of Yemeni artists online.

"But this is not enough," he added.

Yemeni men, women and children filled a hall earlier this month in rebel-held Sanaa, laughing and clapping as actors took to the stage with comic relief for their war-wracked country.

Yemeni men, women and children filled a hall earlier this month in rebel-held Sanaa, laughing and clapping as actors took to the stage with comic relief for their war-wracked country. Yemen's conflict has sparked the world's worst humanitarian crisis, the UN says, and the Arab world's poorest country has also been hit hard by the novel coronavirus. Hoping to provide entertainment to the embattled population, a troupe of struggling artists performed in the capital Sanaa a play called "Yemeni Film", which showcased the country's hardships. It revolved around young people who want to produce a film but face a mountain of challenges, including violence, air strikes, a lack of funding and a shortage of trained actors. In an effort to avoid the minefields of political sensitivities and any backlash, the actors turned to comedy to paint a picture of their ordeal. For the dozens of men, women and children who packed a Sanaa cultural centre, it was a welcome respite from their daily struggles. They cheered, whistled and laughed openly, as they sat side by side with no face masks, despite coronavirus dangers. "We, as struggling artists, cannot provide food aid or stop the ongoing conflict," Mohammed Khaled, the director of the play, told AFP. "All we can do is offer the people entertainment to take them out of their current situation and an artistic message that they can enjoy." Tens of thousands of people, mostly civilians, have been killed and millions displaced in the Yemen war, which erupted after the Iran-backed Huthis took control of Sanaa in 2014. The conflict has deepened since 2015, when a Saudi-led coalition intervened to support the government against the rebels. After five years of war, malnutrition has reached record levels and pushed the country further to the brink of famine, the United Nations World Food Programme warned in early December. Despite a UN-brokered agreement reached two years ago between the warring parties, a peaceful settlement has yet to materialise. - No infrastructure - The conflict affected everyone and everything in Yemen, said Khaled, and the art scene is no exception. "This play talks about me, and all the artists and filmmakers in Yemen who are struggling," he said. Before the war, Yemen had a small but budding film and theatre industry but there were only a handful of makeshift cinemas that showed old films, while often cultural centres or schools provided the backdrop for plays that spoke of politics or significant moments in Yemeni history. Over the years, some films produced by Yemenis grabbed headlines. "Karama Has No Walls", a documentary short by Sara Ishaq, was an Oscar-nominated movie in 2014 that told the story of 2011 protests in Sanaa. The documentary "I am Nojoom, Age 10 and Divorced" -- the real story of a child bride -- was submitted for consideration at the 2017 Academy Awards but not selected. The 2018 drama "10 Days Before the Wedding" that told the story of a couple trying to tie the knot during the war was selected as Yemen's entry for Best Foreign Language Film the following year, but it was not nominated. "The biggest problem that we face is that there are no movie theatres," said Khaled. Today filmmakers produce their work but "upload it online only", he said. "There is no financial return and this undermines (our) ability to sustain the industry." - A 'Yemen that we miss' - But these are not the only challenges. Huthi authorities that control Sanaa -- whose Old City is one of Yemen's four UNESCO World Heritage sites -- have imposed strict rules on dress, gender segregation and entertainment in the capital. Although Yemeni society has always been conservative, it has traditionally allowed space for personal freedom and for cultural events, including concerts. Actor Ahmad Hilmy hopes that such activities will return to Sanaa. "We actors and filmmakers suffer a lot because there is no infrastructure for the film and theatre industry," he said. Sanaa resident Ayash Subai said cultural activities should be used to deflect from usual headlines that only depict Yemen as a war zone. "This is what we young people in the country miss. These activities convey the beautiful and positive image of Yemen that we miss," he said. To make up for it, Subai said, young people follow the work of Yemeni artists online. "But this is not enough," he added.

Struggling artists bring smiles in war-weary Yemen

Yemen is at the highest risk of a humanitarian catastrophe in 2021, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) has warned.

The country has topped the grim list for the third year in a row due to continuing conflict, and widespread hunger. The country already had very less international aid, but due to the ongoing pandemic, it has further tumbled.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-west-asia-post-child-malnutrition-soars-in-yemen-347944/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

IRC’s aid agency director for Yemen, Tamuna Sabadze, said that support for Yemen was now more critical “than ever”, in an interview with Al Jazeera.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/saudi-led-coalition-bombs-yemen-rebel-sites-after-aramco-attack-345914" hreflang="en">Saudi-led coalition bombs Yemen rebel sites after Aramco attack</a>

Sabadze also urged for more “commitment than we see today” from internal as well global actors to end the conflict in Yemen.

“Without this, things will not change in Yemen; the ordinary civilians of Yemen will really have no future and no hope”, the director further told Al Jazeera.

According to her, twenty four million people in the region now require humanitarian aid in terms of food, health services, education.

Other countries that were on the watchlist after Yemen include - Afghanistan, Syria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, South Sudan, Nigeria, Venezuela, and Mozambique, in that order.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/yemen-in-imminent-danger-of-worlds-worst-famine-in-decades-warns-un-344441" hreflang="en">Yemen in 'imminent danger' of world's worst famine in decades, warns UN</a>

The list also named ten more countries, but without being able to ascertain the intensity - Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Lebanon, Mali, Niger, Palestine, Somalia, and Sudan, in that order.

