Jemenkrieg-Mosaik 413 - Yemen War Mosaic 413

Yemen Press Reader 413: 16.5.2018: Gedanken aus Südjemen–UN-Evakuierungsplan scheitert–Saudi-Blockade illegal–Afrikan. Migranten–Gefangenen-Mütter–US-Außenpolitik: Jemenkrieg; Iran; US-Hegemonie

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Eingebetteter Medieninhalt

May 16, 2018: Reflections from Southern Yemen – Hodeidah province: UN evacuation plan fails – Saudi blockade unlawful – African migrants coming to Yemen – Mothers of Abductees in Northern Yemen – US foreign policy: The US and the Yemen war; The US and Iran; The world will not mourn the end of US hegemony – and more

Schwerpunkte / Key aspects

Klassifizierung / Classification

Für wen das Thema ganz neu ist / Who is new to the subject

cp1 Am wichtigsten / Most important

cp1a Am wichtigsten: Seuchen / Most important: Epidemics

cp1b Am wichtigsten: Sokotra-Krise / Most important: Socotra crisis

cp2 Allgemein / General

cp2a Allgemein: Saudische Blockade / General: Saudi blockade

cp3 Humanitäre Lage / Humanitarian situation

cp4 Flüchtlinge / Refugees

cp5 Nordjemen und Huthis / Northern Yemen and Houthis

cp6 Südjemen und Hadi-Regierung / Southern Yemen and Hadi-government

cp7 UNO und Friedensgespräche / UN and peace talks

cp8 Saudi-Arabien / Saudi Arabia

cp9 USA

cp10 Großbritannien / Great Britain

cp11 Deutschland / Germany

cp12 Andere Länder / Other countries

cp12b Libanon / Lebanon

cp13a Waffenhandel / Arms Trade

cp13b Söldner / Mercenaries

cp13c Wirtschaft / Economy

cp14 Terrorismus / Terrorism

cp15 Propaganda

cp16 Saudische Luftangriffe / Saudi air raids

cp17 Kriegsereignisse / Theater of War

cp17a Offensive an der Westküste / Offensive at the West coast

cp18 Sonstiges / Other

Klassifizierung / Classification

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**

*

(Kein Stern / No star)

? = Keine Einschatzung / No rating

A = Aktuell / Current news

B = Hintergrund / Background

C = Chronik / Chronicle

D = Details

E = Wirtschaft / Economy

H = Humanitäre Fragen / Humanitarian questions

K = Krieg / War

P = Politik / Politics

pH = Pro-Houthi

pS = Pro-Saudi

T = Terrorismus / Terrorism

Für wen das Thema ganz neu ist / Who is new to the subject

Eingebetteter Medieninhalt

Einführende Artikel u. Überblicke für alle, die mit den Ereignissen im Jemen noch nicht vertraut sind, hier:

Yemen War: Introductory articles, overviews, for those who are still unfamiliar with the Yemen war here:

https://www.freitag.de/autoren/dklose/jemenkrieg-einfuehrende-artikel-u-ueberblicke

Neue Artikel / New articles

(A K P)

A Beginners Guide To The Conflict In Yemen

Written specifically for my pal Francis Marion, a great thinker and learner who is always looking to increase knowledge, but who said he just doesn’t have the time to do research on the Yemen conflict. So, here ya go, as brief as I can make it. Brother, can ya spare 7 minutes?

— Yemen is functionally two countries, or governments; the Houthis in Sanaa, and Hadi in Aden.

— all the various brokered peace talks have gotten nowhere

— the Trump administration is siding with the Sauds, and wherever possible blaming the various war atrocities on Iran. But, it is the coalition with bombs and airplanes, and there is zero doubt, as evidence exists, that coalition armaments have struck schools, hospitals, and civilian areas.

— 75% of Yemenis need some kind of humanitarian assistance to meet basic needs, about 8 million are at risk of starvation, cholera is becoming an epidemic, Riyadh is even preventing fresh bottled water from entering the country … the country meets every definition of a failed state.

https://www.theburningplatform.com/2018/05/12/a-beginners-guide-to-the-conflict-in-yemen/ = https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2018-05-13/beginners-guide-conflict-yemen

My comment: Quite simple, somewhat too simple.

cp1 Am wichtigsten / Most important

Eingebetteter Medieninhalt

(** B H)

‘If the world knows, they’ll stop the war’: Reflections from Southern Yemen

From April 12 to 22, I visited southern Yemen in order to better understand the drivers of the humanitarian crisis taking place there and throughout the country. I devoted most of my time to appreciating the gendered impacts of the conflict, speaking with Yemeni organizations on the obstacles to their ability to lead the humanitarian response, building a more detailed understanding of the capacity of the port of Aden, and meeting people affected by the conflict. Some of what I observed only confirmed what I already knew: Throughout Yemen, incomes are declining as prices skyrocket and public services collapse, leaving families unable to afford basic necessities. But I came away with a new understanding of the southern people’s feelings of voicelessness. Many seem to assume that the absence of high-profile airstrikes and the presence of institutions associated with the internationally recognized government mean a better life. This is not the case. Communities in southern Yemen are suffering deeply and crying out for recognition and help. Too often, they have not been heard.

The names of people in this blog have been changed for their protection.

Yemen’s war is escalating

Over the past three years, violence in Yemen has spiraled out of control. Merciless ground fighting has destroyed whole cities and airstrikes on health clinics, schools, factories, and farms have become so commonplace that they no longer raise international alarm. But even the occasional headlines of violent, combat-related deaths are themselves infinitely more visible than the plight of Yemen’s women and girls, who are disproportionately suffering from malnutrition, disease, and child marriage (which, once on the decline, is now again on the rise). Through its indifference, the international community has allowed these abominable violations to become the background noise to the war in Yemen.

And instead of pursuing an urgent peace, the parties are doubling down on impossible strategies to win the war. The pace of ballistic missiles into Saudi Arabia appears to be increasing by the month, while the Saudi Arabia-led coalition presses ahead with a military offensive to seize Hodeidah, Yemen’s most important port. If the coalition proceeds with this attack, the offensive would likely ignite the largest famine and public health crisis in a generation.

