Iranian-backed Houthi rebels on Tuesday fired a long-range ballistic missile toward the King Khaled International Airport north of the Saudi capital Riyadh.&nbsp;

The Houthi forces launched a Burkan H-2 ballistic missile in the capital&#39;s airport. It&#39;s the second ballistic missile attack claimed by Houthi rebels on the Saudi airport in less than three months.

The attack also comes just 10 days following the interception of a Houthi missile fired from Yemen by the Saudi military forces.&nbsp;

The Houthi missile had targeted the civilian areas of the southwestern Saudi province of Najran on January 20.&nbsp;

Also read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/14-soldiers-killed-in-yemen-suicide-attack-army-official-31217">&nbsp;14 soldiers killed in Yemen suicide attack</a>

Continued missile attacks from Houthi rebels in Yemen have forced Saudi Arabia to cut off air, sea and land links from its neighbour. The defence forces have also halted Yemen&#39;s financial aids and food and fuel imports as well.

On December 4, former Yemeni president Ali Abdullah Saleh was killed in Sanaa after days of intense fighting between Houthi rebels and his loyalist forces. Before killing Saleh, Houthi rebels had reportedly blown up his residence.

Both Saleh forces and the Houthi rebels are battling to capture the capital city. The loyalists of Saleh last week had proposed for the talks with the Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis to end the three-year conflict in Yemen.

The military conflict dates back to 2015, when the fight between the government of President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi and the Houthi rebels, backed by Saleh army units, broke out.&nbsp;

The Saudi-led coalition of mostly Persian Gulf Arab countries has interfered in the conflict since March 2015 upon Hadi&rsquo;s request, carrying out airstrikes against the Houthis.

The Houthi forces launched a Burkan H-2 ballistic missile in the Capital's airport. It's the second ballistic missile attack claimed by Houthi rebels on the Saudi airport in less than three months

Iranian-backed Houthi rebels on Tuesday fired a long-range ballistic missile toward the King Khaled International Airport north of the Saudi capital Riyadh. The Houthi forces launched a Burkan H-2 ballistic missile in the capital's airport. It's the second ballistic missile attack claimed by Houthi rebels on the Saudi airport in less than three months. The attack also comes just 10 days following the interception of a Houthi missile fired from Yemen by the Saudi military forces. The Houthi missile had targeted the civilian areas of the southwestern Saudi province of Najran on January 20. Also read: 14 soldiers killed in Yemen suicide attack Continued missile attacks from Houthi rebels in Yemen have forced Saudi Arabia to cut off air, sea and land links from its neighbour. The defence forces have also halted Yemen's financial aids and food and fuel imports as well. On December 4, former Yemeni president Ali Abdullah Saleh was killed in Sanaa after days of intense fighting between Houthi rebels and his loyalist forces. Before killing Saleh, Houthi rebels had reportedly blown up his residence. Both Saleh forces and the Houthi rebels are battling to capture the capital city. The loyalists of Saleh last week had proposed for the talks with the Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis to end the three-year conflict in Yemen. The military conflict dates back to 2015, when the fight between the government of President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi and the Houthi rebels, backed by Saleh army units, broke out. The Saudi-led coalition of mostly Persian Gulf Arab countries has interfered in the conflict since March 2015 upon Hadi’s request, carrying out airstrikes against the Houthis.

Houthis fire ballistic missile at Saudi airport

A Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen has killed 109 civilians in air strikes in the past 10 days, including 54 at a crowded market and 14 members of one family in a farm, the top UN&nbsp;official in the country said on Thursday.&nbsp;

UN&nbsp;resident coordinator Jamie McGoldrick called the fighting futile and absurd, an unusually direct criticism of the war in which the coalition, backed by the United States, Britain and others, is fighting the Iran-allied Houthi armed movement.

Citing initial reports from the UN&nbsp;human rights office, a statement by McGoldrick said air strikes hit a crowded market in Al Hayma sub-district of Attazziah in Taiz governorate on Tuesday, killing 54 and injuring 32.&nbsp;

Eight of the dead and six of the injured were children, according to the reports.

On the same day, an air strike on a farm in Attohayta district of Hodeidah governorate killed 14, and air strikes elsewhere killed a further 41 civilians and injured 43 over the past 10 days.

&quot;These incidents prove the complete disregard for human life that all parties, including the Saudi-led Coalition, continue to show in this absurd war that has only resulted in the destruction of the country and the incommensurate suffering of its people, who are being punished as part of a futile military campaign by both sides,&quot; McGoldrick said.

Under international law, the warring sides must spare civilians and civilian infrastructure, he added.

The United Nations has no up-to-date estimate of the death toll in Yemen, having said in August 2016 that according to medical centres at least 10,000 people had been killed.&nbsp;

The United Nations says Yemen is the world&#39;s worst humanitarian crisis, with about 8 million people on the brink of famine, a cholera epidemic that has infected 1 million people, and economic collapse in what was already one of the Arab world`s poorest countries.

Eight of the dead and six of the injured were children, according to the reports

A Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen has killed 109 civilians in air strikes in the past 10 days, including 54 at a crowded market and 14 members of one family in a farm, the top UN official in the country said on Thursday. UN resident coordinator Jamie McGoldrick called the fighting futile and absurd, an unusually direct criticism of the war in which the coalition, backed by the United States, Britain and others, is fighting the Iran-allied Houthi armed movement. Citing initial reports from the UN human rights office, a statement by McGoldrick said air strikes hit a crowded market in Al Hayma sub-district of Attazziah in Taiz governorate on Tuesday, killing 54 and injuring 32. Eight of the dead and six of the injured were children, according to the reports. On the same day, an air strike on a farm in Attohayta district of Hodeidah governorate killed 14, and air strikes elsewhere killed a further 41 civilians and injured 43 over the past 10 days. "These incidents prove the complete disregard for human life that all parties, including the Saudi-led Coalition, continue to show in this absurd war that has only resulted in the destruction of the country and the incommensurate suffering of its people, who are being punished as part of a futile military campaign by both sides," McGoldrick said. Under international law, the warring sides must spare civilians and civilian infrastructure, he added. The United Nations has no up-to-date estimate of the death toll in Yemen, having said in August 2016 that according to medical centres at least 10,000 people had been killed. The United Nations says Yemen is the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with about 8 million people on the brink of famine, a cholera epidemic that has infected 1 million people, and economic collapse in what was already one of the Arab world`s poorest countries.

UN says Saudi-led coalition raids in Yemen kill 109 civilians

Fresh air strikes and clashes in Yemen have killed over 60 fighters as Saudi-backed pro-government forces push an offensive against Huthi rebels, security and medical sources said Monday.

Saudi-led coalition air raids overnight killed at least 18 of the Iran-backed rebels in Hais, south of the key port of Hodeida, while bombardments from gunships left 35 others dead in nearby Tahita, a security official told AFP.

The latest fighting killed 12 government troops and wounded 19 more, military and medical sources said.&nbsp;

On the outskirts of the capital Sanaa, a witness told AFP that seven members of the same family including women and children were killed by a coalition airstrike Monday.&nbsp;

Government troops and coalition forces have been advancing along the Red Sea coast, seizing the town of Khokha earlier this month.&nbsp;

The stated goal is to reach Hodeida, Yemen&#39;s second largest port and a key entry point for aid to the country, which the UN has warned faces &quot;the largest famine the world has seen for many decades&quot;.

But the coalition has met strong resistance from the Shiite Huthis, who control the capital Sanaa and most of northern Yemen.

Monday&#39;s deadly air raid in Sanaa hit the guard house at a memorial to Egyptian soldiers killed in Yemen in the 1960s, according to a witness who served as a first responder.&nbsp;

The guardian of the memorial Ali Mosleh al-Rimi and his wife were killed, along with his four daughters and another relative, Moussaed al-Himi said.&nbsp;

Himi, who helped evacuate the bodies, said two other family members were wounded. Rebel media put the number of dead at 11.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&quot;I saw everything with my own eyes,&quot; Himi said, adding that multiple missiles had hit the house, which was left badly damaged.&nbsp;

A Saudi-led coalition has been waging an air campaign against Yemen&#39;s Huthi rebels since March 2015 in an attempt to shore up the internationally recognised government of President Abedrabbo Mansur Hadi.

Fighting and air raids have intensified since December 19, when Saudi air defences intercepted a ballistic missile fired by the Iran-backed Huthis towards the capital Riyadh.&nbsp;

More than 8,750 people have been killed in the conflict since the coalition&#39;s intervention in the impoverished country, where more than 2,000 people have also died of cholera this year.

The UN human rights office said it had tallied 136 civilians killed and another 87 wounded in strikes on Sanaa, Saada, Hodeida, Marib and Taez governorates between December 6 and 16.&nbsp;

Fresh air strikes and clashes in Yemen have killed over 60 fighters as Saudi-backed pro-government forces push an offensive against Huthi rebels, security and medical sources said Monday

Fresh air strikes and clashes in Yemen have killed over 60 fighters as Saudi-backed pro-government forces push an offensive against Huthi rebels, security and medical sources said Monday. Saudi-led coalition air raids overnight killed at least 18 of the Iran-backed rebels in Hais, south of the key port of Hodeida, while bombardments from gunships left 35 others dead in nearby Tahita, a security official told AFP. The latest fighting killed 12 government troops and wounded 19 more, military and medical sources said. On the outskirts of the capital Sanaa, a witness told AFP that seven members of the same family including women and children were killed by a coalition airstrike Monday. Government troops and coalition forces have been advancing along the Red Sea coast, seizing the town of Khokha earlier this month. The stated goal is to reach Hodeida, Yemen's second largest port and a key entry point for aid to the country, which the UN has warned faces "the largest famine the world has seen for many decades". But the coalition has met strong resistance from the Shiite Huthis, who control the capital Sanaa and most of northern Yemen. Monday's deadly air raid in Sanaa hit the guard house at a memorial to Egyptian soldiers killed in Yemen in the 1960s, according to a witness who served as a first responder. The guardian of the memorial Ali Mosleh al-Rimi and his wife were killed, along with his four daughters and another relative, Moussaed al-Himi said. Himi, who helped evacuate the bodies, said two other family members were wounded. Rebel media put the number of dead at 11. "I saw everything with my own eyes," Himi said, adding that multiple missiles had hit the house, which was left badly damaged. A Saudi-led coalition has been waging an air campaign against Yemen's Huthi rebels since March 2015 in an attempt to shore up the internationally recognised government of President Abedrabbo Mansur Hadi. Fighting and air raids have intensified since December 19, when Saudi air defences intercepted a ballistic missile fired by the Iran-backed Huthis towards the capital Riyadh. More than 8,750 people have been killed in the conflict since the coalition's intervention in the impoverished country, where more than 2,000 people have also died of cholera this year. The UN human rights office said it had tallied 136 civilians killed and another 87 wounded in strikes on Sanaa, Saada, Hodeida, Marib and Taez governorates between December 6 and 16.

Dozens killed in fresh Yemen air strikes, clashes

A US drone strike has killed a top al Qaida terrorist in Yemen, newswire AFP reported.

AFP quoting tribal sources said Saudi-born propaganda chief of al Qaida Abu Hajar al-Makki and three other terrorists were killed after a drone blew up a vehicle in Wadi Obeida in the eastern part of Sanaa.

Another strike killed two more al Qaida terrorists in the area, AFP quoted tribal sources as informing.

However, the US government is yet to confirm the strike.

The US has said it has killed several al Qiada&nbsp;members in the Arabian peninsula&nbsp;in the past few months

Another strike killed two more al Qaida terrorists in the area, AFP quoted tribal sources as informing.

A US drone strike has killed a top al Qaida terrorist in Yemen, newswire AFP reported. AFP quoting tribal sources said Saudi-born propaganda chief of al Qaida Abu Hajar al-Makki and three other terrorists were killed after a drone blew up a vehicle in Wadi Obeida in the eastern part of Sanaa. Another strike killed two more al Qaida terrorists in the area, AFP quoted tribal sources as informing. However, the US government is yet to confirm the strike. The US has said it has killed several al Qiada members in the Arabian peninsula in the past few months

US drone strike may have killed al Qaida propaganda chief Abu Hajar al-Makki

The propaganda chief of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula was among six jihadists killed in two separate US drone strikes in Yemen, tribal sources said on Thursday.

The Wednesday evening strikes came as Washington revealed that US forces have carried out more than 120 air strikes against jihadists in Yemen this year as part of a long-running campaign that has intensified since President Donald Trump took office.&nbsp;

Saudi-born Abu Hajar al-Makki and three other AQAP militants were killed when a drone blew up their vehicle in the Wadi Obeida district of Marib province, east of the capital Sanaa, tribal sources said.

A separate strike on a second vehicle killed two other AQAP militants in the same area, they added.

Washington says its strikes have killed a number of senior AQAP figures in recent months, including Mujahid al-Adani, who was killed on November 20.