The country has not been receiving much financial aid, with the UN warning in November that the country had received less than half of the emergency funds required this year. The country has received $1.5 billion in donations, roughly 45 per cent of the $3.4 billion required. Around this time in 2019, Yemen had received $3 billion.

The UN has earlier said that 80 per cent of Yemen’s 30 million population require aid and protection. The organisation also claimed that 13.5 Yemenis are facing acute shortages in food, while 16,500 are living in conditions akin to a famine.

Yemen is at the highest risk of a humanitarian catastrophe in 2021, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) has warned. The country has topped the grim list for the third year in a row due to continuing conflict, and widespread hunger.

Yemen is at the highest risk of a humanitarian catastrophe in 2021, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) has warned. The country has topped the grim list for the third year in a row due to continuing conflict, and widespread hunger. The country already had very less international aid, but due to the ongoing pandemic, it has further tumbled. IRC’s aid agency director for Yemen, Tamuna Sabadze, said that support for Yemen was now more critical “than ever”, in an interview with Al Jazeera. Also read: Saudi-led coalition bombs Yemen rebel sites after Aramco attack Sabadze also urged for more “commitment than we see today” from internal as well global actors to end the conflict in Yemen. “Without this, things will not change in Yemen; the ordinary civilians of Yemen will really have no future and no hope”, the director further told Al Jazeera. According to her, twenty four million people in the region now require humanitarian aid in terms of food, health services, education. Other countries that were on the watchlist after Yemen include - Afghanistan, Syria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, South Sudan, Nigeria, Venezuela, and Mozambique, in that order. Also read: Yemen in 'imminent danger' of world's worst famine in decades, warns UN The list also named ten more countries, but without being able to ascertain the intensity - Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Lebanon, Mali, Niger, Palestine, Somalia, and Sudan, in that order. The country has not been receiving much financial aid, with the UN warning in November that the country had received less than half of the emergency funds required this year. The country has received $1.5 billion in donations, roughly 45 per cent of the $3.4 billion required. Around this time in 2019, Yemen had received $3 billion. The UN has earlier said that 80 per cent of Yemen’s 30 million population require aid and protection. The organisation also claimed that 13.5 Yemenis are facing acute shortages in food, while 16,500 are living in conditions akin to a famine.

Yemen at highest risk of humanitarian catastrophe in 2021, warns IRC

The triple threat of conflict, climate change and COVID-19 is driving the crises in nearly all Emergency Watchlist countries, threatening famine in several in 2021.

These countries face the biggest humanitarian crisis in year 2021

The Yemen conflict is the world's worst humanitarian crisis. But it is the children of Yemen that are the worst-affected. Children malnutrition is soaring in the war-torn country. This week on the West Asia Post, Ghadi Francis decodes this growing crisis.

The West Asia Post | Child malnutrition soars in Yemen

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

Huge image in UK highlights Yemen children's plight

The Saudi-led military coalition in Yemen bombed rebel camps including in the capital Sanaa on Friday, witnesses and AFP correspondents said, days after the Huthis attacked an oil facility in Saudi Arabia. &nbsp;

Several coalition air strikes targeted Huthi military camps in Sanaa, as well as the city of Amran north of the capital, and the western port region of Hodeida, the sources said.

No casualties were immediately confirmed.&nbsp;

"We woke up today to raids and the sound of large explosions that frightened the whole neighbourhood," Abdelkarim al-Qudsi, a 41-year-old who lives in Al-Hafa, in the capital's east, told AFP. &nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-clamps-down-on-corruption-in-major-drive-345883">Saudi Arabia clamps down on corruption in major drive</a>

The Iran-backed Huthi rebels said Monday that they struck an oil facility in the Saudi city of Jeddah with a Quds-2 missile, in retaliation for Riyadh's role at the head of a military coalition that supports the government in Yemen's long conflict.&nbsp;

Saudi Aramco said the strike tore a hole in an oil tank, triggering an explosion and fire.&nbsp;

The Huthi rebels, who control Sanaa and much of the north, have been fighting the government since 2014, and the Saudi-led military coalition intervened in the conflict the following year.&nbsp;

A Huthi official denounced Friday's raids.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-israel-saudi-arabia-cool-tensions-jordans-custodianship-of-al-aqsa-mosque-under-scrutiny-345856">As Israel, Saudi Arabia cool tensions, Jordan's custodianship of al-Aqsa mosque under scrutiny</a>

"Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates want to scare us with their air strikes, but we say to them that their raids will only increase our strength," the official told AFP, requesting anonymity.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia has been targeted with dozens of ballistic missile and drone attacks since the start of last year, including a devastating strike on Aramco's facilities in the country's east which temporarily knocked out half the kingdom's crude output.&nbsp;

That strike was claimed by the Huthis, but the United States said it involved cruise missiles from Iran.&nbsp;

Tens of thousands of Yemenis, mostly civilians, have been killed and millions displaced in what the United Nations has called the world's worst humanitarian disaster.