Import restrictions are hurting Yemenis everywhere

Since 2015, the Saudi Arabia-led coalition has imposed severe restrictions on imports through the Houthi-controlled ports of Hodeidah and Saleef, including, for the past five months, a complete ban on containerized cargo. Business should be booming in Aden, Hodeidah’s main competitor and now Yemen’s only container port – but it isn’t. A few months ago, the coalition began blocking the importation of cars, solar panels, batteries, and spare parts in most cases. The coalition diverts all containerized cargo to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for a first round of inspections and then conducts a second round of inspections in Aden. Ships are denied clearance to berth if even a single container holds a prohibited item. The inspections in Jeddah and Aden, and the back-and-forth of clearance requests, are killing business in Aden’s port and further undermining the local and national economy. After all, why ship a container to Aden for $2,000 USD when it costs $700 USD to ship it to the Saudi port of Jizan? – by Scott Paul

https://www.justsecurity.org/56242/if-world-knows-theyll-stop-war-reflections-southern-yemen/

Comment: Reflections in South Yemen. Of course there is starvation in the north but there is hunger in the South. Recently this has been highlighted and challenges the Saudi opinion that it is the Houthis who are stopping aid and food deliveries.

https://www.facebook.com/judith.brown.794628/posts/10156681735648641

(** A B H K)

EXCLUSIVE: UN evacuation bid fails ahead of battle for key Yemen port

The United Nations made a failed attempt to evacuate more than 5,000 Yemenis from near the country’s largest port of Hodeidah, which is facing an imminent assault, according to a UN operational plan obtained by IRIN and discussions with aid officials.

The attempt on 27 April to move civilians to safer areas where they could receive assistance flopped. In the end, only a handful of locals showed up and the rest refused to move. “The whole thing was a failure,” said one humanitarian official, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The battle for Houthi rebel-held Hodeidah appears to be inching ever closer, threatening to displace many in the city of 600,000 and further slow activity at the Red Sea port, which has historically brought in over two thirds of Yemen’s imports. On 14 May, the United Arab Emirates – the most active coalition member on the west coast – announced a new amphibious assault south of the port.

“It’s pretty clear that this is the real deal,” said Adam Baron, a visiting fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations. “They are actually making legitimate momentum towards Hodeidah.”

Despite the initial failure, UN officials and aid workers suggest such evacuations could become a significant new relief tactic in Yemen, where 22 million people need aid, more than eight million are severely short of food, and the looming battle at Hodeidah threatens to take the crisis to another level.

Moving civilians out of harm’s way is a “last resort” in the humanitarian toolbox – and the plan in Yemen would have been risky, analysts say.

“Any sort of movement of civilians has to be voluntary,” said Sahr Muhammedally, Middle East and North African director at CIVIC. “It has to be a consultative process in these areas, with local communities, local NGOs, to see where people will leave, and who they may leave behind.”

Others in the humanitarian community believe the UN and aid agencies were getting ahead of themselves by planning evacuations, and said more pressure should be applied to avoid a battle for the city.

Relocation bid unravels

The UN operational plan, obtained exclusively by IRIN, states that the relocation effort was coordinated by the UN after a request from the Houthi-controlled National Authority for the Management and Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (NAMCHA) to help 1,600 households “trapped between front lines” as of 14 April.

It says that by 20 April violence had intensified in several areas in southern Hodeidah province, which runs along the Red Sea, prompting the action.

Why it failed

Several UN and aid officials told IRIN the plan fell flat because locals were not consulted and because no one made a clear case to the residents to explain why they should leave their only source of livelihood – their land.

“Some families refused to leave, basically because they don’t know what’s happening tomorrow, and they don’t want to leave their homes and everything they have in this life,” said Anas Shahari, a spokesman for Save the Children in Yemen.

The planning document does not mention consultations with locals ahead of the evacuation. It concludes that evacuees would move on to unspecified “final destination sites”, although they were to receive money towards rent and transport.

Ethical concerns

In Yemen, the plan created unease both inside the UN and among its humanitarian partners, according to several high level sources.

Some humanitarians feared moving civilians from the path of coalition and allied forces could be seen as clearing battle space, or give the appearance of benefiting the Saudi-led coalition.

At the same time, the Houthis could potentially take advantage of the operation to position civilians in strategic locations, or use deconflicted zones to their own advantage.

The battle for Hodeidah

UN and other aid agency officials were loathe to speak about the evacuation on the record. The UN’s humanitarian coordinator, Lise Grande, did not respond to IRIN’s request for comment. In March, Grande officially moved to Yemen from Iraq, where she had held the same position during the fight against so-called Islamic State and as millions were displaced from cities like Fallujah and Mosul.

A spokesperson for OCHA, the UN’s emergency aid coordination body, told IRIN they were “not in a position to confirm or deny” information about the attempted evacuation in Hodeidah.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a UN official did tell IRIN they were preparing for the possibilities of a battle at Hodeidah – by Samuel Oakford

http://www.irinnews.org/news/2018/05/14/exclusive-un-evacuation-bid-fails-ahead-battle-key-yemen-port

Comment: What on earth was the UN in Yemen thinking??? UN evacuation bid to remove civilians ahead of battle for key port of Hodeidah fails.

https://twitter.com/BaFana3/status/996123862361354240

(** B K P)

War in Yemen (1): Why the Saudi-led coalition’s blockade is not a naval blockade

Since 2015 a military coalition led by Saudi Arabia has conducted a presumed naval blockade off the coast of Yemen. In theory, a naval blockade provides the belligerent with extensive powers including the prerogative to restrict the freedom of navigation of third States. In the case of Yemen the coalition makes great use of this. Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation has deteriorated significantly.

In the first comment I focus on the imposition of the blockade. I try to provide an overview of relevant information since reliable facts are an issue. I argue that better reasons suggest that a blockade’s imposition in a non-international armed conflict (NIAC) is unlawful and thus it is not fitting to speak of a naval blockade strictu sensu.

Because one may claim the opposite – a blockade’s lawfulness in a NIAC – the second comment concentrates on enforcement measures. I contend that the coalition has not obeyed the law of naval blockade. For this reason, the blockade cannot be enforced lawfully. Lastly, the enforcement measures of the blockade would also violate standards of international humanitarian law.

Can a blockade be lawfully imposed in a NIAC?

Like Martin D. Fink I presume that the NIAC in Yemen remained a NIAC even though the foreign coalition forces intervened in the conflict on behalf of the Yemeni government. However, more an issue is whether a State’s or coalition of States’ naval blockade in a NIAC can be lawful – due to insufficient naval capabilities non-State actors have not yet been an issue.

The lawfulness of a blockade in a NIAC is not self-evident. The reason is that the purpose of a naval blockade is to negatively affect the supply chains and commerce of the opponent. Thus the impacts of the conflict are deliberately expanded on third States, which have e.g. business relations with the opponent. The legal relationship though between the blockading State and third States is not one ruled by the law of armed conflict but by the international law of peace. Since naval blockade measures vis-à-vis third States may be therefore a violation of Article 2(4) of the UN Charter and the freedom of navigation under Article 87 of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, this poses the question whether a blockade in a NIAC can be lawful.

The answer is: ‘It is unclear’. On the one hand, there is no international treaty to recognize a blockade in a NIAC as lawful like, regarding naval blockades in an international armed conflict

To summarize, the absence of protests and silence of the most influential States concerning the blockades off Gaza and Yemen show that States have not yet made a final decision about the lawfulness of blockades in a NIAC. Nevertheless, since there is no source of international law to authoritatively recognize a blockade in a NIAC, it appears difficult to claim the opposite. However, for the purposes of the second comment, I assume that a blockade in a NIAC can be lawful – by Oliver Daum

https://www.juwiss.de/43-2018/

(** B H)

Photo feature: Crossroads Djibouti: The African migrants who defy Yemen's war

Braving harsh terrain, kidnapping threats and a months’ long journey

Yet for tens of thousands of migrants escaping economic or political distress in Somalia and Ethiopia, Yemen remains a destination of choice, or at least a key transit point en route to the Gulf states.