It considers AQAP to be the worldwide jihadist network&#39;s most dangerous branch.

The Sunni extremist group has thrived in the chaos of nearly three years of civil war between the Saudi-backed government and Shiite rebels who control the capital.

In addition to the air strikes, mostly carried out by drones, US special forces have conducted a number of ground raids against AQAP.

The Pentagon has also been attacking a local branch of the Islamic State group, which it says has doubled in size over the past year.

A separate strike on a second vehicle killed two other AQAP militants in the same area, officials noted

The propaganda chief of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula was among six jihadists killed in two separate US drone strikes in Yemen, tribal sources said on Thursday. The Wednesday evening strikes came as Washington revealed that US forces have carried out more than 120 air strikes against jihadists in Yemen this year as part of a long-running campaign that has intensified since President Donald Trump took office. Saudi-born Abu Hajar al-Makki and three other AQAP militants were killed when a drone blew up their vehicle in the Wadi Obeida district of Marib province, east of the capital Sanaa, tribal sources said. A separate strike on a second vehicle killed two other AQAP militants in the same area, they added. Washington says its strikes have killed a number of senior AQAP figures in recent months, including Mujahid al-Adani, who was killed on November 20. It considers AQAP to be the worldwide jihadist network's most dangerous branch. The Sunni extremist group has thrived in the chaos of nearly three years of civil war between the Saudi-backed government and Shiite rebels who control the capital. In addition to the air strikes, mostly carried out by drones, US special forces have conducted a number of ground raids against AQAP. The Pentagon has also been attacking a local branch of the Islamic State group, which it says has doubled in size over the past year.

US drone strike kills Al-Qaeda propaganda chief in Yemen

Saudi Arabia on Tuesday reportedly<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-intercepts-yemen-rebel-missile-over-riyadh-state-media-27194"> intercepted a missile fired by </a>Yemeni rebels over Riyadh, the US later said it &quot;bears all the hallmarks of previous attacks using Iranian-provided weapons.&quot;

Reports quoting the rebels said the target was Yamamah palace, the official residence of King Salman.

&quot;We must all act cooperatively to expose the crimes of the Tehran regime and do whatever is needed to make sure they get the message. If we do not, then Iran will bring the world deeper into a broadening regional conflict,&quot; Haley told the UN Security Council.

There were no reports of casualties or damage.

&quot;Thankfully the missile was intercepted before it could hit its intended target. But the very fact of this attack is a flashing red siren for this council,&quot; US ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley said.

Video footage released by Houthi military media Centre showed missile being launched from an unidentified location in Yemen.

&quot;We could explore sanctions on Iran in response to its clear violations of the Yemen arms embargo,&quot; Haley said. &quot;We could hold the IRGC (Iran&#39;s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) accountable for its violations of numerous Security Council resolutions,&quot; Haley added.

Video footage released by Houthi military media Centre showed missile being launched from an unidentified location in Yemen.

Saudi Arabia on Tuesday reportedly intercepted a missile fired by Yemeni rebels over Riyadh, the US later said it "bears all the hallmarks of previous attacks using Iranian-provided weapons." Reports quoting the rebels said the target was Yamamah palace, the official residence of King Salman. "We must all act cooperatively to expose the crimes of the Tehran regime and do whatever is needed to make sure they get the message. If we do not, then Iran will bring the world deeper into a broadening regional conflict," Haley told the UN Security Council. There were no reports of casualties or damage. "Thankfully the missile was intercepted before it could hit its intended target. But the very fact of this attack is a flashing red siren for this council," US ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley said. Video footage released by Houthi military media Centre showed missile being launched from an unidentified location in Yemen. "We could explore sanctions on Iran in response to its clear violations of the Yemen arms embargo," Haley said. "We could hold the IRGC (Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) accountable for its violations of numerous Security Council resolutions," Haley added.

Watch: Yemeni missile attack on Saudi Arabia bears hallmark of Iranian weapons, says Nikki Haley

Saudi Arabia intercepted a Yemeni rebel missile over Riyadh on Tuesday, state media said,

The rebels said the target was Yamamah palace, the official residence of King Salman.

An AFP correspondent heard a loud explosion at 10:50 GMT, shortly before the scheduled unveiling of the&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;budget.

The Saudi budget&nbsp;is usually announced from the Yamamah palace by the king.

The rebels said the target was Yamamah palace, the official residence of King Salman

Saudi Arabia intercepted a Yemeni rebel missile over Riyadh on Tuesday, state media said, The rebels said the target was Yamamah palace, the official residence of King Salman. An AFP correspondent heard a loud explosion at 10:50 GMT, shortly before the scheduled unveiling of the Saudi budget. The Saudi budget is usually announced from the Yamamah palace by the king.

Saudi Arabia intercepts Yemen rebel missile over Riyadh: State media

A Saudi-led coalition intensified air strikes on Yemen early&nbsp;on Wednesday&nbsp;as the armed Houthi movement tightened its grip on the capital after it killed former president Ali Abdullah Saleh, who switched sides in the civil war.

Saudi Arabia and its allies struck a day after Saleh&#39;s son vowed to lead a campaign against the Iran-aligned Houthis.

The intervention by Ahmed Ali, a former leader of the elite Republican Guard once seen as a likely successor to his father, gives the anti-Houthi movement a potential figurehead after a week of fighting that saw the Houthis rout Saleh&#39;s supporters in the capital.

Yemen&#39;s war, pitting the Iran-allied Houthis who control Sanaa against a Saudi-led military alliance backing a government based in the south, has brought what the United Nations calls the world&#39;s worst humanitarian crisis.

Saleh had helped the Houthis win control of much of the country&#39;s north, including Sanaa, and his decision to switch allegiances and abandon the Houthis in the past week was the most dramatic change on the battlefield in years.

But the Houthis swiftly crushed the pro-Saleh uprising in the capital and killed him.

Coalition fighter jets carried out dozens of air strikes, both sides said, bombing Houthi positions inside Sanaa and in other northern provinces.

Yemen&#39;s pro-Houthi Al Masirah television station said the coalition bombed Saleh&#39;s residence and other houses of his family members.

Residents told Reuter&#39;s loud explosions were heard in downtown Sanaa.

Masirah said air strikes also hit northern provinces including Taiz, Haja, Midi, and Saada. There was no immediate word on casualties.

In a sign of support and defiance, tens of thousands of Houthi supporters staged a rally in Sanaa&nbsp;on Tuesday&nbsp;to celebrate the death of Saleh. They chanted slogans against Saudi Arabia and its allies.

The proxy war between regional arch-rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran has already killed more than 10,000 people, with more than two million displaced. Nearly a million have been hit by a cholera outbreak and famine threatens much of the country.

The United Nations says millions of people may die in one of the worst famines of modern times, caused by warring parties blocking food supplies.

The UN Secretary-General Special Envoy for Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, called on all parties to show restraint in a briefing to the Security Council.

&quot;Increased hostilities will further threaten civilian lives and exacerbate their suffering,&quot; he said.

U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said&nbsp;on Tuesday&nbsp;that the killing of Saleh would, in the short term, likely worsen an already dire humanitarian situation in the country.

Mattis, speaking with reporters on a military aircraft en route to Washington after a brief trip to parts of the Middle East and South Asia, said it was too early to say what impact the killing would have on the war.

He said it could either push the conflict towards U.N. peace negotiations or make it an &quot;even more vicious war.&quot;

The commander of Iran&rsquo;s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari, said Yemen&rsquo;s enemies had been behind Saleh&#39;s armed uprising and praised what he called the Houthis&#39; swift quashing of the &quot;coup against the holy warriors&quot;, the semi-official Fars news agency reported.

The death of Saleh, who once compared ruling Yemen to dancing on the heads of snakes, deepens the complexity of the multi-sided war.

Much is likely to depend on the future allegiances of his loyalists, who had previously helped the armed Houthi group, which hails from the Zaidi branch of Shi&#39;ite Islam that ruled a thousand-year kingdom in northern Yemen until 1962.

In a statement sent to Reuters by an aide, his son said his father was killed at &quot;the hands of the enemies of God and the country&quot;.

Ahmed Ali said he would &quot;confront the enemies of the homeland and humanity, who are trying to obliterate its identity and its gains and to humiliate Yemen and Yemenis&quot;.

The Arabian peninsula&#39;s poorest country, Yemen is one of the most violent fronts in the proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which have also backed opposing sides in Syria, Iraq and elsewhere across the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia and its allies struck a day after Saleh's son vowed to lead a campaign against the Iran-aligned Houthis

A Saudi-led coalition intensified air strikes on Yemen early on Wednesday as the armed Houthi movement tightened its grip on the capital after it killed former president Ali Abdullah Saleh, who switched sides in the civil war. Saudi Arabia and its allies struck a day after Saleh's son vowed to lead a campaign against the Iran-aligned Houthis. The intervention by Ahmed Ali, a former leader of the elite Republican Guard once seen as a likely successor to his father, gives the anti-Houthi movement a potential figurehead after a week of fighting that saw the Houthis rout Saleh's supporters in the capital. Yemen's war, pitting the Iran-allied Houthis who control Sanaa against a Saudi-led military alliance backing a government based in the south, has brought what the United Nations calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Saleh had helped the Houthis win control of much of the country's north, including Sanaa, and his decision to switch allegiances and abandon the Houthis in the past week was the most dramatic change on the battlefield in years. But the Houthis swiftly crushed the pro-Saleh uprising in the capital and killed him. Coalition fighter jets carried out dozens of air strikes, both sides said, bombing Houthi positions inside Sanaa and in other northern provinces. Yemen's pro-Houthi Al Masirah television station said the coalition bombed Saleh's residence and other houses of his family members. Residents told Reuter's loud explosions were heard in downtown Sanaa. Masirah said air strikes also hit northern provinces including Taiz, Haja, Midi, and Saada. There was no immediate word on casualties. In a sign of support and defiance, tens of thousands of Houthi supporters staged a rally in Sanaa on Tuesday to celebrate the death of Saleh. They chanted slogans against Saudi Arabia and its allies. The proxy war between regional arch-rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran has already killed more than 10,000 people, with more than two million displaced. Nearly a million have been hit by a cholera outbreak and famine threatens much of the country. The United Nations says millions of people may die in one of the worst famines of modern times, caused by warring parties blocking food supplies. The UN Secretary-General Special Envoy for Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, called on all parties to show restraint in a briefing to the Security Council. "Increased hostilities will further threaten civilian lives and exacerbate their suffering," he said. U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said on Tuesday that the killing of Saleh would, in the short term, likely worsen an already dire humanitarian situation in the country. Mattis, speaking with reporters on a military aircraft en route to Washington after a brief trip to parts of the Middle East and South Asia, said it was too early to say what impact the killing would have on the war. He said it could either push the conflict towards U.N. peace negotiations or make it an "even more vicious war." The commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari, said Yemen’s enemies had been behind Saleh's armed uprising and praised what he called the Houthis' swift quashing of the "coup against the holy warriors", the semi-official Fars news agency reported. The death of Saleh, who once compared ruling Yemen to dancing on the heads of snakes, deepens the complexity of the multi-sided war. Much is likely to depend on the future allegiances of his loyalists, who had previously helped the armed Houthi group, which hails from the Zaidi branch of Shi'ite Islam that ruled a thousand-year kingdom in northern Yemen until 1962. In a statement sent to Reuters by an aide, his son said his father was killed at "the hands of the enemies of God and the country". Ahmed Ali said he would "confront the enemies of the homeland and humanity, who are trying to obliterate its identity and its gains and to humiliate Yemen and Yemenis". The Arabian peninsula's poorest country, Yemen is one of the most violent fronts in the proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which have also backed opposing sides in Syria, Iraq and elsewhere across the Middle East.

Saudi-led coalition intensifies Yemen air strikes after Saleh's death

A day after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/yemens-ex-president-ali-abdullah-saleh-confirmed-dead-25867">Ali Abdullah Saleh was killed</a>, Saudi-led coalition warplanes hit the capital city Sanaa as the Arab League condemned&nbsp;the killing of the former president of Yemen.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/yemen-president-orders-forces-to-retake-sanaa-as-saudi-planes-continue-air-strikes-25839">Ahmed Ali Saleh, the son of slain leader talking to a TV channel </a>called for revenge against Iran- backed Houthi rebels, saying: &quot;I will lead the battle until the last Houthi is thrown out of Yemen...&nbsp;the blood of my father will be hell ringing in the ears of Iran.&quot;

Ahmed Ali, a former military commander who lived under house arrest &nbsp;in the United Arab Emirates, said he is ready to &quot;take back Yemen from the Iranian Houthi militias.&quot;

Meanwhile, the Arab League said the Houthi movement which killed Saleh was &quot;terrorist organisation&quot;. 
&nbsp; 
However, the rebel camp led by Abdul Malik al-Houthi &quot;celebrated victory&quot;. Houthi called for a mass rally on Tuesday at a parade ground near the site of the attack which killed Saleh.