The Saudi-led military coalition in Yemen bombed rebel camps including in the capital Sanaa on Friday, witnesses and AFP correspondents said, days after the Huthis attacked an oil facility in Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi-led military coalition in Yemen bombed rebel camps including in the capital Sanaa on Friday, witnesses and AFP correspondents said, days after the Huthis attacked an oil facility in Saudi Arabia. Several coalition air strikes targeted Huthi military camps in Sanaa, as well as the city of Amran north of the capital, and the western port region of Hodeida, the sources said. No casualties were immediately confirmed. "We woke up today to raids and the sound of large explosions that frightened the whole neighbourhood," Abdelkarim al-Qudsi, a 41-year-old who lives in Al-Hafa, in the capital's east, told AFP. Also read| Saudi Arabia clamps down on corruption in major drive The Iran-backed Huthi rebels said Monday that they struck an oil facility in the Saudi city of Jeddah with a Quds-2 missile, in retaliation for Riyadh's role at the head of a military coalition that supports the government in Yemen's long conflict. Saudi Aramco said the strike tore a hole in an oil tank, triggering an explosion and fire. The Huthi rebels, who control Sanaa and much of the north, have been fighting the government since 2014, and the Saudi-led military coalition intervened in the conflict the following year. A Huthi official denounced Friday's raids. Also read| As Israel, Saudi Arabia cool tensions, Jordan's custodianship of al-Aqsa mosque under scrutiny "Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates want to scare us with their air strikes, but we say to them that their raids will only increase our strength," the official told AFP, requesting anonymity. Saudi Arabia has been targeted with dozens of ballistic missile and drone attacks since the start of last year, including a devastating strike on Aramco's facilities in the country's east which temporarily knocked out half the kingdom's crude output. That strike was claimed by the Huthis, but the United States said it involved cruise missiles from Iran. Tens of thousands of Yemenis, mostly civilians, have been killed and millions displaced in what the United Nations has called the world's worst humanitarian disaster.

Saudi-led coalition bombs Yemen rebel sites after Aramco attack

One of largest mud-brick towers in Yemen faces risk of collapse

United Nations chief warned on Friday that war-torn Yemen is in imminent danger of the world's worst famine in decades.&nbsp;

"In the absence of immediate action, millions of lives may be lost," said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, as quoted by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/war-torn-yemen-on-brink-of-losing-an-entire-generation-of-children-to-hunger-un-338662">War-torn Yemen on brink of losing an entire generation of children to hunger: UN</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

The war-torn nation has suffered a five-year war between Iranian-backed Huthi rebels and government-backed by Saudi Arabia, the United States and other Western nations.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/satellite-images-reveal-real-covid-19-death-toll-in-yemen-338476">Satellite images reveal real COVID-19 death toll in Yemen</a>

The UN chief's warning comes at a time when Trump administration is considering labelling the Huthis a terror group, a move that could further escalate the crisis.&nbsp;

Aid groups say that the US's action could affect aid deliveries also.&nbsp;

"I urge all those with influence to act urgently on these issues to stave off catastrophe, and I also request that everyone avoids taking any action that could make the already dire situation even worse," Guterres said.&nbsp;

The UN chief later told reporters that the US's move to label Huthis could further destabilize a "very fragile situation".&nbsp;

"We believe that any other unilateral initiative will probably not be positive. I don't think we should rock the boat at the present moment," he said. &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

United Nations chief warned on Friday that war-torn Yemen is in imminent danger of the world's worst famine in decades. "In the absence of immediate action, millions of lives may be lost," said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, as quoted by news agency AFP.

United Nations chief warned on Friday that war-torn Yemen is in imminent danger of the world's worst famine in decades. "In the absence of immediate action, millions of lives may be lost," said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, as quoted by news agency AFP. Also read | War-torn Yemen on brink of losing an entire generation of children to hunger: UN The war-torn nation has suffered a five-year war between Iranian-backed Huthi rebels and government-backed by Saudi Arabia, the United States and other Western nations. Also read | Satellite images reveal real COVID-19 death toll in Yemen The UN chief's warning comes at a time when Trump administration is considering labelling the Huthis a terror group, a move that could further escalate the crisis. Aid groups say that the US's action could affect aid deliveries also. "I urge all those with influence to act urgently on these issues to stave off catastrophe, and I also request that everyone avoids taking any action that could make the already dire situation even worse," Guterres said. The UN chief later told reporters that the US's move to label Huthis could further destabilize a "very fragile situation". "We believe that any other unilateral initiative will probably not be positive. I don't think we should rock the boat at the present moment," he said.

Yemen in 'imminent danger' of world's worst famine in decades, warns UN

Conflict-ravaged Yemen has become a "living hell" for children with thousands dying every year from malnutrition and easily preventable diseases. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/satellite-images-reveal-real-covid-19-death-toll-in-yemen-338476">Also read: Satellite images reveal real COVID-19 death toll in Yemen</a>

The number of malnourished children in Yemen could rise to 2.4 million by the end of the year due to a big shortfall in humanitarian funding, the United Nations children's agency UNICEF had said. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-war-torn-yemen-how-donkeys-became-a-prized-commodity-328395">Also read: In war-torn Yemen, how donkeys became a prized commodity</a>

According to UN data, Yemen’s crisis has reached unprecedented levels. Six years after the start of the war, hunger, even famine, is increasingly likely. Donor countries, especially Saudi Arabia, have failed to fulfil their aid commitments. Out the US$ 3.2 billion dollars needed, only US$ 1.43 have been raised so far. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-is-a-threat-to-warn-torn-yemen-un-refugee-agency-299595">Also read | COVID-19 is a threat to warn-torn Yemen: UN Refugee Agency</a>

Signs of hunger, or even worse, famine, are increasingly visible. In some parts of the country, experts warn, levels of acute child malnutrition are alarming. "Nearly 100,000 children are at risk of death,” a UN official said.

Drivers of malnutrition in Yemen worsened in 2020, as the coronavirus pandemic, economic decline, floods, escalating conflict and significant underfunding of this year’s aid response have compounded an already bleak hunger situation after nearly six years of war.