Whether fleeing to or from Yemen via the Horn of Africa – more than 37,000 Yemenis travelled to Djibouti in 2017 – Yemenis and African migrants make similar treks. The Africans, though, rely on a smuggling network that takes them across some of the harshest terrain on the planet.

Journalist and photographer Benedict Moran visited Djibouti in February, meeting migrants travelling to Yemen – and often beyond – via the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, and the Gulf of Aden.

“This route is particularly dangerous; migrants on this route face human rights abuses (including sexual and physical abuse), and a high risk of being trafficked, kidnapped, and sent for ransom,” Danielle Botti of the Regional Mixed Migration Secretariat told IRIN by email.

From Ethiopia, many cross into Djibouti via the border town of Galafi, then walk for days across lava fields and arid zones where temperatures can reach 50 degrees Celsius.

Once they reach Obock, migrants make a last push north across the desert to a series of beaches located just south of Khôr ‘Angar, a small town that hosts a coast guard station and tourist bungalows.

Under cover of night, the migrants wait for motorised boats that take them about 30 kilometres to various landing points across the Bab al-Mandab Strait. On a busy night, hundreds of people make the journey, according to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

In a cycle of migration, deportation, and migration once again, many are deported en route or once in Saudi Arabia, only to repeat the journey after they get home or back in Djibouti.

Here is a photographic snapshot of the journeys they take:

https://www.irinnews.org/photo-feature/2018/03/23/crossroads-djibouti-african-migrants-who-defy-yemen-s-war

(** B P)

Women fight for release of loved ones held by Yemen's Houthi regime amid torture claims

"My son faces execution for an article on Facebook," one mother said

In 2016, a group of veiled women marched on the main jail in Sana’a, Yemen’s capital. Their message to the Houthi rebels who had taken over the city was simple: we want to know what has happened to our sons and husbands — who had been seized — and we want an end to torture and executions.

Since then, the Mothers of Abductees have continued to protest. They meet almost daily in hotels and offices in Sana’a, in shattered provincial cities including Aden, and here in Marib, near the operational base of the ousted regime and its forces.

Three heavily veiled women meet us in Marib. They are leading networkers and organisers, sometimes marching, at other times working back channels to the Houthis to find out where they are holding the men and what they plan to do with them.

The women we meet produce precise statistics, laid out in Arabic and English in their annual report for 2016 and 2017. It is chilling. To date, 5,646 families have lost at least one male, kidnapped, tortured or killed by the Houthi justice system, which they say is illegal by international standards.

“This is my son Mohammed,” says Mariam Abdullak. “He was arrested for writing an article on Facebook against Houthi doctrine. He is now facing execution, along with 40 others. You have to understand that they are targeting writers, journalists and doctors even — anyone with a qualification.”

Her friend, Hasa Abdullak, claims the methods of torture are brutal, pointing at gruesome pictures in the report.

Over the past year the women have held more than 60 marches. They are trailed and harassed by the police, though none has been arrested.

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/women-fight-for-release-of-loved-ones-held-by-yemens-houthi-regime-amid-torture-claims-a3838206.html

(*** B K P)

America Should See Saudi Arabia's War on Yemen for the Horror It Really Is

In reality, America is an accomplice to Saudi aggression with horrific consequences for the Yemeni people.

Of course, Saudi Arabia’s MbS denied any blame. “It is very painful … and I hope that this militia ceases using the humanitarian situation to their advantage in order to draw sympathy from the international community. They block humanitarian aid in order to create famine and a humanitarian crisis.”

His claims are wrong and distorted. The Houthis have behaved badly, but the conduct of the coalition is far worse.

Attacks on civilians appear to be conscious strategy.

One of many poor arguments is one from the Heritage Foundation’s James Carafano, who argued that U.S. have to be involved, “to keep the region from falling apart,” because “the collapse of any friendly regime there is bad for us.”

The reality is that Washington has done far more to destroy Middle Eastern order than preserve it. The invasion of Iraq, bombing of Libya, and support for jihadist radicals in Syria boosted militarist and Islamist movements throughout the region and greatly enhanced Iran’s influence. Today, Saudi Arabia’s war against Yemen, and America’s assistance in that war, has continued this process.

Whether Hadi was nominally friendly toward America no longer matters. Since his ouster he allied with Islamist radicals and is no friend of democracy or human rights. Moreover, by calling in airstrikes on his own people Hadi lost whatever legitimacy he once possessed. By helping kill thousands of civilians in attempting to restore him to power, Washington ensured that much of the population will be unfriendly, whatever the character of the regime that emerges. One Yemeni described the destruction of his apartment by a Saudi airstrike to The New Yorker’s Nicolas Niarchos, angrily stating, “America is the main sponsor of all that is happening to us.”

Secretary Mattis claimed that ending U.S. combat support would allow the Houthis to use ballistic missiles to threaten “vital shipping lanes in the Red Sea.” Alleged proof of this was an earlier Houthi missile attack on an American warship. That attack led other administration officials to express concern about navigational freedom, especially in the Bab-el-Mandeb waterway.

But Yemenis attacked the U.S. vessel because Washington is helping their killers, Saudi Arabia.

Before this war, Houthis did not target Americans and they had no reason to. In peace the Yemenis rely on Gulf trade and they would never want to impede it. Yet now the Saudi-led coalition has blockaded Yemen and its access to the Gulf. By internationalizing the war Riyadh has also internationalized the weapons. As U.S. Vice Admiral Kevin Donegan complained and noted, previously “there was no explosive boat that existed in the Yemeni inventory.”

MbS similarly tried to paint Yemenis as aggressors.

Washington officials also appear to constantly exaggerate the Iranian threat, often making it seem as though they are vast and powerful, they know otherwise.

Iran has become an all-purpose boogeyman with which to justify Saudi and American military involvement.

Washington officials also appear to constantly exaggerate the Iranian threat, often making it seem as though they are vast and powerful, they know otherwise.

Moreover, history suggests that no Yemeni faction, except perhaps that headed by Hadi, would sacrifice the country’s autonomy in order to become a puppet of Tehran.

For these reasons, we ought to be skeptical anytime Iran is made out as the excuse for involvement in Saudi Arabia’s war on Yemen. Indeed, Iran’s role in Yemen always has been limited anyway. Tehran has been a minor player compared to the Riyadh.

The relationship between Iran and the Houthis was largely one of the Saudi-led coalition’s making. The coalition’s invasion made such a Iranian-Houthi partnership inevitable because choice did the Houthis have after being attacked by their rich neighbors equipped and backed by the global superpower? As Kevin L. Schwartz of the Library of Congress concluded, “Only after the onset of the Saudi-led campaign did the arming of the Houthi rebels by Iran increase.”