In a turnaround, Houthi said his movement had no quarrel with Saleh&#39;s party in a bid to gain allies in a complex fight for power in Yemen.

In the southern city of Aden, where the Saudi-backed government is based, residents set off fireworks and expressed joy, Reuters reported.

Sanaa-based International Committee of the Red Cross said clashes in the Yemeni capital killed at least 234 people and wounded 400 over the past week.

The Arab League said the Houthi movement which killed Saleh was "terrorist organisation".

A day after Ali Abdullah Saleh was killed, Saudi-led coalition warplanes hit the capital city Sanaa as the Arab League condemned the killing of the former president of Yemen. Ahmed Ali Saleh, the son of slain leader talking to a TV channel called for revenge against Iran- backed Houthi rebels, saying: "I will lead the battle until the last Houthi is thrown out of Yemen... the blood of my father will be hell ringing in the ears of Iran." Ahmed Ali, a former military commander who lived under house arrest in the United Arab Emirates, said he is ready to "take back Yemen from the Iranian Houthi militias." Meanwhile, the Arab League said the Houthi movement which killed Saleh was "terrorist organisation". However, the rebel camp led by Abdul Malik al-Houthi "celebrated victory". Houthi called for a mass rally on Tuesday at a parade ground near the site of the attack which killed Saleh. In a turnaround, Houthi said his movement had no quarrel with Saleh's party in a bid to gain allies in a complex fight for power in Yemen. In the southern city of Aden, where the Saudi-backed government is based, residents set off fireworks and expressed joy, Reuters reported. Sanaa-based International Committee of the Red Cross said clashes in the Yemeni capital killed at least 234 people and wounded 400 over the past week.

After Yemen ex-president's death, Houthi leader reaches out to Saleh's party

The UN on Tuesday called for a &quot;humanitarian&quot; truce in air strikes and fighting in Yemen as it seeks to deliver aid to civilians trapped in the capital Sanaa.

&quot;I ... sent a message asking for a truce, a peace pause, a humanitarian pause, for the parties to stop shooting, stop fighting, stop air strikes, so the people can go to hospitals, can go to seek safety ... and go to also find a place for water and food,&quot; UN humanitarian coordinator Jamie McGoldrick told reporters in Geneva by phone from Sanaa.

&quot;Our ability to get to people over the last five days has been impeded because of the air strikes, because of the fighting, and our life-saving support activities were blocked,&quot; he said.

McGoldrick&#39;s statement came a day after Yemen&#39;s Huthi rebels killed former president Ali Abdullah Saleh as he fled the capital following the collapse of their uneasy alliance.

For the five previous nights, heavy fighting had rocked Sanaa, leaving at least 234 people dead and 400 wounded, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross.

After the assassination, Saudi-led warplanes pounded the capital before dawn Tuesday as the rebels moved to consolidate their control over the city.

&quot;What happened... because of our inability to move in the city during the five days -- the UN agencies, Red Cross and NGOs -- we were unable to do our life-saving treatments,&quot; McGoldrick said.

&quot;Now the uncertainty continues and despite what happened yesterday, we don&#39;t know if we can start doing our operations or whether we have to wait for some time,&quot; he added.

Yemen&#39;s war has left thousands dead since 2015, sparking what the United Nations now labels the world&#39;s worst humanitarian crisis, and has deepened tensions between Middle East rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran.

McGoldrick said a UN team would travel to Riyadh &quot;quite soon&quot;.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia imposed a blockade on Yemen&#39;s ports after a Huthi missile was intercepted near Riyadh airport on November 4.

The blockade has been eased only partially despite repeated calls from the UN.

'I sent a message asking for a truce, a peace pause, a humanitarian pause, for the parties to stop shooting, stop fighting, stop air strikes, so the people can go to hospitals, can go to seek safety and go to also find a place for water and food,' UN humanitarian coordinator Jamie McGoldrick said

The UN on Tuesday called for a "humanitarian" truce in air strikes and fighting in Yemen as it seeks to deliver aid to civilians trapped in the capital Sanaa. "I ... sent a message asking for a truce, a peace pause, a humanitarian pause, for the parties to stop shooting, stop fighting, stop air strikes, so the people can go to hospitals, can go to seek safety ... and go to also find a place for water and food," UN humanitarian coordinator Jamie McGoldrick told reporters in Geneva by phone from Sanaa. "Our ability to get to people over the last five days has been impeded because of the air strikes, because of the fighting, and our life-saving support activities were blocked," he said. McGoldrick's statement came a day after Yemen's Huthi rebels killed former president Ali Abdullah Saleh as he fled the capital following the collapse of their uneasy alliance. For the five previous nights, heavy fighting had rocked Sanaa, leaving at least 234 people dead and 400 wounded, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross. After the assassination, Saudi-led warplanes pounded the capital before dawn Tuesday as the rebels moved to consolidate their control over the city. "What happened... because of our inability to move in the city during the five days -- the UN agencies, Red Cross and NGOs -- we were unable to do our life-saving treatments," McGoldrick said. "Now the uncertainty continues and despite what happened yesterday, we don't know if we can start doing our operations or whether we have to wait for some time," he added. Yemen's war has left thousands dead since 2015, sparking what the United Nations now labels the world's worst humanitarian crisis, and has deepened tensions between Middle East rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran. McGoldrick said a UN team would travel to Riyadh "quite soon". Saudi Arabia imposed a blockade on Yemen's ports after a Huthi missile was intercepted near Riyadh airport on November 4. The blockade has been eased only partially despite repeated calls from the UN.

UN urges for a  'humanitarian pause' for Yemen

Yemen&#39;s<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uae-denies-yemens-houthis-fired-missile-at-abu-dhabi-nuclear-reactor-25768"> PM Ahmad Obaid bin Daghr said the</a> government will &quot;grant amnesty&quot;&nbsp;to all those all nationals who cut ties with rebels even as the president ordered forces to retake the capital city Sanaa.&nbsp;

&quot;The<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/deadly-rebel-infighting-rocks-yemen-capital-for-second-night-3-dead-25617"> president will soon announce a general</a> amnesty for all those who collaborated with the Huthis in recent months and who have retracted that allegiance,&quot; Prime Minister Ahmad Obaid bin Daghr said even as air raids&nbsp;hit Sanaa.

Saudi-led coalition warplanes continued to hit Houthi militia positions for the second day on Monday even as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged the warring factions to stop all ground and air assaults.

Sanaa International Airport and the interior ministry is being held by Iran-backed Huthi rebels, AFP reported.

Meanwhile, the rebels blew up house the house of ex-president Ali Abdullah Saleh in Sanaa.

Residents near the airport said multiple air raids had shaken their homes late Sunday night and in the early hours of Monday, AFP report said.

Yemen is currently split between the forces Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi in the south which is backed by Saudi Arabia and recognised by the international community and the northern Huthi rebels backed by Iran&nbsp;and forces loyal to Saleh.&nbsp;

At least 8,750 people have been killed since the Saudi-led coalition joined the war to support the Hadi government with Yemen on the brink of starvation.

The UN recently said Yemen is facing &quot;world&#39;s worst humanitarian crisis&quot;.

Sanaa International Airport and the interior ministry is being held by Iran-backed Huthi rebels

Yemen's PM Ahmad Obaid bin Daghr said the government will "grant amnesty" to all those all nationals who cut ties with rebels even as the president ordered forces to retake the capital city Sanaa. "The president will soon announce a general amnesty for all those who collaborated with the Huthis in recent months and who have retracted that allegiance," Prime Minister Ahmad Obaid bin Daghr said even as air raids hit Sanaa. Saudi-led coalition warplanes continued to hit Houthi militia positions for the second day on Monday even as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged the warring factions to stop all ground and air assaults. Sanaa International Airport and the interior ministry is being held by Iran-backed Huthi rebels, AFP reported. Meanwhile, the rebels blew up house the house of ex-president Ali Abdullah Saleh in Sanaa. Residents near the airport said multiple air raids had shaken their homes late Sunday night and in the early hours of Monday, AFP report said. Yemen is currently split between the forces Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi in the south which is backed by Saudi Arabia and recognised by the international community and the northern Huthi rebels backed by Iran and forces loyal to Saleh. At least 8,750 people have been killed since the Saudi-led coalition joined the war to support the Hadi government with Yemen on the brink of starvation. The UN recently said Yemen is facing "world's worst humanitarian crisis".

Yemen president orders forces to retake Sanaa as Saudi planes continue air strikes

A leader of General <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/yemeni-ex-president-ali-abdullah-saleh-killed-in-sanaa-fighting-al-arabiya-tv-25855">People&#39;s Congress, Saleh&#39;s </a>political party today confirmed Yemen&#39;s former president Ali Abdullah Saleh, 75, is dead.

&quot;He was martyred in the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/yemen-president-orders-forces-to-retake-sanaa-as-saudi-planes-continue-air-strikes-25839"> defence of the republic,&quot; Faiqa </a>al-Sayyid, a leader of the General People&#39;s Congress, said.

Earlier, Yemen&#39;s rebel-controlled interior ministry had announced the killing of Saleh while releasing a video of his death.

A video earlier released by the rebels provided by AFP showed what appeared to be Saleh&#39;s body, wrapped in a floral-print blanket with a severe head injury.&nbsp;

Saleh, a former soldier, ruled Yemen for three decades - from 1978 till 2012 - became president aged just 36 after the assassination of president al-Ghashmi.

Saleh stepped down as president in 2012 after a series of missteps and protests by people and pledged to &quot;rebuild&quot; the country.

The controversial ex-president was accused by a UN panel in 2015 accused him of corruption, saying he may have amassed up to $60 billion during his tenure as head of the country.

&nbsp;Saleh&#39;s sudden death came even as President Hadi ordered his forces to retake the capital city Sanaa from rebel control.

Rebels from Yemen&#39;s Huthi minority backed by Iran had launched an offensive in 2014, in September they stormed the capital Sanaa and seized the government headquarters, state radio and other military sites.

On March 26, 2015,&nbsp;Saudi-led coalition force started air strikes on Yemen&#39;s Huthi rebels in operation &quot;Decisive Storm&quot; in an attempt to restore Hadi back in power.

The war in Yemen continues with no clear winner.

Earlier, Yemen's rebel-controlled interior ministry had announced the killing of Saleh while releasing a video of his death.

A leader of General People's Congress, Saleh's political party today confirmed Yemen's former president Ali Abdullah Saleh, 75, is dead. "He was martyred in the defence of the republic," Faiqa al-Sayyid, a leader of the General People's Congress, said. Earlier, Yemen's rebel-controlled interior ministry had announced the killing of Saleh while releasing a video of his death. A video earlier released by the rebels provided by AFP showed what appeared to be Saleh's body, wrapped in a floral-print blanket with a severe head injury. Saleh, a former soldier, ruled Yemen for three decades - from 1978 till 2012 - became president aged just 36 after the assassination of president al-Ghashmi. Saleh stepped down as president in 2012 after a series of missteps and protests by people and pledged to "rebuild" the country. The controversial ex-president was accused by a UN panel in 2015 accused him of corruption, saying he may have amassed up to $60 billion during his tenure as head of the country. Saleh's sudden death came even as President Hadi ordered his forces to retake the capital city Sanaa from rebel control. Rebels from Yemen's Huthi minority backed by Iran had launched an offensive in 2014, in September they stormed the capital Sanaa and seized the government headquarters, state radio and other military sites. On March 26, 2015, Saudi-led coalition force started air strikes on Yemen's Huthi rebels in operation "Decisive Storm" in an attempt to restore Hadi back in power. The war in Yemen continues with no clear winner.