Millions have no access to food, healthcare, clean water or sanitation. It's a festering pool of coronavirus infections.

The UN is not able to do much due to lack of funds. It has warned that most of its relief programs will be suspended in the coming weeks.

In early June, the UN raised the alarm and received 1.3 billion dollars in aid to help Yemen, which is just half of what it got last year.

For Yemen, which entirely depends on aid to survive, this is detrimental as 80 per cent of the population relies on handouts.

The civil war has left millions unemployed. Now, 80 per cent of the country is in need of humanitarian assistance but the two warring sides are blocking vital food and medical aid.

The war in Yemen began in 2014 pitting the pro-Saudi government and Shia Houthi rebels close to Iran.&nbsp;

Yemen is a failed state without a central government in charge.

(With inputs from agencies)

Conflict-ravaged Yemen has become a "living hell" for children with thousands dying every year from malnutrition and easily preventable diseases. Also read: Satellite images reveal real COVID-19 death toll in Yemen The number of malnourished children in Yemen could rise to 2.

Conflict-ravaged Yemen has become a "living hell" for children with thousands dying every year from malnutrition and easily preventable diseases. Also read: Satellite images reveal real COVID-19 death toll in Yemen The number of malnourished children in Yemen could rise to 2.4 million by the end of the year due to a big shortfall in humanitarian funding, the United Nations children's agency UNICEF had said. Also read: In war-torn Yemen, how donkeys became a prized commodity According to UN data, Yemen’s crisis has reached unprecedented levels. Six years after the start of the war, hunger, even famine, is increasingly likely. Donor countries, especially Saudi Arabia, have failed to fulfil their aid commitments. Out the US$ 3.2 billion dollars needed, only US$ 1.43 have been raised so far. Also read | COVID-19 is a threat to warn-torn Yemen: UN Refugee Agency Signs of hunger, or even worse, famine, are increasingly visible. In some parts of the country, experts warn, levels of acute child malnutrition are alarming. "Nearly 100,000 children are at risk of death,” a UN official said. Drivers of malnutrition in Yemen worsened in 2020, as the coronavirus pandemic, economic decline, floods, escalating conflict and significant underfunding of this year’s aid response have compounded an already bleak hunger situation after nearly six years of war. Millions have no access to food, healthcare, clean water or sanitation. It's a festering pool of coronavirus infections. The UN is not able to do much due to lack of funds. It has warned that most of its relief programs will be suspended in the coming weeks. In early June, the UN raised the alarm and received 1.3 billion dollars in aid to help Yemen, which is just half of what it got last year. For Yemen, which entirely depends on aid to survive, this is detrimental as 80 per cent of the population relies on handouts. The civil war has left millions unemployed. Now, 80 per cent of the country is in need of humanitarian assistance but the two warring sides are blocking vital food and medical aid. The war in Yemen began in 2014 pitting the pro-Saudi government and Shia Houthi rebels close to Iran. Yemen is a failed state without a central government in charge. (With inputs from agencies)

War-torn Yemen on brink of losing an entire generation of children to hunger: UN

A recent study has revealed that the Yemen government may be under-reporting the death toll of the country caused by the novel coronavirus, as the satellite images reveal more fresh graves.

In a&nbsp;first-of-its-kind study, scientists used satellite images to count the fresh graves and analyse the burial activity in Yemen. The study has been launched by&nbsp;researchers at the London School of Hygiene &amp; Tropical Medicine (LSHTM). These researchers are analysing burial activities at all identifiable cemeteries in Yemen’s Aden region.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-warns-not-enough-covid-vaccines-for-all-in-europe-until-2022-338401" hreflang="en">EU warns not enough COVID vaccines for all in Europe until 2022</a>

As per the recent observations, the team of researchers calculated&nbsp;an estimated 2,100 “excess deaths” during the COVID-19 outbreak between April and September.&nbsp;“This total is best interpreted as the net sum of deaths due to COVID-19 infection and deaths indirectly attributable to the pandemic,” they said.
<img alt="Yemen COVID-19 graves" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c4dc381d-5f13-4362-be96-ff3c941ef3db" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Yemen%20COVID-19%20graves.jpg" />
The data provided by the Yemen government reported its first case on April 10 and has since recorded only 2,064 infections with 600 deaths from the disease till October 25. The experts, however, had predicted Yemen to be severely hit by the pandemic due to the country's ongoing five-year conflict which has led to the crisis, overcrowding in cramped spaces, lack of health services and&nbsp;shrinking humanitarian aid.

Francesco Checchi, who co-led the study, noted that having an accurate picture of COVID-19’s impact “is vital for effective government and humanitarian responses”.

“By estimating excess mortality, we aimed to develop a more accurate estimate of the toll of COVID-19 in Yemen,” he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-seeks-accelerated-who-registration-for-virus-vaccine-338380">Also read|&nbsp;Russia seeks accelerated WHO registration for virus vaccine</a>

The researchers have also cited previous studies and reports on the increase in the number of fresh graves in the country,&nbsp;adding that various videos posted on social media and observations sent by reporters on ground have hinted towards the same inequality in the number of deaths caused due to COID-19.&nbsp;“The use of mechanical excavators in place of human gravediggers suggested that demand exceeded routine capacity,"&nbsp;they said.