Yet American is drawn into yet another foreign conflict with no end in sight. Secretary Mattis has argued that the allies “stood by the United Nations-recognized government.” Additionally, the Emirati Gulf News recently proclaimed that the aim of the military campaign was “To uphold the legitimacy of [Hadi’s] internationally recognized government.” However, neither the U.S. or UAE cares about these arguments and legal niceties when it comes to their desire to intervene in Syria. This argument also frayed badly when Abu Dhabi began supporting southern separatists against that same UN-recognized government.

Carafano argued that if Washington stopped underwriting Riyadh’s aggression, “Tehran, Islamic State group and al-Qaeda would feel emboldened and likely double-down on expanding the war.” This is incorrect because for Islamists and terrorists the war has been a godsend. The Houthis, though anti-American, also are anti-AQAP – by Doug Bandow , a Senior Fellow at the Cato Institute and a former Special Assistant to President Ronald Reagan

http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-skeptics/america-should-see-saudi-arabias-war-yemen-the-horror-it-25838?page=show

(** A K P)

Donald Trump Is Driving Us on a Road to Hell in the Middle East

Rejecting the Iranian nuclear deal is just the beginning.

W ith Donald Trump’s decision to shred the Iran nuclear agreement, announced last Tuesday, it’s time for the rest of us to start thinking about what a Third Gulf War would mean. The answer, based on the past 16 years of American experience in the Greater Middle East, is that it won’t be pretty.

The New York Times recently reported that US Army Special Forces were secretly aiding the Saudi Arabian military against Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. It was only the latest sign preceding President Trump’s Iran announcement that Washington was gearing up for the possibility of another interstate war in the Persian Gulf region. The first two Gulf wars—Operation Desert Storm (the 1990 campaign to drive Iraqi forces out of Kuwait) and the 2003 US invasion of Iraq—ended in American “victories” that unleashed virulent strains of terrorism like ISIS, uprooted millions, and unsettled the Greater Middle East in disastrous ways. The Third Gulf War—not against Iraq but Iran and its allies—will undoubtedly result in another American “victory” that could loose even more horrific forces of chaos and bloodshed.

Like the first two Gulf wars, the third could involve high-intensity clashes between an array of American forces and those of Iran, another well-armed state. While the United States has been fighting ISIS and other terrorist entities in the Middle East and elsewhere in recent years, such warfare bears little relation to engaging a modern state determined to defend its sovereign territory with professional armed forces that have the will, if not necessarily the wherewithal, to counter major US weapons systems.

A Third Gulf War would distinguish itself from recent Middle Eastern conflicts by the geographic span of the fighting and the number of major actors that might become involved. In all likelihood, the field of battle would stretch from the shores of the Mediterranean, where Lebanon abuts Israel, to the Strait of Hormuz, where the Persian Gulf empties into the Indian Ocean. Participants could include, on one side, Iran, the regime of Bashar al-Assad in Syria, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and assorted Shiite militias in Iraq and Yemen; and, on the other, Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). If the fighting in Syria were to get out of hand, Russian forces could even become involved – by Michael T. Klare

http://www.tomdispatch.com/post/176422/tomgram%3A_michael_klare%2C_the_road_to_hell_in_the_middle_east/ = https://www.thenation.com/article/donald-trump-is-driving-us-on-a-road-to-hell-in-the-middle-east/ = https://www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/washington-appears-be-gearing-third-gulf-war

(** A K P)

Hizbollah’s Victory and the US-Iran Conflict

Among the things that the Iran deal critics demand is a broader, better deal that curbs ballistic missile construction and prevents Iran from supporting “terrorists.” The media never questions the proposition that Iran in fact supports such people. Who are these terrorists? Hizbollah in Lebanon tops the list. (Hamas is usually next, and then the Houthis of Yemen, the Shiite militias in Iraq, the Syrian Arab Army, etc. Even the Revolutionary Guards a division of the Iranian military, is listed by the State Department as a “terrorist organization.”)

Just like the current administration smears Houthis in Yemen as Iranian proxies. Or the Alawi-led government of Syria as a pawn of an Iran striving for regional dominance.

Anyone paying attention knows that while the Houthis practice a form of Shiism it is very different from that of Iran; that a Shiite imamate ruled Yemen for 1000 years; and that there is little evidence for Iranian arms support for the Yemeni rebels. They know too that the Damascus government is led by the secular Baathist Party, which is ideologically at odds with Iran’s Islamic republicanism; the alliance is based on mutual security in the face of ongoing imperialist encroachment. But the Saudi-promoted specter of a “Shiite crescent” extending from Iran through Iraq (the only majority-Shiite Arab nation) into Syria and Lebanon, threatening to absorb Yemen and perhaps Bahrain, ruled by the Iranian ayatollahs, guides the minds of the benighted US policy makers.

Trump apparently demands a new deal with Iran that curbs its ballistic missile program and ends its support for (whatever the boss calls) “terrorism.” The principle recipients of this aid, always mentioned, are Hizbollah and Hamas.

By demanding that Iran renegotiate the nuclear deal to include the irrelevant question of Tehran’s ties to different political groups in the region, Trump does what the US has done time and time again with those targeted for regime change: he sets the bar too high, and paves the way for war.

To demand that Iran, in addition to the major concessions it has already made on its nuclear program, withdraw support from the various groups it supports (to some extent; sometimes the extent is exaggerated) in the region, is to demand it concede the field to the US, Israelis and Gulf Arabs and their own favored terrorist proxies. It’s a demand that the whole world accept the US State Department’s evolving list of “terrorist organizations” as universally definitive. Enough already.

The US under Trump has truly lost reason. Europe should now say, “It was a fun 70 years together. But now, it’s just not working. You’ve become offensive, unreasonable. You may overestimate your power. We will for our part resist your efforts to curb our trade with Iran or any other country where we have the right to operate – by Gary Leupp

https://dissidentvoice.org/2018/05/hizbollahs-victory-and-the-us-iran-conflict/

Comment: I am despairing of the emergence of peace. It seems to me that any democratic movement is challenged by the West - because of course true democracy equals independence and that is just too much for those in the West that want to establish global governance and control of everything and everyone.

https://www.facebook.com/judith.brown.794628/posts/10156683059373641

(** B K P)

The World Will Not Mourn the Decline of U.S. Hegemony

Still, by far and away world history’s most extensive empire, the U.S. has at least 800 military bases spread across more than 80 foreign countries and “troops or other military personnel in about 160 foreign countries and territories.” The U.S. accounts for more than 40 percent of the planet’s military spending and has more than 5,500 strategic nuclear weapons, enough to blow the world up 5 to 50 times over. Last year it increased its “defense” (military empire) spending, which was already three times higher than China’s, and nine times higher than Russia’s.