Yemen's ex-president Ali Abdullah Saleh confirmed dead

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/shashi-kapoor-passes-away-at-79-25844" target="_blank">Veteran actor Shashi Kapoor passes away at 79</a>

Veteran Bollywood superstar Shashi Kapoor died aged 79 on Monday. The actor&#39;s death has left the cinema industry and his family in a state of shock.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/repeatedly-said-charges-against-me-fabricated-and-baseless-mallya-25834" target="_blank">Repeatedly said charges against me fabricated and baseless: Mallya</a>

Liquor baron&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/vijay-mallya-arrested-in-london-appears-in-court-granted-bail-20957">Vijay Mallya appeared in London&#39;s&nbsp;</a>Westminster court today and declared that charges against him were &quot;false, fabricated and baseless&quot; as India continues to push for former Kingfisher chief&#39;s extradition.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pope-explains-why-he-did-not-say-rohingya-25787" target="_blank">Pope explains why he did not say &#39;Rohingya&#39;</a>

Pope Francis on Saturday explained why he had avoided the use of the term &quot;Rohingya&quot; on the first leg of his trip in Myanmar. The pontiff said he knew that had he used the word in official speeches, Myanmar&#39;s military leaders would have &quot;closed the door in our faces&quot; and that he wanted to be allowed to go &quot;further in the private meetings.&quot;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/asurya-prakash-re-appointed-as-chairman-of-prasar-bharti-25825" target="_blank">A.Surya Prakash takes charge as chairman of Prasar Bharti</a>

A.Surya Prakash has been re-appointed as the chairman of the public broadcaster Prasar Bharti. He took charge of the post from today.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/yemen-president-orders-forces-to-retake-sanaa-as-saudi-planes-continue-air-strikes-25839" target="_blank">Yemen president orders forces to retake Sanaa as Saudi planes continue air strikes</a>

Yemen&#39;s<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uae-denies-yemens-houthis-fired-missile-at-abu-dhabi-nuclear-reactor-25768">&nbsp;PM Ahmad Obaid bin Daghr said the</a>&nbsp;government will &quot;grant amnesty&quot;&nbsp;to all those all nationals who cut ties with rebels even as the president ordered forces to retake the capital city Sanaa.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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Veteran actor Shashi Kapoor passes away at 79 Veteran Bollywood superstar Shashi Kapoor died aged 79 on Monday. The actor's death has left the cinema industry and his family in a state of shock. Repeatedly said charges against me fabricated and baseless: Mallya Liquor baron Vijay Mallya appeared in London's Westminster court today and declared that charges against him were "false, fabricated and baseless" as India continues to push for former Kingfisher chief's extradition. Pope explains why he did not say 'Rohingya' Pope Francis on Saturday explained why he had avoided the use of the term "Rohingya" on the first leg of his trip in Myanmar. The pontiff said he knew that had he used the word in official speeches, Myanmar's military leaders would have "closed the door in our faces" and that he wanted to be allowed to go "further in the private meetings." A.Surya Prakash takes charge as chairman of Prasar Bharti A.Surya Prakash has been re-appointed as the chairman of the public broadcaster Prasar Bharti. He took charge of the post from today. Yemen president orders forces to retake Sanaa as Saudi planes continue air strikes Yemen's PM Ahmad Obaid bin Daghr said the government will "grant amnesty" to all those all nationals who cut ties with rebels even as the president ordered forces to retake the capital city Sanaa.

WION Evening News brief, 4 December 2017

Yemen&#39;s Houthi group has fired a cruise missile towards a nuclear power plant in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, the group&#39;s television service reported on its website on Sunday, without providing any evidence.

There were no reports of any missiles reaching the UAE.

The Iran-aligned Houthis control much of northern Yemen and had said Abu Dhabi, a member of the Saudi-led coalition fighting against them since 2015, was a target for their missiles.

&quot;The missile force announces the launching of a winged cruise missile ... towards the al-Barakah nuclear reactor in Abu Dhabi,&quot; the website said. It gave no further details.

The Barakah project, which is being built by Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), is expected to be completed and become operational in 2018, the UAE energy minister has said.

It is the second time this year the Houthis have said they have fired missiles towards the UAE. A few months ago they said they had &quot;successfully&quot; test fired a missile towards Abu Dhabi.

The Houthi rebels' television service reported the news on its website on Sunday, without providing any evidence

Yemen's Houthi group has fired a cruise missile towards a nuclear power plant in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, the group's television service reported on its website on Sunday, without providing any evidence. There were no reports of any missiles reaching the UAE. The Iran-aligned Houthis control much of northern Yemen and had said Abu Dhabi, a member of the Saudi-led coalition fighting against them since 2015, was a target for their missiles. "The missile force announces the launching of a winged cruise missile ... towards the al-Barakah nuclear reactor in Abu Dhabi," the website said. It gave no further details. The Barakah project, which is being built by Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), is expected to be completed and become operational in 2018, the UAE energy minister has said. It is the second time this year the Houthis have said they have fired missiles towards the UAE. A few months ago they said they had "successfully" test fired a missile towards Abu Dhabi.

Have fired missile toward Abu Dhabi nuclear reactor: Yemen's Houthi rebels

The United Arab Emirates on Sunday denied a report that Yemen&#39;s Houthi group had fired a missile towards a nuclear plant in the UAE, state news agency WAM reported on its Twitter account.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/yemens-houthi-group-says-fires-missile-toward-abu-dhabi-nuclear-reactor-25754" target="_blank">Have fired missile toward Abu Dhabi nuclear reactor: Yemen&#39;s Houthi rebels</a>

It quoted the UAE&#39;s emergency and crisis management department as saying the UAE possessed a missile defence system that could deal with any such threats and adding the al-Barakah nuclear plant was secure against all eventualities.

The UAE said it possessed a missile defence system that could deal with any such threats

The United Arab Emirates on Sunday denied a report that Yemen's Houthi group had fired a missile towards a nuclear plant in the UAE, state news agency WAM reported on its Twitter account. Have fired missile toward Abu Dhabi nuclear reactor: Yemen's Houthi rebels It quoted the UAE's emergency and crisis management department as saying the UAE possessed a missile defence system that could deal with any such threats and adding the al-Barakah nuclear plant was secure against all eventualities.

UAE denies Yemen's Houthis fired missile at Abu Dhabi nuclear reactor

Fighting between Yemen&#39;s Huthi rebels and loyalists of former president Ali Abdullah Saleh rocked the capital Sanaa for a second straight night, leaving at least three people dead, Saleh&#39;s party said Friday.

The violence threatens an alliance that has held the capital and much of the north of Yemen in defiance of the Saudi-backed government for more than three years.

Huthi fighters, also known as Ansarullah, surrounded the homes of two of Saleh&#39;s nephews late on Thursday, a source in Saleh&#39;s forces said.

&quot;We were surprised by an armed attack by Ansarullah targeting the guards of the house of Brigadier Tareq Saleh, which left three dead and wounded three others,&quot; the ex-president&#39;s General People&#39;s Congress said. &quot;We hold Ansarullah fully responsible.&quot;

The Huthis said there were &quot;clashes in some streets of south Sanaa,&quot; in a statement released on their Saba news agency, without giving further details of their location or any casualty toll.

Thursday night&#39;s violence came 24 hours after clashes at the Saleh mosque in Sanaa killed nine Huthi rebels and five Saleh supporters.

One source at the Jumhuriya hospital said late on Thursday that the death toll from the infighting had risen to as many as 18 rebels and six Saleh loyalists.

Saleh and the Huthis forged an unlikely alliance in 2014, ending decades of enmity to join ranks in fighting against Yemen&#39;s internationally recognised President Abedrabbo Mansour.

The infighting now threatens to unravel the fragile alliance, which has been battling a Saudi-led military intervention in the war since March 2015.

The conflict has since claimed more than 8,600 lives and triggered what the United Nations has described as the world&#39;s worst humanitarian crisis.

The violence threatens an alliance that has held the capital and much of the north of Yemen in defiance of the Saudi-backed government for more than three years

Fighting between Yemen's Huthi rebels and loyalists of former president Ali Abdullah Saleh rocked the capital Sanaa for a second straight night, leaving at least three people dead, Saleh's party said Friday. The violence threatens an alliance that has held the capital and much of the north of Yemen in defiance of the Saudi-backed government for more than three years. Huthi fighters, also known as Ansarullah, surrounded the homes of two of Saleh's nephews late on Thursday, a source in Saleh's forces said. "We were surprised by an armed attack by Ansarullah targeting the guards of the house of Brigadier Tareq Saleh, which left three dead and wounded three others," the ex-president's General People's Congress said. "We hold Ansarullah fully responsible." The Huthis said there were "clashes in some streets of south Sanaa," in a statement released on their Saba news agency, without giving further details of their location or any casualty toll. Thursday night's violence came 24 hours after clashes at the Saleh mosque in Sanaa killed nine Huthi rebels and five Saleh supporters. One source at the Jumhuriya hospital said late on Thursday that the death toll from the infighting had risen to as many as 18 rebels and six Saleh loyalists. Saleh and the Huthis forged an unlikely alliance in 2014, ending decades of enmity to join ranks in fighting against Yemen's internationally recognised President Abedrabbo Mansour. The infighting now threatens to unravel the fragile alliance, which has been battling a Saudi-led military intervention in the war since March 2015. The conflict has since claimed more than 8,600 lives and triggered what the United Nations has described as the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

3 dead as deadly rebel infighting rocks Yemen capital for second night

Iran on Sunday accused the United States of responsibility for &quot;atrocities&quot; in Yemen through its support for Saudi Arabia, which is leading a coalition fighting Tehran-backed Huthi rebels.&nbsp;

Iran&#39;s foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghassemi said a White House statement on Friday in support of Riyadh &quot;clearly and without question proves America&#39;s participation and responsibility in the atrocities committed by Saudi Arabia in Yemen&quot;.

In its statement, Washington had said it was &quot;committed to supporting Saudi Arabia... against the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps&#39;&nbsp;aggression and blatant violations of international law.&quot;

Regional arch-rivals Shiite-ruled Iran and Sunni heavyweight Saudi Arabia back opposing sides in conflicts from Yemen to Syria.&nbsp;

They cut diplomatic relations in January 2016 after Iranian protestors stormed Saudi diplomatic missions in reaction to Riyadh&#39;s execution of a prominent Shiite cleric.

In early November, Riyadh accused Tehran of &quot;direct aggression&quot; after Saudi forces intercepted a missile fired by Huthi forces towards Riyadh&#39;s international airport.&nbsp;

But Ghassemi denied that Iran has &quot;any military connection with Yemen&quot;, although Tehran says it supports the Huthis politically and regularly denounces Saudi Arabia for allegedly bombing civilians.

Accusing Washington of making &quot;totally unfounded&quot; allegations, Ghassemi said its statement on Friday showed it &quot;openly supports... appalling atrocities&quot; by Saudi Arabia in Yemen.

The Saudi-led Arab military coalition intervened in Yemen in March 2015 to support President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi after the Huthis forced him into exile.

Last month, the United Nations put the coalition on its blacklist for killing and maiming 683 children during the conflict last year and carrying out 38 verified attacks on schools and hospitals.

A report published in mid-November by the Congressional Research Service showed that Riyadh had signed arms deals worth more than $65 billion (55 billion euros) with the United States between 2009 and 2016.

&quot;Since 2015, the US-trained Saudi military has used US-origin weaponry, US logistical assistance, and shared intelligence in support of military operations in Yemen,&quot; it said.

Both parties in the Yemen conflict stand accused of neglecting civilian safety.&nbsp;

The United Nations has blacklisted the Saudi-led coalition over the &quot;killing and maiming&quot; of children.

Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghassemi said in support of Riyadh 'clearly and without question proves America's participation and responsibility in the atrocities committed by Saudi Arabia in Yemen'.

Iran on Sunday accused the United States of responsibility for "atrocities" in Yemen through its support for Saudi Arabia, which is leading a coalition fighting Tehran-backed Huthi rebels. Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghassemi said a White House statement on Friday in support of Riyadh "clearly and without question proves America's participation and responsibility in the atrocities committed by Saudi Arabia in Yemen". In its statement, Washington had said it was "committed to supporting Saudi Arabia... against the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' aggression and blatant violations of international law." Regional arch-rivals Shiite-ruled Iran and Sunni heavyweight Saudi Arabia back opposing sides in conflicts from Yemen to Syria. They cut diplomatic relations in January 2016 after Iranian protestors stormed Saudi diplomatic missions in reaction to Riyadh's execution of a prominent Shiite cleric. In early November, Riyadh accused Tehran of "direct aggression" after Saudi forces intercepted a missile fired by Huthi forces towards Riyadh's international airport. But Ghassemi denied that Iran has "any military connection with Yemen", although Tehran says it supports the Huthis politically and regularly denounces Saudi Arabia for allegedly bombing civilians. Accusing Washington of making "totally unfounded" allegations, Ghassemi said its statement on Friday showed it "openly supports... appalling atrocities" by Saudi Arabia in Yemen. The Saudi-led Arab military coalition intervened in Yemen in March 2015 to support President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi after the Huthis forced him into exile. Last month, the United Nations put the coalition on its blacklist for killing and maiming 683 children during the conflict last year and carrying out 38 verified attacks on schools and hospitals. A report published in mid-November by the Congressional Research Service showed that Riyadh had signed arms deals worth more than $65 billion (55 billion euros) with the United States between 2009 and 2016. "Since 2015, the US-trained Saudi military has used US-origin weaponry, US logistical assistance, and shared intelligence in support of military operations in Yemen," it said. Both parties in the Yemen conflict stand accused of neglecting civilian safety. The United Nations has blacklisted the Saudi-led coalition over the "killing and maiming" of children.

Iran accuses US over Saudi 'atrocities' in Yemen

A drone strike has killed seven suspected members of Al-Qaeda in southern Yemen, a security official said on Sunday.

The United States is the only force known to operate armed drones over Yemen.