Several media reports have also claimed that a accute shortage of&nbsp;personal protective equipment and funds has forced several hospitals in the region to shut down. The global medical charity Médecins sans Frontières also&nbsp;reported a peak in hospital admissions, with a very high case-fatality ratio, during the same time period.

The research, funded by aid from the UK government, was led by LSHTM and the technology company Satellite Applications Catapult, which specialises in geospatial analysis.

“Though our method cannot distinguish direct from indirect virus deaths, estimating excess mortality attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic in a humanitarian setting captures the whole system impact,” said Emilie Koum Besson, who co-led the work.

The study has to be peer-reviewed, and has not yet attracted any comments from the Yemen government. A similar study will be conducted&nbsp;in Mogadishu, Somalia by the same team of researchers.

A recent study has revealed that the Yemen government may be under-reporting the death toll of the country caused by the novel coronavirus, as the satellite images reveal more fresh graves.

A recent study has revealed that the Yemen government may be under-reporting the death toll of the country caused by the novel coronavirus, as the satellite images reveal more fresh graves. In a first-of-its-kind study, scientists used satellite images to count the fresh graves and analyse the burial activity in Yemen. The study has been launched by researchers at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM). These researchers are analysing burial activities at all identifiable cemeteries in Yemen’s Aden region. EU warns not enough COVID vaccines for all in Europe until 2022 As per the recent observations, the team of researchers calculated an estimated 2,100 “excess deaths” during the COVID-19 outbreak between April and September. “This total is best interpreted as the net sum of deaths due to COVID-19 infection and deaths indirectly attributable to the pandemic,” they said. The data provided by the Yemen government reported its first case on April 10 and has since recorded only 2,064 infections with 600 deaths from the disease till October 25. The experts, however, had predicted Yemen to be severely hit by the pandemic due to the country's ongoing five-year conflict which has led to the crisis, overcrowding in cramped spaces, lack of health services and shrinking humanitarian aid. Francesco Checchi, who co-led the study, noted that having an accurate picture of COVID-19’s impact “is vital for effective government and humanitarian responses”. “By estimating excess mortality, we aimed to develop a more accurate estimate of the toll of COVID-19 in Yemen,” he said. Also read| Russia seeks accelerated WHO registration for virus vaccine The researchers have also cited previous studies and reports on the increase in the number of fresh graves in the country, adding that various videos posted on social media and observations sent by reporters on ground have hinted towards the same inequality in the number of deaths caused due to COID-19. “The use of mechanical excavators in place of human gravediggers suggested that demand exceeded routine capacity," they said. Several media reports have also claimed that a accute shortage of personal protective equipment and funds has forced several hospitals in the region to shut down. The global medical charity Médecins sans Frontières also reported a peak in hospital admissions, with a very high case-fatality ratio, during the same time period. The research, funded by aid from the UK government, was led by LSHTM and the technology company Satellite Applications Catapult, which specialises in geospatial analysis. “Though our method cannot distinguish direct from indirect virus deaths, estimating excess mortality attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic in a humanitarian setting captures the whole system impact,” said Emilie Koum Besson, who co-led the work. The study has to be peer-reviewed, and has not yet attracted any comments from the Yemen government. A similar study will be conducted in Mogadishu, Somalia by the same team of researchers.

Satellite images reveal real COVID-19 death toll in Yemen

More than a thousand prisoners have been released from detention from both sides in Yemen’s conflict, in the largest prisoner swap since the start of the conflict in 2015.

Exchange of over 1000 prisoners in Yemen

Warring parties in Yemen carried out a prisoner exchange in an attempt to build trust and take steps to end a devastating war. Planes carrying prisoners took off from three airports in an operation that involved about 1000 prisoners.

Saudi Arabia-led military coalition and Yemen's Houthi rebels had agreed last month in Switzerland to exchange 1081 prisoners. This is a largest swap of its kind in five-year-old conflict. The prisoner exchange was managed by International Committee of the Red Cross.

"This operation that means so much to so many families is under way," Fabrizio Carboni, ICRC regional director for the Middle East, told Reuters from Sanaa airport.

One of the planes was carrying Saudi and Sudanese detainees and flew to Saudi Arabia. The other two flew to Sayoun airport in the government-held Hadramout region.

Two planes carrying Houthis released by the coalition departed Sayoun, and a second arrived from Abha airport in Saudi Arabia, another Reuters witness and sources said.

ICRC spokeswoman Ruth Hetherington said more than 700 prisoners had been exchanged on Thursday on a total of seven flights from Sayoun, Sanaa and Abha. More flights are scheduled over the next two days, the aid agency said.

Under the deal, the Iran-aligned Houthi group is to release around 400 people while the coalition would free 681 Houthi fighters.

Trust-Building

Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdulsalam said the swap "brings hope for peace-building".

A coalition statement, which confirmed that the plane carrying 15 Saudis and four Sudanese had landed in Riyadh, stressed the "political and military leaderships’ keenness for the return of all POWs and detainees". 
The warring sides had agreed in 2018 to swap 15,000 detainees split between both sides to pave the way for political negotiations to end the conflict, but progress has been slow.

Meanwhile, In an apparent prisoner swap, two captive Americans were freed on Wednesday as 240 supporters of the Huthi rebels in Yemen were allowed to go home. The swap involved Saudi Arabia and Oman. Announcement to this effect was made by the White House. Humanitarian worker Sandra Loli and businessman Mikael Gidada were freed by the Huthi rebels. The rebels control much of Yemen including its capital Sanaa. 
&nbsp; 
The rebels also sent back the remains of a third American, Bilal Fateen, the White House said. Secretary of&nbsp; 
State Mike Pompeo said Fateen died in captivity, without providing details.