Think it’s all in place to ensure peace and democracy the world over, in accord with the standard boilerplate rhetoric of U.S. presidents, diplomats and senators?

A Pentagon study released last summer laments the emergence of a planet on which the U.S. no longer controls events.

Any serious efforts to redesign the international status quo so that it favors any other states or people is portrayed in the report as a threat to U.S. interests. To prevent any terrible drifts of the world system away from U.S. control, the report argues, the U.S. and its imperial partners (chiefly its European NATO partners) must maintain and expand “unimpeded access to the air, sea, space, cyberspace, and the electromagnetic spectrum in order to underwrite their security and prosperity.” The report recommends a significant expansion of U.S. military power. The U.S. must maintain “military advantage” over all other states and actors to “preserve maximum freedom of action” and thereby “allow U.S. decision-makers the opportunity to dictate or hold significant sway over outcomes in international disputes,” with the “implied promise of unacceptable consequences” for those who defy U.S. wishes.

“America First” is an understatement here. The underlying premise is that Uncle Sam owns the world and reserves the right to bomb the hell out of anyone who doesn’t agree with that (to quote President George H.W. Bush after the first Gulf War in 1991: “What we say goes.”

Investment Not Democracy

It’s nothing new. From the start, the “American Century” had nothing to do with advancing democracy. As numerous key U.S. planning documents reveal over and over, the goal of that policy was to maintain and, if necessary, install governments that “favor[ed] private investment of domestic and foreign capital, production for export, and the right to bring profits out of the country,” according to Noam Chomsky.

“Democracy” was fine as a slogan and benevolent, idealistic-sounding mission statement when it came to marketing this imperialist U.S. policy at home and abroad. Since most people in the “third” or “developing” world had no interest in neocolonial subordination to the rich nations and subscribed to what U.S. intelligence officials considered the heretical “idea that government has direct responsibility for the welfare of its people” (what U.S. planners called “communism”), Washington’s real-life commitment to popular governance abroad was strictly qualified, to say the least.

“Democracy” was suitable to the U.S. as long as its outcomes comported with the interests of U.S. investors/corporations and related U.S. geopolitical objectives. Democracy had to be abandoned, undermined and/or crushed when it threatened those investors/corporations and the broader imperatives of business rule to any significant degree.

“Since 1945, by deed and by example,” the great Australian author, commentator and filmmaker John Pilger wrote nearly nine years ago, “the U.S. has overthrown 50 governments, including democracies, crushed some 30 liberation movements and supported tyrannies from Egypt to Guatemala (see William Blum’s histories). Bombing is apple pie.” Along the way, Washington has crassly interfered in elections in dozens of “sovereign” nations, something curious to note in light of current liberal U.S. outrage over real or alleged Russian interference in “our” supposedly democratic electoral process in 2016. Uncle Sam also has bombed civilians in 30 countries, attempted to assassinate foreign leaders and deployed chemical and biological weapons.

The death count resulting from “American Era” U.S. foreign policy runs well into the many millions, including possibly as many as 5 million Indochinese killed by Uncle Sam and his agents and allies between 1962 and 1975.

Mideast Savagery

countless episodes of mass-murderous U.S. savagery in the oil-rich Middle East over the last generation

In the years following the collapse of the counter-hegemonic Soviet empire, however, American neoliberal intellectuals like Thomas Friedman—an advocate of the criminal U.S. bombing of Serbia—felt free to openly state that the real purpose of U.S. foreign policy was to underwrite the profits of U.S.-centered global capitalism. “The hidden hand of the market,” Friedman famously wrote in The New York Times Magazine in March 1999, as U.S. bombs and missiles exploded in Serbia, “will never work without a hidden fist. McDonald’s cannot flourish without McDonnell Douglas, the designer of the F-15. And the hidden fist that keeps the world safe for Silicon Valley’s technologies to flourish is called the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps.”

The Last, Best Hope

“We lead the world,” presidential candidate Obama explained, “in battling immediate evils and promoting the ultimate good. … America is the last, best hope of earth.”

Obama elaborated in his first inaugural address. “Our security,” the president said, “emanates from the justness of our cause; the force of our example; the tempering qualities of humility and restraint”—a fascinating commentary on Fallujah, Hiroshima, the U.S. crucifixion of Southeast Asia, the “Highway of Death” and more.

That Trump murders with less sophistication, outward moral restraint and credible claim to embody enlightened Western values and multilateral commitment than Obama did is perhaps preferable to some degree. It is better for empire to be exposed in its full and ugly nakedness, to speed its overdue demise.

The U.S. is not just the top menace only to peace on Earth. It is also the leading threat to personal privacy (as was made clearer than ever by the Edward Snowden revelations), to democracy (the U.S. funds and equips repressive regimes around the world) and to a livable global natural environment (thanks in no small part to its role as headquarters of global greenhouse gassing and petro-capitalist climate denial).

The biggest costs have fallen on the many millions killed and maimed by the U.S. military and allied and proxy forces in the last seven decades and before – by Paul Street

https://www.truthdig.com/articles/world-will-not-mourn-decline-u-s-hegemony/ = https://consortiumnews.com/2018/05/14/the-world-will-not-mourn-the-decline-of-u-s-hegemony/

cp1a Am wichtigsten: Seuchen / Most important: Epidemics

(* A H)

Yemen: Cholera Response Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin: W15 2018 (Apr 09 - Apr 15)

The cumulative total from 27 April 2017 to 15 April 2018 is 1,090,280 suspected cholera cases and 2,275 associated deaths, (CFR 0.21%), 1115 have been confirmed by culture.

The total proportion of severe cases among the suspected cases is 15.3%

The national attack rate is 389.8 per 10,000. The five governorates with the highest cumulative attack rates per 10,000 remain Amran (905), Al Mahwit (882), Al Dhale’e (639), Sana’a (528) and Dhamar (527).

Children under 5 years old represent 28.8% of total suspected cases.

The trend of weekly number of cases is decreasing since week 36.

The weekly proportion of severe cases has significantly decreased (now 14%).

https://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/yemen-cholera-response-weekly-epidemiological-bulletin-w15-2018-apr-09-apr-15-enar

(* A H)

Vaccinators in #Aden travel across the sea to ensure people in hard-to-reach areas are vaccinated against #cholera. They are working tirelessly amid scorching heat and geographical difficulties (photos)

https://twitter.com/sadeqalwesabi/status/995686854556086273

A race against time to #EndCholera! This an unsung hero of #Yemen (photos9

https://twitter.com/UNICEF_Yemen/status/994644163982438400

https://twitter.com/WHOYemen/status/994993930864381952

(* A H P)

Health official warns of disaster because of Houthi objection to vaccinations

The Advisor to the Minister of Public Health Mohammed al-Saadi has warned of a major health disaster due to the Houthi objection to vaccination campaigns against infant polio, measles, cholera and hepatitis in their held north of Yemen.