&quot;A drone likely to be American&quot; killed all seven overnight as they were aboard three vehicles on the road from the southern province of Shabwa to the central province of Bayda, the official said.

Washington considers the Yemen-based Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula to be the radical group&#39;s most dangerous branch.

A long-running drone war against AQAP has intensified since US President Donald Trump took office in January.

AQAP has flourished in the chaos of the country&#39;s civil war, which pits the Saudi-backed government against the Huthi rebels.

More than 8,700 people have been killed in the conflict since a Saudi-led military coalition intervened on the government&#39;s side in March 2015.

Al-Qaeda&#39;s jihadist rivals, the Islamic State group, have also carried out several deadly attacks in the country.

Last month, the United States said it had killed dozens of Islamic State fighters at training camps in Bayda.

The United States is the only force known to operate armed drones over Yemen

A drone strike has killed seven suspected members of Al-Qaeda in southern Yemen, a security official said on Sunday. The United States is the only force known to operate armed drones over Yemen. "A drone likely to be American" killed all seven overnight as they were aboard three vehicles on the road from the southern province of Shabwa to the central province of Bayda, the official said. Washington considers the Yemen-based Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula to be the radical group's most dangerous branch. A long-running drone war against AQAP has intensified since US President Donald Trump took office in January. AQAP has flourished in the chaos of the country's civil war, which pits the Saudi-backed government against the Huthi rebels. More than 8,700 people have been killed in the conflict since a Saudi-led military coalition intervened on the government's side in March 2015. Al-Qaeda's jihadist rivals, the Islamic State group, have also carried out several deadly attacks in the country. Last month, the United States said it had killed dozens of Islamic State fighters at training camps in Bayda.

Drone kills 7 Qaeda suspects in Yemen

A UN plane carrying desperately needed vaccines landed in the rebel-held Yemeni capital Sanaa on Saturday after a three-week Saudi-led aid blockade that had sparked warnings thousands could die.

Three other aircraft - two carrying UN aid workers and one carrying International Committee of the Red Cross staff - also landed at the airport, which was repaired earlier this week after a Saudi-led air strike knocked out its controls, an AFP correspondent reported.

The UN humanitarian affairs office had said Friday that it had been given clearance by the Saudi-led coalition that has been fighting the rebels since 2015 to resume flights into Sanaa.

But it added that desperately needed shipments of food and medicines to the rebel-held Red Sea port of Hodeida remained blocked.

The UN children`s fund UNICEF said Saturday`s flight was carrying more than 15 tonnes, or 1.9 million doses, of vaccine for diphtheria, tetanus and other preventable diseases.

The World Health Organization confirmed earlier this week that diphtheria was spreading as children went unvaccinated and doctors in Hodeida reported three deaths.

More than 2,000 people have died of cholera in Yemen this year, adding to the 8,600 who have died in the conflict between the Saudi-backed government and the rebels since 2015.&nbsp;

The aid blockade, put in place after the rebels fired a missile which was intercepted over Riyadh airport, has tightened the stranglehold on Hodeida, the conduit for UN supervised deliveries of food and medicine to rebel-held territory.&nbsp;

The UN humanitarian office said that a ship loaded with wheat and another with equipment to treat Yemen`s cholera epidemic are ready to head to Hodeida as soon as the Saudi-led coalition gives the go-ahead.

The coalition had said it would lift its blockade of the port from Thursday but it remains in place.

The United Nations has warned that unless the blockade is lifted, Yemen will face &quot;the largest famine the world has seen for decades&quot;.

Seven million Yemenis are completely dependent on relief supplies for their survival, according to the UN.&nbsp;

The UN humanitarian affairs office had said Friday that it had been given clearance by the Saudi-led coalition that has been fighting the rebels since 2015 to resume flights into Sanaa

A UN plane carrying desperately needed vaccines landed in the rebel-held Yemeni capital Sanaa on Saturday after a three-week Saudi-led aid blockade that had sparked warnings thousands could die. Three other aircraft - two carrying UN aid workers and one carrying International Committee of the Red Cross staff - also landed at the airport, which was repaired earlier this week after a Saudi-led air strike knocked out its controls, an AFP correspondent reported. The UN humanitarian affairs office had said Friday that it had been given clearance by the Saudi-led coalition that has been fighting the rebels since 2015 to resume flights into Sanaa. But it added that desperately needed shipments of food and medicines to the rebel-held Red Sea port of Hodeida remained blocked. The UN children`s fund UNICEF said Saturday`s flight was carrying more than 15 tonnes, or 1.9 million doses, of vaccine for diphtheria, tetanus and other preventable diseases. The World Health Organization confirmed earlier this week that diphtheria was spreading as children went unvaccinated and doctors in Hodeida reported three deaths. More than 2,000 people have died of cholera in Yemen this year, adding to the 8,600 who have died in the conflict between the Saudi-backed government and the rebels since 2015. The aid blockade, put in place after the rebels fired a missile which was intercepted over Riyadh airport, has tightened the stranglehold on Hodeida, the conduit for UN supervised deliveries of food and medicine to rebel-held territory. The UN humanitarian office said that a ship loaded with wheat and another with equipment to treat Yemen`s cholera epidemic are ready to head to Hodeida as soon as the Saudi-led coalition gives the go-ahead. The coalition had said it would lift its blockade of the port from Thursday but it remains in place. The United Nations has warned that unless the blockade is lifted, Yemen will face "the largest famine the world has seen for decades". Seven million Yemenis are completely dependent on relief supplies for their survival, according to the UN.

First aid flight lands in rebel-held Yemen capital after weeks

A U.S.-funded famine survey said on Tuesday that thousands of Yemenis could die daily if a Saudi-led military coalition does not lift its blockade on the country&rsquo;s key ports.

The warning came a day after the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said 2.5 million people in Yemen&rsquo;s crowded cities had no access to clean water, raising the risk that a cholera epidemic will spread.

Using the internationally recognized IPC 5-point scale for classifying food security, the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) said that even before the current blockade, 15 million people were in &ldquo;crisis&rdquo; (IPC Phase 3) or worse.

&ldquo;Therefore, a prolonged closure of key ports risks an unprecedented deterioration in food security to Famine (IPC Phase 5) across large areas of the country,&rdquo; it said.

It said famine is likely in many areas within three or four months if ports remain closed, with some less accessible areas at even greater risk. In such a scenario, shortages of food and fuel would drive up prices, and a lack of medical supplies would exacerbate life-threatening diseases.

&ldquo;Thousands of deaths would occur each day due to the lack of food and disease outbreaks,&rdquo; said FEWS NET, which is funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Famine remained likely even if the southern port of Aden is open, its report said, adding that all Yemeni ports should be reopened to essential imports.

The United Nations has said the Saudi-led coalition must allow aid in through Hodeidah port, controlled by the Houthis, the Saudis&rsquo; enemies in the war in Yemen. 
U.N. humanitarian agencies have issued dire warnings about the impact of the blockade, although U.N. officials have declined to directly criticise Saudi Arabia.

Jan Egeland, head of the Norwegian Refugee Council and a former U.N. aid chief, was blunt in his criticism, however.

&ldquo;US, UK &amp; other allies of Saudi has only weeks to avoid being complicit in a famine of Biblical proportions. Lift the blockade now,&rdquo; he wrote in a tweet.

Last year Saudi Arabia was accused by then U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon of exerting &ldquo;unacceptable&rdquo; undue pressure to keep itself off a blacklist of countries that kill children in conflict, after sources told Reuters that Riyadh had threatened to cut some U.N. funding. Saudi Arabia denied this.

The blockade had been effected by a Saudi-led military coalition

A U.S.-funded famine survey said on Tuesday that thousands of Yemenis could die daily if a Saudi-led military coalition does not lift its blockade on the country’s key ports. The warning came a day after the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said 2.5 million people in Yemen’s crowded cities had no access to clean water, raising the risk that a cholera epidemic will spread. Using the internationally recognized IPC 5-point scale for classifying food security, the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) said that even before the current blockade, 15 million people were in “crisis” (IPC Phase 3) or worse. “Therefore, a prolonged closure of key ports risks an unprecedented deterioration in food security to Famine (IPC Phase 5) across large areas of the country,” it said. It said famine is likely in many areas within three or four months if ports remain closed, with some less accessible areas at even greater risk. In such a scenario, shortages of food and fuel would drive up prices, and a lack of medical supplies would exacerbate life-threatening diseases. “Thousands of deaths would occur each day due to the lack of food and disease outbreaks,” said FEWS NET, which is funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development. Famine remained likely even if the southern port of Aden is open, its report said, adding that all Yemeni ports should be reopened to essential imports. The United Nations has said the Saudi-led coalition must allow aid in through Hodeidah port, controlled by the Houthis, the Saudis’ enemies in the war in Yemen. U.N. humanitarian agencies have issued dire warnings about the impact of the blockade, although U.N. officials have declined to directly criticise Saudi Arabia. Jan Egeland, head of the Norwegian Refugee Council and a former U.N. aid chief, was blunt in his criticism, however. “US, UK & other allies of Saudi has only weeks to avoid being complicit in a famine of Biblical proportions. Lift the blockade now,” he wrote in a tweet. Last year Saudi Arabia was accused by then U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon of exerting “unacceptable” undue pressure to keep itself off a blacklist of countries that kill children in conflict, after sources told Reuters that Riyadh had threatened to cut some U.N. funding. Saudi Arabia denied this.

US famine survey warns of thousands dying daily in Yemen if ports remain closed

Lebanon leader <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-orders-citizens-to-leave-lebanon-over-hariri-crisis-23858">Saad al-Hariri said on Sunday he would leave Saudi Arabia</a> for Beirut &quot;tonight or tomorrow&quot;&nbsp;as the standoff between the two countries continued on Sunday.

In an interview with a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/former-lebanese-president-salutes-pm-hariris-decision-to-step-down-23519">television station, Hariri, who had resigned as prime minister </a>of Lebanon during a visit in Saudi Arabia, said he would come back if security measures to protect him were not put in place.

&quot;I will go back to Lebanon, I can go back tonight or tomorrow, but if you don&#39;t want me to take security measures to protect myself I will come back. I will come back maybe within two or three days,&quot; Hariri said.

Saad al-Hariri had resigned as prime minister last week with Lebanon declaring that Hariri was being held in the Saudi Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia had vehemently denied Saudi-born Hariri was under house arrest.

Hariri said he had stepped down to down for the sake of the Lebanese national interest, asserting that Lebanon should stick to the policy of &quot;disassociation&quot; from regional conflict.

&quot;If I want to pull back from the resignation, Lebanon&#39;s policy of disassociation from regional conflicts must be respected. Those are things we cannot handle,&quot; Hariri declared.

&quot;There is a regional conflict between Arabic countries, we are too small to intervene in, as well as with Iran. Why do we put ourselves in the middle, we are in the eye of the storm, we have Islamic State militants, we have Nusra, we have al-Qaeda and the Syrian regime. And we want to intervene in other places, why is that?,&quot; he asked.

Last week Saudi Arabia had ordered its citizen to leave Lebanon even as Hezbollah&#39;s parliamentary bloc called on Saudi Arabia to &quot;stop interfering&quot; in Lebanese affairs.

&quot;We need to know that there is 300,000 to 400,000 Lebanese living in the Gulf Area, you have Lebanese living in Europe, and everywhere, what will happen to those if we put ourselves in these regional conflicts?&quot;

The Saudi foreign ministry had said last week Saudis should not travel to Lebanon because of &quot;the situation&quot; in the country, without elaborating.

In an interview with a television station, Hariri said he would come back if security measures to protect him were not put in place.

Lebanon leader Saad al-Hariri said on Sunday he would leave Saudi Arabia for Beirut "tonight or tomorrow" as the standoff between the two countries continued on Sunday. In an interview with a television station, Hariri, who had resigned as prime minister of Lebanon during a visit in Saudi Arabia, said he would come back if security measures to protect him were not put in place. "I will go back to Lebanon, I can go back tonight or tomorrow, but if you don't want me to take security measures to protect myself I will come back. I will come back maybe within two or three days," Hariri said. Saad al-Hariri had resigned as prime minister last week with Lebanon declaring that Hariri was being held in the Saudi Kingdom. Saudi Arabia had vehemently denied Saudi-born Hariri was under house arrest. Hariri said he had stepped down to down for the sake of the Lebanese national interest, asserting that Lebanon should stick to the policy of "disassociation" from regional conflict. "If I want to pull back from the resignation, Lebanon's policy of disassociation from regional conflicts must be respected. Those are things we cannot handle," Hariri declared. "There is a regional conflict between Arabic countries, we are too small to intervene in, as well as with Iran. Why do we put ourselves in the middle, we are in the eye of the storm, we have Islamic State militants, we have Nusra, we have al-Qaeda and the Syrian regime. And we want to intervene in other places, why is that?," he asked. Last week Saudi Arabia had ordered its citizen to leave Lebanon even as Hezbollah's parliamentary bloc called on Saudi Arabia to "stop interfering" in Lebanese affairs. "We need to know that there is 300,000 to 400,000 Lebanese living in the Gulf Area, you have Lebanese living in Europe, and everywhere, what will happen to those if we put ourselves in these regional conflicts?" The Saudi foreign ministry had said last week Saudis should not travel to Lebanon because of "the situation" in the country, without elaborating.