The exchange of prisoners was not officially called a swap as US National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien stopped short of calling it a swap. He thanked Saudi King Salman and Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al-Said "for their efforts to secure the release of our citizens."

(With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

Warring parties in Yemen carried out a prisoner exchange in an attempt to build trust and take steps to end a devastating war. Planes carrying prisoners took off from three airports in an operation that involved about 1000 prisoners.

Warring parties in Yemen carried out a prisoner exchange in an attempt to build trust and take steps to end a devastating war. Planes carrying prisoners took off from three airports in an operation that involved about 1000 prisoners. Saudi Arabia-led military coalition and Yemen's Houthi rebels had agreed last month in Switzerland to exchange 1081 prisoners. This is a largest swap of its kind in five-year-old conflict. The prisoner exchange was managed by International Committee of the Red Cross. "This operation that means so much to so many families is under way," Fabrizio Carboni, ICRC regional director for the Middle East, told Reuters from Sanaa airport. One of the planes was carrying Saudi and Sudanese detainees and flew to Saudi Arabia. The other two flew to Sayoun airport in the government-held Hadramout region. Two planes carrying Houthis released by the coalition departed Sayoun, and a second arrived from Abha airport in Saudi Arabia, another Reuters witness and sources said. ICRC spokeswoman Ruth Hetherington said more than 700 prisoners had been exchanged on Thursday on a total of seven flights from Sayoun, Sanaa and Abha. More flights are scheduled over the next two days, the aid agency said. Under the deal, the Iran-aligned Houthi group is to release around 400 people while the coalition would free 681 Houthi fighters. Trust-Building Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdulsalam said the swap "brings hope for peace-building". A coalition statement, which confirmed that the plane carrying 15 Saudis and four Sudanese had landed in Riyadh, stressed the "political and military leaderships’ keenness for the return of all POWs and detainees". The warring sides had agreed in 2018 to swap 15,000 detainees split between both sides to pave the way for political negotiations to end the conflict, but progress has been slow. Meanwhile, In an apparent prisoner swap, two captive Americans were freed on Wednesday as 240 supporters of the Huthi rebels in Yemen were allowed to go home. The swap involved Saudi Arabia and Oman. Announcement to this effect was made by the White House. Humanitarian worker Sandra Loli and businessman Mikael Gidada were freed by the Huthi rebels. The rebels control much of Yemen including its capital Sanaa. The rebels also sent back the remains of a third American, Bilal Fateen, the White House said. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Fateen died in captivity, without providing details. The exchange of prisoners was not officially called a swap as US National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien stopped short of calling it a swap. He thanked Saudi King Salman and Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al-Said "for their efforts to secure the release of our citizens." (With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

Yemen: Saudi-led coalition and Houthi rebels carry out huge prisoner exchange

In Yemen's gas-rich region of Marib, fighters loyal to the Saudi-backed government recited Koranic verses before launching a hail of mortar and machine gun fire towards rocky mountains, in a desperate bid to push back Houthi forces.

Yemen's war shifts focus to Marib, thousands of displaced at risk

Yemen's government and the Houthi rebels have agreed to exchange over 1,000 prisoners. This is the largest prisoner exchange programme in the five-year-long conflict. On this week's West Asia Post, Ghadi Francis talks about this historic prisoner swap. For more such stories, keep watching the West Asia post with Ghadi Francis every Friday at 8:30 PM, only on WION.

THE WEST ASIA POST: Yemen's Historic Prisoner Swap

Watch this week's West Asia Post as we talk about Lebanon's growing economic crisis with an exclusive ground report from Beirut. For more such stories, keep watching the West Asia post with Ghadi Francis every Friday at 8:30 PM, only on WION.

The West Asia Post ; Episode 1

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

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

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

Yemen govt, Houthi rebels agree large prisoner exchange

Yemen's warring parties agreed to exchange 1,081 prisoners, including 15 Saudis, as part of trust-building steps aimed at reviving a stalled peace process, the United Nations said.

Yemen's warring parties agree to prisoner swap as UN seeks ceasefire

Both sides in Yemen's war agreed to exchange more than 1,000 prisoners during UN-sponsored talks in Switzerland, sources from both sides said on Saturday.

The government, supported by a Saudi-led military coalition, and Iran-backed Huthi rebels agreed to exchange some 15,000 detainees as part of a peace deal brokered by the United Nations in Sweden in 2018.

The two sides have since made sporadic prisoner swaps, but the release of hundreds of loyalists and insurgents -- if it materializes -- would mark the first large-scale handover since the war erupted in 2014.

"A deal to exchange 1,081 prisoners has been reached," a member of the government delegation told AFP on condition of anonymity.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/child-woman-among-casualties-in-nagorny-karabakh-heavy-fighting-330622">Also read:&nbsp;Child, woman among casualties in Nagorny Karabakh heavy fighting</a>

The deal includes the release of "681 rebels, and 400 government forces (and allies), among them 15 Saudis and 4 Sudanese", added the source.

"It must be implemented in two weeks," he said. &nbsp;

A Huthi source close to the talks confirmed to rebel-run Al-Masirah TV channel that this round of the talks was due to end Sunday with the announcement of the agreement.

The talks started in an undisclosed location in Switzerland on September 18 aimed at agreeing the release of 1,420 prisoners. Among them is the brother of Yemeni President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi.