"The problem is that Houthi refusal, they (Houthi rebels) do not believe in immunization, so the children and the elderly in the areas controlled by them are vulnerable to a health disaster," al-Sharq al-Awsat daily quoted Al-Saadi as saying.

https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-18341

Remark: As claimed by the Saudi-backed Hadi government. This refusal would be a disaster.

cp1b Am wichtigsten: Sokotra-Krise / Most important: Socotra crisis

Eingebetteter Medieninhalt

(* B P)

Images from a sci-fi film? No, the 'lost world' of Socotra, a remote island with plants up to 20 MILLION years old

Socotra Island is home to around 800 rare species of flora and fauna

A third of the species found on the Indian Ocean island are endemic and cannot be seen anywhere else on Earth

The trees and plants on the island have evolved to suit its hostile climate and some varieties of plant are a staggering 20 million years (photos)

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2431857/The-lost-world-Socotra-remote-island-plants-20-MILLION-years-old.html

(* A K P)

UAE forces begin phased withdrawal from Yemen’s Socotra

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday began withdrawing military forces from the Yemeni island of Socotra, according to a Yemeni source based on the island.

“The withdrawal has already begun and will be carried out in phases,” the source told Anadolu Agency anonymously due to restrictions on speaking to media.

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/uae-forces-begin-phased-withdrawal-from-yemen-s-socotra/1147117

(A P)

Saudi Ambassador to #Yemen Mohammed Al Jabir arrived on a surprise visit to the island of #Socotra, hours after Prime Minister Ahmed Ben Dagher left after a deal to remove tensions with the UAE was reached.
Al-Jaber tweeted about the start of a relief air bridge and a package of various infrastructure and development projects for Socotra (photo)

https://www.facebook.com/LivingInYemenOnTheEdge/photos/a.961595153893515.1073741828.961126490607048/1742322265820796/?type=3

My comment: For Socotra, Saudi intervention just means jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire.

(* A K P)

The Emirates Forces remains in Socotra airport and port

A local source at Socotra today (Monday) said: Emirates forces remaining at the airport In addition to the island port, while a Yemeni force took control of the other two main ports after the arrival of the Saudi committee to the island.

The source said that the forces did not leave the island according to the agreement made between the Saudis and Yemeni government which states that the UAE forces must leave the island.

The prime minister has left the island a few hours ago and he announced prior to his leave that Socotra crisis with UAE has been ended.

The source warned from the deployment of the UAE forces on the island and the main governmental facilities during the next few days

http://almasdaronline.com/article/98904

(* A K P)

Yemen, UAE reportedly reach deal over island

An agreement has reportedly been reached between the Yemeni government and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to withdraw the UAE forces from the strategic Socotra Island, according to Yemen’s official Saba news agency.

Tensions have mounted between Yemen and the UAE in recent days, when the latter sent a military force to Socotra without prior coordination with the Yemeni government, which since 2015 has been based in the coastal city of Aden.

Bin Daghr “listened to the committee about the implementation of the agreement, which foresees the pullout of the UAE forces from Socotra, the elimination of tension and the mechanism to ensure that the security forces at Socotra airport and port will return to their duties,” Saba said.

According to the news agency, the deal aims to get life back to normal on the island and to resume relief aid efforts with Saudi support.

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/yemen-uae-reportedly-reach-deal-over-island-131763

Comment: Now the island can be used for joint military drills, training local army and building 'unity'.

https://www.facebook.com/LivingInYemenOnTheEdge/

Comment: Saudi forces have arrived on Socotra for joint drills with UAE & Yemeni forces, reported AP. Are they kidding us? Did our government lie to us yesterday when it said Saudi Arabia sponsored a deal ending Yemen-UAE tensions & UAE military presence on Socotra? Hmmmm! Saudi?!

https://twitter.com/FuadRajeh/status/995985349657726976

and

(* A P)

Socotra Crisis with UAE has Ended

Prime minister of the Yemeni government Ahmed Bin Daghr announced today the end of the Socotra crisis which started by an Emirates military landing on the island after the arrival of the government at the end of April.

Bin Daghr Said in his Facebook wall ‘prudence has prevailed, we remembered the blood relations and everything went back to normal at Socotra, the crisis has ended which was a disturbance and almost torn our lines”.

http://almasdaronline.com/article/98898

and

(* A P)

Yemen-UAE dispute over Socotra ‘resolved’: Yemeni PM

Yemeni Prime Minister Ahmed Obeid bin Daghr said on Monday the dispute with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) over Socotra island has been resolved.

“The crisis over the island has ended… we have all won for ourselves, our unity, our coalition and Arab identity,” bin Daghr said on Facebook. “The national flag is fluttering again on the seaport and the airport.”

He said both sides agreed that the Island will return to its status before April 30 when UAE deployed forces on the island. Relief aid efforts will also resume with Saudi support.

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/yemen-uae-dispute-over-socotra-resolved-yemeni-pm/1144435 and also https://twitter.com/Dr_E_Kendall/status/996056441801887750

My comment: Wait and see.

Comment: Just because Yemen's PM said so, it doesn't make it true. I can't emphasize enough how Yemen's intl' recognized government has no credibility for millions of Yemenis.

https://twitter.com/Afrahnasser/status/996304720389181440

(* A K P)

Saudi military says troops arrive in Yemen's Socotra island

A Saudi military spokesman says that its troops have landed on the Yemeni island of Socotra, listed by UNESCO as a world natural heritage site and the focus of a dispute between Yemen and its ally the United Arab Emirates.

Turki al-Malki, spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition fighting Yemen's Shiite rebels, says Sunday that the Saudi troops are on a training and support mission for Yemeni forces.

He adds that the Saudis, Emiratis and Yemenis will conduct joint training exercises in coordination with the Yemeni government.

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2018/05/13/saudi-military-says-troops-arrive-in-yemens-socotra-island.html and also http://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/afp/article-5724339/Saudi-troops-arrive-Yemens-Socotra-UAE-tensions.html and https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/05/saudi-military-forces-arrive-yemen-socotra-island-180513171150894.html

and by Saudi media:

(* A K P)

Saudi Troops Arrive in Socotra to Support Yemeni Legitimacy

The deployment of Coalition Joint Forces in the Yemeni Island of Socotra comes in line with efforts to support the legitimacy and as part of the ongoing coordination between Coalition forces and Yemen's legitimate government, informed sources said.
Saudi forces arrived in Socotra to train and support Yemeni legitimate forces, as well as train Yemeni units to combat terrorism, the sources said.
They indicated that the deployment of joint forces of the Arab Coalition led by Saudi Arabia in the island has been coordinated with the Yemeni legitimate government.
Spokesman for the Coalition Forces to Support Legitimacy in Yemen Colonel Turki al-Maliki had said earlier that there are some differences in viewpoints between the local government and the UAE forces on ways to deal with some issues on the island.
He added that they agreed on a mechanism for comprehensive coordination between the Coalition and the Yemeni government.

https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/1267791/saudi-troops-arrive-socotra-support-yemeni-legitimacy

Comment: Get this: Some in #Socotra & in the Yemeni government are angry at foreign troops (from #UAE) on the island. So #Yemen's government fixes it by bringing more foreign troops (from #Saudi). It seems that Socotra is exposing fault-lines in the coalition.

https://twitter.com/Dr_E_Kendall/status/995771097261002753

Comment: I say the Soqatrans with very little choice are going to be trained to act as UAE's fighters.

https://www.facebook.com/judith.brown.794628/posts/10156683042558641

(* B P)

Film: Yemen: UAE attempting to 'colonise' Socotra

Standoff over the Yemeni island of Socotra worsens as government officials accuse United Arab Emirates of trying to colonise the country.