I will go back to Lebanon: Hariri

The Saudi-led coalition carried out two air strikes on the defence ministry in Yemen&#39;s rebel-held capital Sanaa late today, witnesses and rebel media said, without reporting casualties.

Warplanes continued to circle in the skies above Sanaa after the strikes, the witnesses added.

The Huthi rebel media outlet Al-Masirah also reported the two air strikes. There was no word of any casualties.

The coalition has targeted the defence ministry in the past, leaving it heavily damaged, but the fresh strikes come amid a ratcheting up of tensions between Saudi Arabia and its rival Iran, which backs the Huthi rebels.

The coalition shut down Yemen&#39;s borders earlier this week after Saudi forces on Saturday intercepted a ballistic missile fired by the Huthis near the Riyadh airport.

The rebels have threatened additional attacks on Saudi Arabia and its coalition partner the United Arab Emirates in response to the blockade.

The United Nations said today that the coalition is still blocking desperately needed UN aid deliveries to Yemen despite the re-opening of the Yemeni port of Aden and also a land border crossing.

This week, UN aid chief Mark Lowcock warned the Security Council that, unless the blockade was lifted, Yemen would face &quot;the largest famine the world has seen for many decades, with millions of victims&quot;.

The world body has listed Yemen as the world&#39;s number one humanitarian crisis, with 17 million people in need of food, seven million of whom are at risk of famine.

More than 2,000 Yemenis have died in a cholera outbreak now affecting nearly one million people.

Saudi Arabia and its allies intervened in neighbouring Yemen in March 2015 with the stated aim of rolling back Huthi rebel gains and restoring the government of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi to power.

The Huthis continue to control the capital Sanaa and much of Yemen&#39;s north.

The conflict has left more than 8,650 people dead, including many civilians. (AFP)

Warplanes continued to circle in the skies above Sanaa after the strikes, the witnesses added

The Saudi-led coalition carried out two air strikes on the defence ministry in Yemen's rebel-held capital Sanaa late today, witnesses and rebel media said, without reporting casualties. Warplanes continued to circle in the skies above Sanaa after the strikes, the witnesses added. The Huthi rebel media outlet Al-Masirah also reported the two air strikes. There was no word of any casualties. The coalition has targeted the defence ministry in the past, leaving it heavily damaged, but the fresh strikes come amid a ratcheting up of tensions between Saudi Arabia and its rival Iran, which backs the Huthi rebels. The coalition shut down Yemen's borders earlier this week after Saudi forces on Saturday intercepted a ballistic missile fired by the Huthis near the Riyadh airport. The rebels have threatened additional attacks on Saudi Arabia and its coalition partner the United Arab Emirates in response to the blockade. The United Nations said today that the coalition is still blocking desperately needed UN aid deliveries to Yemen despite the re-opening of the Yemeni port of Aden and also a land border crossing. This week, UN aid chief Mark Lowcock warned the Security Council that, unless the blockade was lifted, Yemen would face "the largest famine the world has seen for many decades, with millions of victims". The world body has listed Yemen as the world's number one humanitarian crisis, with 17 million people in need of food, seven million of whom are at risk of famine. More than 2,000 Yemenis have died in a cholera outbreak now affecting nearly one million people. Saudi Arabia and its allies intervened in neighbouring Yemen in March 2015 with the stated aim of rolling back Huthi rebel gains and restoring the government of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi to power. The Huthis continue to control the capital Sanaa and much of Yemen's north. The conflict has left more than 8,650 people dead, including many civilians. (AFP)

Saudi-led strikes hit defence ministry in Yemen capital: Witnesses

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Friday warned other countries against using Lebanon for &quot;proxy conflicts&quot; following a crisis triggered by its prime minister&#39;s resignation.

Tillerson also called the premier, Saad Hariri, who announced his resignation last Saturday from Saudi Arabia, as a &quot;strong partner&quot; of the United States.

&quot;The United States cautions against any party, within or outside Lebanon, using Lebanon as a venue for proxy conflicts or in any manner contributing to instability in that country,&quot; Tillerson said in a statement.

Hariri&#39;s resignation came as a shock. He accused Hezbollah, the powerful Shiite movement that is part of his government but also close to Iran, of controlling Lebanon.

Many observers saw his stepping down as being directed by Saudi Arabia, Iran&#39;s big rival in the region.

Earlier on Friday, while traveling in Asia, Tillerson had told reporters he had received assurances from the Saudis that Hariri himself had decided to resign.

Tillerson also said he had no indication that Hariri was being held against his will in the oil-rich kingdom.

Lebanon&#39;s powerful Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah on Friday accused Saudi Arabia of detaining Hariri and of asking the Shiite movement&#39;s arch foe Israel to launch strikes on Lebanon.

Hezbollah is a fierce critic of Saudi Arabia.

In a message that seemed aimed mainly at Iran and Hezbollah, Tillerson&#39;s statement said: &quot;There is no legitimate place or role in Lebanon for any foreign forces, militias or armed elements other than the legitimate security forces of the Lebanese state &ndash;- which must be recognized as the sole authority for security in Lebanon.&quot;

Hariri&#39;s situation was not completely clear. But calls mounted, including from his Lebanese political rivals, for Saudi Arabia to guarantee the prime minister&#39;s freedom of movement.

Hariri&#39;s resignation coincided with a sweeping purge among the Saudi kingdom&#39;s elite, ostensibly over embezzlement accusations.

Hariri, who was born in Saudi Arabia, did not say when he would return to Lebanon, where President Michel Aoun has yet to formally accept his resignation. 
&nbsp;

Tillerson also called the premier, Saad Hariri, who announced his resignation last Saturday from Saudi Arabia, as a "strong partner" of the United States.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Friday warned other countries against using Lebanon for "proxy conflicts" following a crisis triggered by its prime minister's resignation. Tillerson also called the premier, Saad Hariri, who announced his resignation last Saturday from Saudi Arabia, as a "strong partner" of the United States. "The United States cautions against any party, within or outside Lebanon, using Lebanon as a venue for proxy conflicts or in any manner contributing to instability in that country," Tillerson said in a statement. Hariri's resignation came as a shock. He accused Hezbollah, the powerful Shiite movement that is part of his government but also close to Iran, of controlling Lebanon. Many observers saw his stepping down as being directed by Saudi Arabia, Iran's big rival in the region. Earlier on Friday, while traveling in Asia, Tillerson had told reporters he had received assurances from the Saudis that Hariri himself had decided to resign. Tillerson also said he had no indication that Hariri was being held against his will in the oil-rich kingdom. Lebanon's powerful Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah on Friday accused Saudi Arabia of detaining Hariri and of asking the Shiite movement's arch foe Israel to launch strikes on Lebanon. Hezbollah is a fierce critic of Saudi Arabia. In a message that seemed aimed mainly at Iran and Hezbollah, Tillerson's statement said: "There is no legitimate place or role in Lebanon for any foreign forces, militias or armed elements other than the legitimate security forces of the Lebanese state –- which must be recognized as the sole authority for security in Lebanon." Hariri's situation was not completely clear. But calls mounted, including from his Lebanese political rivals, for Saudi Arabia to guarantee the prime minister's freedom of movement. Hariri's resignation coincided with a sweeping purge among the Saudi kingdom's elite, ostensibly over embezzlement accusations. Hariri, who was born in Saudi Arabia, did not say when he would return to Lebanon, where President Michel Aoun has yet to formally accept his resignation.

Lebanon should not be used as venue for proxy conflicts: Tillerson

The Saudi government said <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iran-supplying-missiles-to-yemen-rebels-is-direct-military-aggression-saudi-crown-prince-salman-23661">today graft and embezzlement worth $100 billion had</a> been uncovered with around 201 people arrested in anti-graft case.

&quot;A total of 208 individuals <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/after-arresting-top-leaders-saudi-arabia-threatens-iran-seals-border-with-yemen-23619">have been called in for questioning so far</a>. Of those 208 individuals, seven have been released without charge,&quot; the information ministry said in a statement.

Saudi officials have detained several members of the royal family and kept them in the opulent Ritz-Carlton hotel. They face money laundering, bribery and extortion charges.

Billionaire tycoon Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal was arrested last Saturday after Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman decided to&nbsp;crackdown on corruption moving swiftly to arrest several members of his own family,&nbsp;replacing the chief of armed services and several top officials in the government.&nbsp;

&quot;The potential scale of corrupt practices which have been uncovered is very large,&quot; the ministry said.

&quot;Based on our investigations over the past three years, we estimate that at least $100 billion has been misused through systematic corruption and embezzlement over several decades,&quot; the statement added.

Many Saudis welcomed the moved on corruption even though several experts said it was a ploy by Prince Salman to cement his power by taking out the opposition forces, especially those in his family.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump who was on a visit to Asia at the time, backed the Saudi move, tweeting those who were arrested were &quot;milking&nbsp;their country for years&quot;.

Saudi officials have detained several members of the royal family and kept them in the opulent Ritz-Carlton hotel.

The Saudi government said today graft and embezzlement worth $100 billion had been uncovered with around 201 people arrested in anti-graft case. "A total of 208 individuals have been called in for questioning so far. Of those 208 individuals, seven have been released without charge," the information ministry said in a statement. Saudi officials have detained several members of the royal family and kept them in the opulent Ritz-Carlton hotel. They face money laundering, bribery and extortion charges. Billionaire tycoon Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal was arrested last Saturday after Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman decided to crackdown on corruption moving swiftly to arrest several members of his own family, replacing the chief of armed services and several top officials in the government. "The potential scale of corrupt practices which have been uncovered is very large," the ministry said. "Based on our investigations over the past three years, we estimate that at least $100 billion has been misused through systematic corruption and embezzlement over several decades," the statement added. Many Saudis welcomed the moved on corruption even though several experts said it was a ploy by Prince Salman to cement his power by taking out the opposition forces, especially those in his family. US President Donald Trump who was on a visit to Asia at the time, backed the Saudi move, tweeting those who were arrested were "milking their country for years".

Watch: $100 billion embezzled, 201 people arrested in anti-graft case: Saudi Arabia

United Nations aid chief in Yemen warned on Wednesday, 8th of November, that if a Saudi-led military coalition did not allow humanitarian aid access to Yemen, it would have &quot;grave implications&quot; on seven million people whose lives depend on aid relief.

The Saudi-led military coalition fighting the Houthi movement in neighbouring Yemen said on Monday, on the 6th of November that it had closed all air, land and sea ports to the Arabian Peninsula country to stem the flow of arms to the Houthis from Iran.

The move, which follows the interception of a missile fired towards the Saudi capital Riyadh on Saturday on the 4thy of November, is likely to worsen a humanitarian crisis in Yemen that according to the United Nations has pushed some seven million people to the brink of famine and left nearly 900,000 infected with cholera.

George Khoury, the head of U.N. Office for the coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Yemen urged the Saudi-led coalition to re-open an aid lifeline to bring imported food and medicine into Yemen. He said the aid workers and humanitarian aid could not reach the country due to the current blockade.

The Saudi-led military coalition fighting the Houthi movement in neighbouring Yemen said on Monday, on the 6th of November that it had closed all air, land and sea ports to the Arabian Peninsula country to stem the flow of arms to the Houthis from Iran.

United Nations aid chief in Yemen warned on Wednesday, 8th of November, that if a Saudi-led military coalition did not allow humanitarian aid access to Yemen, it would have "grave implications" on seven million people whose lives depend on aid relief. The Saudi-led military coalition fighting the Houthi movement in neighbouring Yemen said on Monday, on the 6th of November that it had closed all air, land and sea ports to the Arabian Peninsula country to stem the flow of arms to the Houthis from Iran. The move, which follows the interception of a missile fired towards the Saudi capital Riyadh on Saturday on the 4thy of November, is likely to worsen a humanitarian crisis in Yemen that according to the United Nations has pushed some seven million people to the brink of famine and left nearly 900,000 infected with cholera. George Khoury, the head of U.N. Office for the coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Yemen urged the Saudi-led coalition to re-open an aid lifeline to bring imported food and medicine into Yemen. He said the aid workers and humanitarian aid could not reach the country due to the current blockade.

Blockade by Saudi-led coalition affects lives of seven million Yemenis: UN

Saudi Arabia has<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iran-supplying-missiles-to-yemen-rebels-is-direct-military-aggression-saudi-crown-prince-salman-23661"> asked its citizens to leave Lebanon</a> as the Hezbollah&#39;s parliamentary bloc called on Saudi Arabia to &quot;stop interfering&quot;&nbsp;in Lebanese affairs.