But the release of General Nasser Mansour Hadi from the hands of the rebels "has been postponed," according to the government delegation member.&nbsp;

The International Committee of the Red Cross will oversee the return of detainees to their families.

Senior rebel commander Moahmed Ali Al-Huthi tweeted: "What matters to us is implementing the deal, not only signing it."

The Yemen conflict has killed tens of thousands of people, most of them civilians, and sparked what the United Nations calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

Both sides in Yemen's war agreed to exchange more than 1,000 prisoners during UN-sponsored talks in Switzerland, sources from both sides said on Saturday. The government, supported by a Saudi-led military coalition, and Iran-backed Huthi rebels agreed to exchange some 15,000 detainees as part of a peace deal brokered by the United Nations in Sweden in 2018.

Both sides in Yemen's war agreed to exchange more than 1,000 prisoners during UN-sponsored talks in Switzerland, sources from both sides said on Saturday. The government, supported by a Saudi-led military coalition, and Iran-backed Huthi rebels agreed to exchange some 15,000 detainees as part of a peace deal brokered by the United Nations in Sweden in 2018. The two sides have since made sporadic prisoner swaps, but the release of hundreds of loyalists and insurgents -- if it materializes -- would mark the first large-scale handover since the war erupted in 2014. "A deal to exchange 1,081 prisoners has been reached," a member of the government delegation told AFP on condition of anonymity. Also read: Child, woman among casualties in Nagorny Karabakh heavy fighting The deal includes the release of "681 rebels, and 400 government forces (and allies), among them 15 Saudis and 4 Sudanese", added the source. "It must be implemented in two weeks," he said. A Huthi source close to the talks confirmed to rebel-run Al-Masirah TV channel that this round of the talks was due to end Sunday with the announcement of the agreement. The talks started in an undisclosed location in Switzerland on September 18 aimed at agreeing the release of 1,420 prisoners. Among them is the brother of Yemeni President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi. But the release of General Nasser Mansour Hadi from the hands of the rebels "has been postponed," according to the government delegation member. The International Committee of the Red Cross will oversee the return of detainees to their families. Senior rebel commander Moahmed Ali Al-Huthi tweeted: "What matters to us is implementing the deal, not only signing it." The Yemen conflict has killed tens of thousands of people, most of them civilians, and sparked what the United Nations calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

Yemen prisoner swap agreed: govt, rebel sources

Northern Yemen, controlled by the Iran-aligned Houthi movement since it ousted the Saudi-backed government from power in Sanaa in late 2014, has suffered fuel shortages throughout a five-year war that has shattered Yemen's healthcare system.

WION Dispatch: Fuel shortage affects Yemen's hospitals

Yemen is one of the poorest nations of the Arab world but ever since the Saudi led coalition intervened in the civil war, the country's situation has deteriorated. Watch report.

WION Dispatch: Crippling food and fuel shortage in Yemen

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

Amid escalating tensions Saudi Arabian-led coalition fighter jets attacked barracks and military sites of the armed Houthi movement in Yemen's capital Sanaa.

5 air attacks hit near Sanaa airport, target parts of Yemen's capital

Saudi Arabian-led coalition fighter jets early on Sunday attacked barracks and military sites of the armed Houthi movement in Yemen's capital Sanaa, Saudi-owned Al-Arabiya reported.

The coalition also destroyed four Houthi drones at Al-Delmi air base north of Sanaa, Al-Arabiya said, citing local sources.

There was no immediate official confirmation from the coalition, which launched air strikes on two sites in Sanaa a day earlier.

Those strikes followed a Houthi claim it had attacked an "important target" in the Saudi capital Riyadh on Thursday using a ballistic missile and drones.

The coalition did not confirm an attack on Riyadh but said it had intercepted and destroyed ballistic missiles and explosive drones launched towards the kingdom on Thursday.

Bombings in Sanaa city have been relatively rare since September 2019, when Saudi Arabia launched indirect talks with the Iran-aligned Houthi movement, which it has been at war with since 2015.

The conflict has killed 100,000 people and led to what the United Nations describes as the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

The Houthis took over the Yemeni capital Sanaa and most other cities in 2014 after ousting the Saudi-backed government of Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi.

The Western-backed coalition that Saudi Arabia leads intervened to try to restore Hadi to power.

Saudi Arabian-led coalition fighter jets early on Sunday attacked barracks and military sites of the armed Houthi movement in Yemen's capital Sanaa, Saudi-owned Al-Arabiya reported.

Saudi Arabian-led coalition fighter jets early on Sunday attacked barracks and military sites of the armed Houthi movement in Yemen's capital Sanaa, Saudi-owned Al-Arabiya reported. The coalition also destroyed four Houthi drones at Al-Delmi air base north of Sanaa, Al-Arabiya said, citing local sources. There was no immediate official confirmation from the coalition, which launched air strikes on two sites in Sanaa a day earlier. Those strikes followed a Houthi claim it had attacked an "important target" in the Saudi capital Riyadh on Thursday using a ballistic missile and drones. The coalition did not confirm an attack on Riyadh but said it had intercepted and destroyed ballistic missiles and explosive drones launched towards the kingdom on Thursday. Bombings in Sanaa city have been relatively rare since September 2019, when Saudi Arabia launched indirect talks with the Iran-aligned Houthi movement, which it has been at war with since 2015. The conflict has killed 100,000 people and led to what the United Nations describes as the world's worst humanitarian crisis. The Houthis took over the Yemeni capital Sanaa and most other cities in 2014 after ousting the Saudi-backed government of Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi. The Western-backed coalition that Saudi Arabia leads intervened to try to restore Hadi to power.