Yemen's government is accusing the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of trying to "colonise" the country, in a worsening standoff over the island of Socotra.

Emirati troops were deployed there without prior coordination with the Yemeni government, sparking protests by locals.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/05/yemen-uae-attempting-colonise-socotra-180513104819582.html = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrF-rEDHADc

(A P)

Media sources: A Saudi military committee arrived to#Socotra
Local sources confirm that the committee, including high ranking officials, arrived on board of a military aircraft aiming to resolve the recent Yemeni-Emirati crisis after the #UAE sent military forces to the island. (photo)

https://www.facebook.com/LivingInYemenOnTheEdge/photos/a.961595153893515.1073741828.961126490607048/1740854692634220/?type=3

(* A P)

UAE, Socotra: Two decades of development, support

The UAE has supported Yemen, especially the Socotra archipelago, for many years, as part of the directives of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The UAE’s historic support for the Yemeni people reflects its commitment to unify the country and improve the conditions of its governorates and cities.

The UAE has supported many causes through its developmental and relief organisations, and has helped Socotra recover from political instability, neglect and the effects of natural disasters.

In Mach 2000, the UAE sent a team from the Emirates Red Crescent, ERC, to provide Socotra with aid and relief materials, as well as tents and the basic needs of its residents, after the floods that damaged buildings and agricultural lands.

During "Cyclone Chapala", which struck the archipelago in May 2015, Emirati humanitarian and relief organisations rushed to help Socotra’s people. The Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation built an air-bridge, through which it sent 16 cargo planes and four cargo steamships that carried some 12,000 tonnes of food and relief materials, such as tents, for the archipelago’s residents.

The ERC also offered urgent assistance to those aggrieved and distributed over 35 tonnes of urgent relief assistance, which was followed by two planes that carried many more tonnes of additional relief aid.

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment donated AED2 million to the ERC, to help its relief efforts in Yemen and support infrastructure projects.

http://wam.ae/en/details/1395302688795

My comment: A strange background story for the UAE occupation of Socotra. This is propaganda. – And the news by Emirati media:

(A K P)

Saudi military sends troops to Socotra island

Arab coalition forces will train on the Yemeni island and offer humanitarian support

Saudi Arabia has deployed troops to the Yemeni island of Socotra, the Arab coalition supporting Yemen's government against Iran-backed rebels announced on Sunday.

The Saudi troops will conduct joint training exercises on the island alongside UAE and Yemeni forces, coalition spokesman Turki Al Malki said.

The move was undertaken in co-ordination with the Yemeni government, the coalition said.

https://www.thenational.ae/world/mena/saudi-military-sends-troops-to-socotra-island-1.730150

cp2 Allgemein / General

Eingebetteter Medieninhalt

(B K P)

»Über die schändliche Rolle der Bundesregierung aufklären«

Seit drei Jahren führt Saudi-Arabien Krieg gegen den Jemen. Mit dabei: Die USA, Frankreich und Deutschland. Gespräch mit Ali Al-Dailami

Ali Al-Dailami ist Mitglied des geschäftsführenden Vorstandes der Partei Die Linke und Kreissprecher in Gießen. Er kam als Sohn politischer Flüchtlinge zu Beginn der 90er Jahre aus dem Jemen nach Deutschland

Warum gibt es so wenig Berichterstattung über diesen Krieg, der bereits seit drei Jahren stattfindet?

Das liegt zum einen daran, dass der Jemen für viele schlichtweg unbekannt ist. Gleichzeitig wird mit Falschinformationen gearbeitet. Hinzu kommen weitere Konfliktfelder in der Region, welche die Aufmerksamkeit auf sich ziehen, obwohl es sich im Jemen um die größte humanitäre Krise unserer Tage handelt. Und es sind insbesondere »Bündnispartner« der deutschen Bundesregierung, die den Jemen in Schutt und Asche legen.

Welches sind die Ursachen für den Feldzug Saudi-Arabiens gegen den Jemen?

Die Gründe sind geostrategischer, militärischer, aber auch religiöser Natur. Der Jemen galt jahrzehntelang als Hinterhof der saudischen Herrscherfamilie, die dort schalten und walten konnte, wie sie wollte. Insbesondere die schiitischen Saiditen, die es in dieser Form und Anzahl nur noch im Jemen gibt und deren Rechtsschule 40 Prozent der Jemeniten anhängen, waren und sind den Saudis ein Dorn im Auge.

Deutsche Rüstungskonzerne liefern Waffen an Saudi-Arabien. Was ist die politische Position der Bundesregierung?

Die Bundesregierung ist tatsächlich immer noch der Meinung, dass Saudi-Arabien ein »Stabilisator« in der Region ist. Gleichzeitig hat sie ihre Ankündigung gebrochen, keine Waffen an Länder zu liefern, die gegen Jemen Krieg führen. Hinzu kommt, dass Saudi-Arabien bereits seit den neunziger Jahren in Lizenz deutsche Sturmgewehre in Riad produzieren darf.

https://www.jungewelt.de/artikel/332538.über-die-schändliche-rolle-der-bundesregierung-aufklären.html

(? B H K P)

Der Bürgerkrieg im Jemen – was du dazu wissen musst

Alle zehn Minuten stirbt ein Kind, 17 Millionen Menschen hungern: Seit drei Jahren leidet der Jemen unter einem Bürgerkrieg. Doch hierzulande nimmt kaum jemand Notiz davon. Du willst die Hintergründe der Kämpfe wissen? Ich habe sie für dich recherchiert. (nur für Mitglieder)

https://krautreporter.de/1890-

(* B K P)

A Saudi Coalition Attack on Hodeidah Would Be Disastrous

Reuters reports that Saudi coalition forces are massing for an assault on the port city of Hodeidah:

A coalition attack on the port and its environs would be disastrous for the civilian population that depends on the port for what few goods are allowed in. If the coalition did this, it would be compounding the effects of its blockade and bombing campaign. The humanitarian crisis is already the worst in the world, but attacking the port would still manage make it even worse. A coalition assault would very likely lead to mass starvation, and the loss of life would be measured in the hundreds of thousands or possibly millions.