Saad al-Hariri had resigned as prime minister on Saturday while still in Saudi Arabia, Lebanon believes Hariri is being held in the Saudi Kingdom.

&nbsp;A senior Lebanese politician told Reuters: &quot;When he went (to Saudi Arabia) he was asked to stay there and ordered to resign. They ordered him to read his resignation statement and he has been held under house arrest since.&quot;

Saudi Arabia has denied he&nbsp;is under house arrest. The Saudi government said Hezbollah which is part Hariri&#39;s coalition had &quot;hijacked&quot; Lebanon&#39;s political system.

During his&nbsp;resignation speech from Saudi Arabia, Hariri had slammed Iran and Hezbollah adding that he feared being assassinated.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia said its citizens should leave Lebanon &quot;as soon as possible&quot;.

A foreign ministry source told AFP, quoting state news agency SPA, also called on Saudis not to travel to Lebanon because of &quot;the situation&quot; in the country, without elaborating.

Saad al-Hariri had resigned as prime minister on Saturday while still in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has asked its citizens to leave Lebanon as the Hezbollah's parliamentary bloc called on Saudi Arabia to "stop interfering" in Lebanese affairs. Saad al-Hariri had resigned as prime minister on Saturday while still in Saudi Arabia, Lebanon believes Hariri is being held in the Saudi Kingdom. A senior Lebanese politician told Reuters: "When he went (to Saudi Arabia) he was asked to stay there and ordered to resign. They ordered him to read his resignation statement and he has been held under house arrest since." Saudi Arabia has denied he is under house arrest. The Saudi government said Hezbollah which is part Hariri's coalition had "hijacked" Lebanon's political system. During his resignation speech from Saudi Arabia, Hariri had slammed Iran and Hezbollah adding that he feared being assassinated. Saudi Arabia said its citizens should leave Lebanon "as soon as possible". A foreign ministry source told AFP, quoting state news agency SPA, also called on Saudis not to travel to Lebanon because of "the situation" in the country, without elaborating.

Saudi Arabia orders citizens to leave Lebanon over Hariri crisis

Yemen is facing a mass famine that will affect millions of lives unless the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/after-arresting-top-leaders-saudi-arabia-threatens-iran-seals-border-with-yemen-23619">Saudi-led coalition ends its blockade</a> and allows aid deliveries into the country, the UN aid chief warned Wednesday.

Mark Lowcock, the UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, warned &quot;it will be the largest famine the world has seen for many decades, with millions of victims.&quot;

The UN official spoke to reporters after briefing the UN Security Council during a closed-door session on the crisis in Yemen, where the coalition has been waging a military campaign against Huthi rebels since March 2015.

The council demanded that the Saudi-led coalition keep Yemen&#39;s air and sea ports open to aid deliveries in a country where seven million people are already at risk of famine.

Council members expressed concern about the &quot;dire humanitarian situation in Yemen&quot; and stressed &quot;the importance of keeping all of Yemen&#39;s ports and airports functioning,&quot; Italian Ambassador Sebastiano Cardi, who holds the council presidency, told reporters after the meeting.

The coalition shut down Yemen&#39;s borders in response to a missile attack by Yemen&#39;s Huthi rebels that was intercepted near the Riyadh airport.

But the United Nations, which had already listed Yemen as the world&#39;s number one humanitarian crisis, responded to the decision with dismay, warning that the situation was already &quot;catastrophic&quot; in the country.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spoke with Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir by phone on Wednesday and received some &quot;indication that they will be examining the reopening of entry points into Yemen,&quot; said Cardi.

Some 17 million Yemenis are in desperate need of food, seven million of whom are at risk of famine and cholera has caused more than 2,000 deaths.

On Tuesday, a Red Cross shipment of chlorine tablets, which are used for the prevention of cholera, was blocked at Yemen&#39;s northern border, the International Committee for the Red Cross said.&nbsp;

Immediate access 
 
The UN aid chief said humanitarian flights must be allowed to resume to the rebel-held capital Sanaa and to the government-controlled city of Aden.

He called for &quot;immediate access to all sea ports&quot; for deliveries of fuel, food and other vital supplies -- as well as assurances from the coalition that there will be no further disruption.

&quot;What we need to see is a reduction of blockages on all sides, not an increase in them,&quot; said Lowcock.

The Saudi-led Arab military coalition intervened in Yemen in March 2015 to support President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi after the Huthis forced him into exile.

The Arab world&#39;s poorest country, Yemen is almost totally dependent on imports for food, fuel and medicine.&nbsp;

UN aid agencies and other relief organizations have said the border closures have led to a surge in prices of many goods.

French medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said Wednesday that the coalition had denied clearance for its flights for the past three days, directly hindering its ability to provide life-saving aid.

The war has had a heavy toll on civilians, killing thousands and destroying the already weak health system.

Yemen is facing a mass famine that will affect millions of lives unless the Saudi-led coalition ends its blockade and allows aid deliveries into the country, the UN aid chief warned

Yemen is facing a mass famine that will affect millions of lives unless the Saudi-led coalition ends its blockade and allows aid deliveries into the country, the UN aid chief warned Wednesday. Mark Lowcock, the UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, warned "it will be the largest famine the world has seen for many decades, with millions of victims." The UN official spoke to reporters after briefing the UN Security Council during a closed-door session on the crisis in Yemen, where the coalition has been waging a military campaign against Huthi rebels since March 2015. The council demanded that the Saudi-led coalition keep Yemen's air and sea ports open to aid deliveries in a country where seven million people are already at risk of famine. Council members expressed concern about the "dire humanitarian situation in Yemen" and stressed "the importance of keeping all of Yemen's ports and airports functioning," Italian Ambassador Sebastiano Cardi, who holds the council presidency, told reporters after the meeting. The coalition shut down Yemen's borders in response to a missile attack by Yemen's Huthi rebels that was intercepted near the Riyadh airport. But the United Nations, which had already listed Yemen as the world's number one humanitarian crisis, responded to the decision with dismay, warning that the situation was already "catastrophic" in the country. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spoke with Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir by phone on Wednesday and received some "indication that they will be examining the reopening of entry points into Yemen," said Cardi. Some 17 million Yemenis are in desperate need of food, seven million of whom are at risk of famine and cholera has caused more than 2,000 deaths. On Tuesday, a Red Cross shipment of chlorine tablets, which are used for the prevention of cholera, was blocked at Yemen's northern border, the International Committee for the Red Cross said. Immediate access The UN aid chief said humanitarian flights must be allowed to resume to the rebel-held capital Sanaa and to the government-controlled city of Aden. He called for "immediate access to all sea ports" for deliveries of fuel, food and other vital supplies -- as well as assurances from the coalition that there will be no further disruption. "What we need to see is a reduction of blockages on all sides, not an increase in them," said Lowcock. The Saudi-led Arab military coalition intervened in Yemen in March 2015 to support President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi after the Huthis forced him into exile. The Arab world's poorest country, Yemen is almost totally dependent on imports for food, fuel and medicine. UN aid agencies and other relief organizations have said the border closures have led to a surge in prices of many goods. French medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said Wednesday that the coalition had denied clearance for its flights for the past three days, directly hindering its ability to provide life-saving aid. The war has had a heavy toll on civilians, killing thousands and destroying the already weak health system.

UN warns of mass famine in Yemen over Saudi blockade of aid

Saudi Crown Prince <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-says-it-intercepts-missile-close-to-capital-23521">Mohammed bin Salman today accused Iran of &quot;military aggression&quot; </a>against Saudi Arabia as relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia took a turn for the worse.

&quot;The involvement of Iran in supplying <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/after-arresting-top-leaders-saudi-arabia-threatens-iran-seals-border-with-yemen-23619">missiles to the Huthis is a direct military aggression</a> by the Iranian regime,&quot; the Saudi Press Agency quoted the crown prince as saying.

In an interview with CNN television on Monday, Saudi foreign minister Adel al-Jubeir had accused the Lebanese Hezbollah group of firing the missile at Riyadh from Huthis-held territory.

Adel al-Jubeir told CNN that &quot;the missile was launched on Saudi territory, it was an Iranian missile launched by Hezbollah from territory occupied by the Houthis in Yemen.&quot;

Saudi Arabia accuses Iran of backing the Huthis in Yemen who have allegedly been firing missiles at Riyadh.&nbsp;

On Saturday, Saudi air defence forces had intercepted a ballistic missile it said was fired towards Riyadh by the Huthis rebels which controls large parts of neighbouring Yemen.

In a statement, Saudi Arabia said its borders were being closed &quot;to fill the gaps in the inspection procedures which enable the continued smuggling of missiles and military equipment to the Huthi militias loyal to Iran in Yemen&quot;.

Despite the temporary closure of the air, sea and land ports, Saudi would protect &quot;the entry and exit of relief and humanitarian personnel&quot;.

&quot;The coalition... affirms the kingdom&#39;s right to respond to Iran at the appropriate time and in the appropriate form,&quot; it added.

Saudi Arabia had sealed its border with Yemen over the issue on Monday and had threatened Iran not to support the rebels. Iran had dismissed the allegation accusing Saudi Arabia of &quot;war crimes&quot;.

Tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia have escalated amid reports of the Crown Prince arresting eleven princes, four current ministers and dozens of ex-ministers including&nbsp;billionaire Al-Waleed bin Talalof,&nbsp;were arrested in an unprecedented anti-corruption drive.

Meanwhile, US President backed Crown Prince&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-says-it-intercepts-missile-close-to-capital-23521">Mohammed bin Salman</a>&nbsp;declaring on Twitter that he had great confidence in King Salman, asserting those being harshly&nbsp;treated were &quot;milking&nbsp;the country for years.&quot;

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I have great confidence in King Salman and the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, they know exactly what they are doing....
&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/927672843504177152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2017</a></blockquote>
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....Some of those they are harshly treating have been &ldquo;milking&rdquo; their country for years!
&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/927673257230327808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Saudi foreign minister Adel al-Jubeir had accused the Lebanese Hezbollah group of firing missile at Riyadh from Huthis-held territory.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman today accused Iran of "military aggression" against Saudi Arabia as relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia took a turn for the worse. "The involvement of Iran in supplying missiles to the Huthis is a direct military aggression by the Iranian regime," the Saudi Press Agency quoted the crown prince as saying. In an interview with CNN television on Monday, Saudi foreign minister Adel al-Jubeir had accused the Lebanese Hezbollah group of firing the missile at Riyadh from Huthis-held territory. Adel al-Jubeir told CNN that "the missile was launched on Saudi territory, it was an Iranian missile launched by Hezbollah from territory occupied by the Houthis in Yemen." Saudi Arabia accuses Iran of backing the Huthis in Yemen who have allegedly been firing missiles at Riyadh. On Saturday, Saudi air defence forces had intercepted a ballistic missile it said was fired towards Riyadh by the Huthis rebels which controls large parts of neighbouring Yemen. In a statement, Saudi Arabia said its borders were being closed "to fill the gaps in the inspection procedures which enable the continued smuggling of missiles and military equipment to the Huthi militias loyal to Iran in Yemen". Despite the temporary closure of the air, sea and land ports, Saudi would protect "the entry and exit of relief and humanitarian personnel". "The coalition... affirms the kingdom's right to respond to Iran at the appropriate time and in the appropriate form," it added. Saudi Arabia had sealed its border with Yemen over the issue on Monday and had threatened Iran not to support the rebels. Iran had dismissed the allegation accusing Saudi Arabia of "war crimes". Tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia have escalated amid reports of the Crown Prince arresting eleven princes, four current ministers and dozens of ex-ministers including billionaire Al-Waleed bin Talalof, were arrested in an unprecedented anti-corruption drive. Meanwhile, US President backed Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman declaring on Twitter that he had great confidence in King Salman, asserting those being harshly treated were "milking the country for years." I have great confidence in King Salman and the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, they know exactly what they are doing.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 6, 2017 × ....Some of those they are harshly treating have been “milking” their country for years! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 6, 2017 ×

Iran supplying missiles to Yemen rebels is direct military aggression: Saudi Crown Prince Salman

The United States today backed<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iran-supplying-missiles-to-yemen-rebels-is-direct-military-aggression-saudi-crown-prince-salman-23661"> its ally Saudi Arabia over its strife with Iran accusing President Rouhani-led government </a>of supplying missiles to Yemini rebels.

&quot;By providing these types of weapons to the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-dozens-of-princes-ministers-arrested-in-massive-purge-23565">Huthi militias in Yemen, Iran&#39;s Islamic Revolutionary Guard</a> Corp&lrm;s is violating two UN resolutions simultaneously,&quot; US Ambassador Nikki Haley said in a statement.