Saudi coalition attack Houthi military sites in Yemen's Sanaa: Al-Arabiya

Saudi coalition attack Houthi military sites in Yemen's Sanaa

In a report for the period ending in June, 2020, the panel included Canada on a list of countries selling arms to those waging the conflict in Yemen

West, Iran is fueling war in Yemen with arms sales, says UN report

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

The Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthi movement in Yemen said on Sunday that it had intercepted and downed a ballistic missile launched towards civilian targets in southern Saudi Arabia, as per a statement carried by state news agency SPA.

Since late May, Iran-backed Houthi rebels have escalated their cross-border attacks after a truce prompted by the coronavirus pandemic expired. In late June, missiles reached the Saudi capital Riyadh. The coalition has retaliated with airstrikes.

According to Masirah TV, run by the Iran-aligned Houthis, &nbsp;that Saudi-led coalition airstrikes had damaged fuel tanks in a factory in Houthi-held territory.

The SPA on Thursday said that Saudi-led forces intercepted two ballistic missiles and an armed drone that was launched towards southern Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;

The conflict in Yemen has escalated ever since Saudi Arabia decided to intervene in March 2015. the Saudi-led coalition aims to restore the Yemeni government ousted from power in the capital Sanaa by Houthi forces. The Houthis say they are fighting a corrupt system.

The Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthi movement in Yemen said on Sunday that it had intercepted and downed a ballistic missile launched towards civilian targets in southern Saudi Arabia, as per a statement carried by state news agency SPA.

The Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthi movement in Yemen said on Sunday that it had intercepted and downed a ballistic missile launched towards civilian targets in southern Saudi Arabia, as per a statement carried by state news agency SPA. Since late May, Iran-backed Houthi rebels have escalated their cross-border attacks after a truce prompted by the coronavirus pandemic expired. In late June, missiles reached the Saudi capital Riyadh. The coalition has retaliated with airstrikes. According to Masirah TV, run by the Iran-aligned Houthis, that Saudi-led coalition airstrikes had damaged fuel tanks in a factory in Houthi-held territory. The SPA on Thursday said that Saudi-led forces intercepted two ballistic missiles and an armed drone that was launched towards southern Saudi Arabia. The conflict in Yemen has escalated ever since Saudi Arabia decided to intervene in March 2015. the Saudi-led coalition aims to restore the Yemeni government ousted from power in the capital Sanaa by Houthi forces. The Houthis say they are fighting a corrupt system.

Saudi-led coalition intercepts ballistic missiles aimed at kingdom: SPA

Houses in Yemen's UNESCO-listed Old City of Sanaa are collapsing under heavy rains, as months of floods and storms assail a country already reeling from war, food shortages and disease.

This year's exceptionally heavy rains, which began mid-April and last into early September, have added to what the United Nations describes as the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

The distinctive brown and white mud brick houses of Sanaa's historic neighbourhoods, which date from before the 11th century, have long been under threat from conflict and neglect. A house partially collapsed on Friday as heavy rain battered Sanaa, leaving the six women and six children of his family homeless.

Around 5,000 of the towering buildings in the old city have leaky roofs and 107 have partially collapsed roofs. The Historic Cities Preservation Authority has been working with UNESCO and other funds to preserve some.

Five years of war have killed more than 100,000 people, and left 80% of the population reliant on aid and millions on the brink of famine. On top of the new coronavirus, which is believed to be spreading largely undetected, heavy rains spread diseases like cholera, dengue fever and malaria.

To this end, the Iran-aligned Houthi authorities who have controlled Sanaa since ousting the internationally recognised Saudi-backed Yemeni government in late 2014, appealed this week to UNESCO to save the city's heritage. They said around 111 houses had partly or completely collapsed in recent weeks.

Houses in Yemen's UNESCO-listed Old City of Sanaa are collapsing under heavy rains, as months of floods and storms assail a country already reeling from war, food shortages and disease.

Houses in Yemen's UNESCO-listed Old City of Sanaa are collapsing under heavy rains, as months of floods and storms assail a country already reeling from war, food shortages and disease. This year's exceptionally heavy rains, which began mid-April and last into early September, have added to what the United Nations describes as the world's worst humanitarian crisis. The distinctive brown and white mud brick houses of Sanaa's historic neighbourhoods, which date from before the 11th century, have long been under threat from conflict and neglect. A house partially collapsed on Friday as heavy rain battered Sanaa, leaving the six women and six children of his family homeless. Around 5,000 of the towering buildings in the old city have leaky roofs and 107 have partially collapsed roofs. The Historic Cities Preservation Authority has been working with UNESCO and other funds to preserve some. Five years of war have killed more than 100,000 people, and left 80% of the population reliant on aid and millions on the brink of famine. On top of the new coronavirus, which is believed to be spreading largely undetected, heavy rains spread diseases like cholera, dengue fever and malaria. To this end, the Iran-aligned Houthi authorities who have controlled Sanaa since ousting the internationally recognised Saudi-backed Yemeni government in late 2014, appealed this week to UNESCO to save the city's heritage. They said around 111 houses had partly or completely collapsed in recent weeks.

Houses in Yemen's UNESCO-listed Old City of Sanaa collapse under heavy rains

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