The US ambassador released information showing that the missile was an Iranian Qiam missile which is a short-range ballistic missile produced in Iran.

Haley said the missile was not present in Yemen before the conflict.

&quot;We encourage the United Nations and international partners to take necessary action to hold the Iranian regime accountable for these violations,&quot; Haley added.

&quot;The United States will not turn a blind eye to these serious violations of international law by the Iranian regime,&quot; Hailey asserted.

Earlier in the day, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had accused Iran of &quot;military aggression&quot; against Saudi Arabia as relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia took a turn for the worse.

&quot;The involvement of Iran in supplying missiles to the Huthis is a direct military aggression by the Iranian regime,&quot; the Saudi Press Agency quoted the crown prince as saying.

Saudi Arabia had said on Sunday that it had intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile fired from Yemen over the capital Riyadh last Saturday. The missile was brought down near King Khaled Airport on the northern outskirts of the city.

Saudi Arabia accused Iran of supplying the missile to Huthi in Yemen who are involved in a civil war. The Saudi-led coalition has launched thousands of air strikes against the Iran-allied Houthi movement that controls much of neighbouring Yemen. &nbsp;

The US administration led by President Trump has been pushing for tougher sanctions against Iran although the country is a signatory to the nuclear deal.

Last month President Trump had said he wouldn&#39;t certify the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran as relations between the two countries hit a new low.

Trump also announced tough new sanctions on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, while stopping short of declaring the army group a terrorist organization.&nbsp;

US Ambassador Nikki Haley released information showing that the missile was an Iranian Qiam missile which is a short-range ballistic missile produced in Iran.

The United States today backed its ally Saudi Arabia over its strife with Iran accusing President Rouhani-led government of supplying missiles to Yemini rebels. "By providing these types of weapons to the Huthi militias in Yemen, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp‎s is violating two UN resolutions simultaneously," US Ambassador Nikki Haley said in a statement. The US ambassador released information showing that the missile was an Iranian Qiam missile which is a short-range ballistic missile produced in Iran. Haley said the missile was not present in Yemen before the conflict. "We encourage the United Nations and international partners to take necessary action to hold the Iranian regime accountable for these violations," Haley added. "The United States will not turn a blind eye to these serious violations of international law by the Iranian regime," Hailey asserted. Earlier in the day, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had accused Iran of "military aggression" against Saudi Arabia as relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia took a turn for the worse. "The involvement of Iran in supplying missiles to the Huthis is a direct military aggression by the Iranian regime," the Saudi Press Agency quoted the crown prince as saying. Saudi Arabia had said on Sunday that it had intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile fired from Yemen over the capital Riyadh last Saturday. The missile was brought down near King Khaled Airport on the northern outskirts of the city. Saudi Arabia accused Iran of supplying the missile to Huthi in Yemen who are involved in a civil war. The Saudi-led coalition has launched thousands of air strikes against the Iran-allied Houthi movement that controls much of neighbouring Yemen. The US administration led by President Trump has been pushing for tougher sanctions against Iran although the country is a signatory to the nuclear deal. Last month President Trump had said he wouldn't certify the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran as relations between the two countries hit a new low. Trump also announced tough new sanctions on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, while stopping short of declaring the army group a terrorist organization.

Iran violating UN resolution by providing missiles to Yemeni rebels: US

A day after arresting top leaders <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-billionaire-prince-alwaleed-detained-in-corruption-inquiry-23544">including billionaire Al-Waleed bin </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-billionaire-prince-alwaleed-detained-in-corruption-inquiry-23544">Talalof</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-billionaire-prince-alwaleed-detained-in-corruption-inquiry-23544">, Saudi Arabia today </a>sealed its border with Yemen and slammed Iran over its alleged backing of rebels in Yemen&nbsp;who had reportedly carried out a missile attack on Riyadh.

In a bid to tighten his hold<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/we-are-returning-to-what-we-were-a-country-of-moderate-islam-saudi-crown-prince-22844"> over the country, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had launched</a> a massive anti-corruption drive on Saturday arresting princes, ministers and businessmen. The Prince also swiftly replaced the Saudi National Guard head, including the navy chief and the economy minister.

&quot;All those suspected... will have full access to legal resources, and the trials will be held in a timely and open manner,&quot; Attorney General Sheikh Saud al-Mojeb said in a statement.

&quot;A great deal of evidence has already been gathered, and detailed questioning has taken place,&quot; the statement added.

On Monday, Saudi&nbsp;Arabia and Iran were involved in a spat after the Saudi government accused Tehran of backing rebels in Yemen and said &nbsp;it reserved the &quot;right to respond&quot; to the missile attack on Riyadh at the weekend, calling it a &quot;blatant military aggression by the Iranian regime which may amount to an act of war.&quot; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Saudi forces had intercepted a missile near Riyadh airport allegedly fired by Huthi rebels from Yemen. As a result, the Saudi coalition sealed off air, sea and land borders with&nbsp;Yemen on Monday.

Saudi foreign minister Adel al-Jubeir tweeted saying: &quot;Iranian interventions in the region are detrimental to the security of neighbouring countries and affect international peace and security. We will not allow any infringement on our national security.&quot;

&quot;The kingdom reserves the right to respond in a timely manner to the hostile actions of the Iranian regime,&quot; the Saudi Arabian foreign minister said.

Iran, in turn, accused&nbsp;Saudi Arabia of &quot;war crimes&quot;, AFP reported.

In a statement, Saudi Arabia said its borders were being closed &quot;to fill the gaps in the inspection procedures which enable the continued smuggling of missiles and military equipment to the Huthi militias loyal to Iran in Yemen&quot;.

Despite the temporary closure of the air, sea and land ports, Saudi would protect &quot;the entry and exit of relief and humanitarian personnel&quot;.

&quot;The coalition... affirms the kingdom&#39;s right to respond to Iran at the appropriate time and in the appropriate form,&quot; it added.

Saudi-owned Al Arabiya television reported that eleven princes, four current ministers and dozens of ex-ministers were arrested in an unprecedented anti-corruption drive over a 2009 probe in which Jeddah was hit by floods.

Finance minister Mohammed al-Jadaan said the crackdown &quot;heralds a new era and policy of transparency, clarity and accountability&quot;.&nbsp;

The Saudi stock index was down 1.1 per cent in early trade, and Al Tayyar Travel plunged 10 per cent in the opening minutes.

Shares in Kingdom Holding, 95 per cent of which is owned by Prince Al-Waleed fell sharply on Monday as the news reverberated across the world.

In a bid to tighten his hold over the country, crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had launched a massive anti-corruption drive arrested princes, ministers and businessmen

A day after arresting top leaders including billionaire Al-Waleed bin Talalof, Saudi Arabia today sealed its border with Yemen and slammed Iran over its alleged backing of rebels in Yemen who had reportedly carried out a missile attack on Riyadh. In a bid to tighten his hold over the country, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had launched a massive anti-corruption drive on Saturday arresting princes, ministers and businessmen. The Prince also swiftly replaced the Saudi National Guard head, including the navy chief and the economy minister. "All those suspected... will have full access to legal resources, and the trials will be held in a timely and open manner," Attorney General Sheikh Saud al-Mojeb said in a statement. "A great deal of evidence has already been gathered, and detailed questioning has taken place," the statement added. On Monday, Saudi Arabia and Iran were involved in a spat after the Saudi government accused Tehran of backing rebels in Yemen and said it reserved the "right to respond" to the missile attack on Riyadh at the weekend, calling it a "blatant military aggression by the Iranian regime which may amount to an act of war." Saudi forces had intercepted a missile near Riyadh airport allegedly fired by Huthi rebels from Yemen. As a result, the Saudi coalition sealed off air, sea and land borders with Yemen on Monday. Saudi foreign minister Adel al-Jubeir tweeted saying: "Iranian interventions in the region are detrimental to the security of neighbouring countries and affect international peace and security. We will not allow any infringement on our national security." "The kingdom reserves the right to respond in a timely manner to the hostile actions of the Iranian regime," the Saudi Arabian foreign minister said. Iran, in turn, accused Saudi Arabia of "war crimes", AFP reported. In a statement, Saudi Arabia said its borders were being closed "to fill the gaps in the inspection procedures which enable the continued smuggling of missiles and military equipment to the Huthi militias loyal to Iran in Yemen". Despite the temporary closure of the air, sea and land ports, Saudi would protect "the entry and exit of relief and humanitarian personnel". "The coalition... affirms the kingdom's right to respond to Iran at the appropriate time and in the appropriate form," it added. Saudi-owned Al Arabiya television reported that eleven princes, four current ministers and dozens of ex-ministers were arrested in an unprecedented anti-corruption drive over a 2009 probe in which Jeddah was hit by floods. Finance minister Mohammed al-Jadaan said the crackdown "heralds a new era and policy of transparency, clarity and accountability". The Saudi stock index was down 1.1 per cent in early trade, and Al Tayyar Travel plunged 10 per cent in the opening minutes. Shares in Kingdom Holding, 95 per cent of which is owned by Prince Al-Waleed fell sharply on Monday as the news reverberated across the world.

After arresting top leaders, Saudi Arabia threatens Iran & seals border with Yemen

UN aid chief Mark Lowcock on Saturday voiced alarm at the &quot;shocking&quot; humanitarian conditions in conflict-hit Yemen and called on warring parties to respect international law.

Concluding a five-day mission, his first to Yemen, the UN head of humanitarian affairs and emergency relief said the war in the impoverished Arab nation should end through a political process.

&quot;I came to Yemen to better understand the deteriorating humanitarian crisis, including the fastest-growing cholera epidemic the world has ever seen, the world&#39;s largest food insecurity and conditions of widespread population displacement,&quot; Lowcock said.

&quot;It&#39;s been shocking to see the terrible impact of this man-made conflict,&quot; he told reporters before leaving Sanaa.

&quot;The UN calls on all parties... to uphold the highest standards of international humanitarian law and respect human rights with respect to everyone including detainees and journalists,&quot; he added.

Lowcock is scheduled to speak at a one-day high-level meeting on the humanitarian response to the Yemen crisis in Riyadh on Sunday.

During his visit, Lowcock held talks in Aden, where the internationally recognised government is based, and in rebel-held Sanaa, as well as visiting several other areas.

He said he urged officials in Aden and Sanaa to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches all those who need it, and called for reopening Sanaa airport for commercial and humanitarian flights.

Lowcock said he saw severely malnourished children, visited hospitals with barely any electricity and water and met health workers who have not been paid for months.

The United Nations is providing direct assistance to seven million Yemenis, but the programme needs to do more and it requires more support, he said.

Since 2014, a rebel alliance of Iran-backed Huthi militias and forces loyal to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh have fought the government of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi for control of the impoverished country.

A Saudi-led military coalition intervened in Yemen in support of the Hadi government in March 2015.

The UN has described Yemen as the world&#39;s number one humanitarian crisis.

More than 8,650 people have been killed in the conflict and around 58,600 others have been wounded, many of them civilians.

UN aid chief Mark Lowcock said he saw severely malnourished children, visited hospitals with barely any electricity and water and met health workers who have not been paid for months

UN aid chief Mark Lowcock on Saturday voiced alarm at the "shocking" humanitarian conditions in conflict-hit Yemen and called on warring parties to respect international law. Concluding a five-day mission, his first to Yemen, the UN head of humanitarian affairs and emergency relief said the war in the impoverished Arab nation should end through a political process. "I came to Yemen to better understand the deteriorating humanitarian crisis, including the fastest-growing cholera epidemic the world has ever seen, the world's largest food insecurity and conditions of widespread population displacement," Lowcock said. "It's been shocking to see the terrible impact of this man-made conflict," he told reporters before leaving Sanaa. "The UN calls on all parties... to uphold the highest standards of international humanitarian law and respect human rights with respect to everyone including detainees and journalists," he added. Lowcock is scheduled to speak at a one-day high-level meeting on the humanitarian response to the Yemen crisis in Riyadh on Sunday. During his visit, Lowcock held talks in Aden, where the internationally recognised government is based, and in rebel-held Sanaa, as well as visiting several other areas. He said he urged officials in Aden and Sanaa to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches all those who need it, and called for reopening Sanaa airport for commercial and humanitarian flights. Lowcock said he saw severely malnourished children, visited hospitals with barely any electricity and water and met health workers who have not been paid for months. The United Nations is providing direct assistance to seven million Yemenis, but the programme needs to do more and it requires more support, he said. Since 2014, a rebel alliance of Iran-backed Huthi militias and forces loyal to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh have fought the government of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi for control of the impoverished country. A Saudi-led military coalition intervened in Yemen in support of the Hadi government in March 2015. The UN has described Yemen as the world's number one humanitarian crisis. More than 8,650 people have been killed in the conflict and around 58,600 others have been wounded, many of them civilians.

Humanitarian conditions in Yemen 'shocking': UN aid chief

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