The new U.N. envoy for Yemen recently warned against an attack on the port:

Continued U.S. support for the coalition gives them the encouragement and the means to attempt an attack. The U.S. has to use whatever influence it has with the coalition governments to prevent this assault, or it will be complicit in causing the deaths of countless innocent Yemenis – by Daniel Larison

http://www.theamericanconservative.com/larison/a-saudi-coalition-attack-on-hodeidah-would-be-disastrous/

Remark: Look at cp17a for more reports.

(* B H K P)

Fatima Kermalli: The world must respond to Yemen's crisis

It may seem that the state of affairs around the globe is well-known because of the widespread and rapid flow of information.

But it is not always the case as many problems in nations go unnoticed. Yemen, with a population of 27 million, is a country south of Saudi Arabia and is under siege in what is called the "forgotten war."

One might think, that this country would be in the forefront of broadcast news and make headlines in newspapers, but it has not had that kind of attention, although it has been ravaged by unwarranted aggression by foreign intrusion that has caused the suffering of millions.

Unfortunately, politics and self-interests have become more important than the needs of the people. Despite the dire predicament in Yemen, little is done to rectify the situation.

Hence, Yemen has become another nation where destruction and killing have become part of people's daily lives. For those of us living in relative peace, we can never fully comprehend the lives of those living in unending fear, devastation and uncertainty.

http://www.mcall.com/opinion/mc-yemen-humanitarian-crisis-kermalli-0514-20180513-story.html

(* B H K)

Yemen conflict: Portrait of a war that the world turned its back on

EXCLUSIVE: The Yemen conflict rages on, ignored or forgotten, our Defence Editor Robert Fox and legendary war photographer Sir Don McCullin reveals its horrors

The governorate of Marib is a physical hinge between Yemen north and south — which is what much of this deadly contest is about. The town itself is small, now increasingly looking like a giant fly-tipping opportunity as thousands of refugees pour in each month.

“The population has gone up more than 10 times in two years,” says Governor Sultan al-Aradah, a former major-general. “We are now two million. We used to have school for 6,000 and now we need places for 120,000.” Most refugees have fled Sana’a. Almost every family has suffered a death or injury. His own son, 21, was killed by the Houthis in the capital two years ago.

Because of its strategic position Marib is the forward operating and training base for Saudi-led forces. It has a small airport, an oilfield and, in a country parched by drought, a minimal water supply from the Marib dam.

Amman Bin Jamini, six, is about to have a new leg fitted. He was with a group of six boys who picked up a mine — all his friends were killed. Fadil Aki, 14, grabbed an anti-tank mine by its handle before it blew up, shattering his leg. (photos, film)

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/yemen-conflict-portrait-of-a-war-that-the-world-turned-its-back-on-a3838226.html

But the biggest problem no one seems to be answering is the long-term lack of water. Rampant diphtheria and cholera are signs of a wrecked water supply. Soon, for many millions of Yemenis, there could be no water at all.

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/yemen-conflict-cholera-to-cluster-bombs-and-now-the-water-is-starting-to-run-out-a3838241.html

Comment: A report from a reporter embedded with the army paid for by Saudi Arabia and notionally supporting Hadi.

https://www.facebook.com/judith.brown.794628/posts/10156681775308641

Hmmm it's one perspective but it's a very anti-Houthi one

https://www.facebook.com/judith.brown.794628/posts/10156681764088641

(A P)

Saleh’s Son Intensifies Efforts to Garner Support of his Father’s Loyalists in Yemen

Ahmed Ali Saleh, the son of slain former Yemen President Ali Abdullah Saleh, has intensified his political efforts to garner the support of senior members of his father’s National People’s Congress in an attempt to inherit the family’s political legacy.
His efforts coincide with the role played on the field by his cousin and the late president’s nephew, Tareq Saleh, in avenging the Houthis.

https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/1267756/saleh%E2%80%99s-son-intensifies-efforts-garner-support-his-father%E2%80%99s-loyalists-yemen

Remark: By Saudi media.

(A B K P)

Houthis' initiative rejected unless they recognize UN resolution 2216

The spokesman for the Arab coalition forces Colonel Turki al-Maliki pointed out that any Houthi initiative without the radical rebel group's recognition of UN resolution no. 2216 is rejected.

In response to a question about initiatives launched by Houthi leaders in social media calling for the cessation of coalition operations in return for halting ballistic missiles, Maliki said: "The wise and serious initiatives come through the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy. He said that the coalition has the operational capability to deal with the rebels' missile attacks, which pose a regional and international threat.

"The Houthis must recognize the relevant Security Council resolutions, the first of which is resolution 2216, which represents the will of the international community, which underlined the three references to political solution; UN resolution 2216, the Gulf initiative and its executive mechanism, and the outcomes of the comprehensive national Yemeni dialogue," he said.

https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-18380

My comment: This means: We will continue bombing Yemen until the Houthis will capitulate.

(B K P)

BDC discussion addresses protracted Yemen war

Baraa Shiban, Middle East and North Africa Caseworker at Reprieve, stated that, “We are in a conflict today not because there are people fighting but because the political transition that was supposed to happen was not implemented. There is no parallel political discussion happening right now that says we have an alternative plan for what is happening.”

https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/12/05/2018/BDC-discussion-addresses-protracted-Yemen-war

Comment: Shiban harks back to the failed NDC. the plan that aimed to put all the same old elites back in power.

https://www.facebook.com/judith.brown.794628/posts/10156676364873641

(A K P)

Interactive Map of Yemen

https://yemen.liveuamap.com/

(* B P)

Gerald M. Feierstein, former US ambassador to Yemen: The Emiratis have played a double game in Yemen operating under UNSCR 2216 while undermining the Yemeni government and threatening Yemen’s unity all the time refusing to explain or justify their actions. This is unacceptable. They need to clarify what they think they’re doing

https://twitter.com/j_feierstein/status/994019616790929409

Nabeel Khoury: I see, and if they justify and clarify it will all be fine? The trouble, dear Gerry, is not with the Emiratis and Saudis but with those who handed them the Yemen file and then empowered them to commit war crimes with impunity!

https://twitter.com/khoury_nabeel/status/995218762507980800

cp2a Saudische Blockade / Saudi blockade

Siehe / Look at cp1

(* A K P)

Cargo of Russian Wheat Hit by Missile Near Yemen Destination

A ship carrying Russian wheat to Yemen was hit by a missile last week near its destination, highlighting the risk of supplying a market that’s embroiled in a conflict.

The missile exploded Thursday inside the hold of the Ince Inebolu, which was carrying about 50,000 metric tons of wheat and anchored 70 miles (113 kilometers) off the coast of Yemen, according to Istanbul-based Ince Shipping Group, the vessel owner. The captain reported no casualties and the wheat wasn’t damaged. It’s unclear who fired the missile.

Ince Shipping said the ship was ordered by a Saudi naval vessel to head to the Saudi port of Jizan following the attack, and it’s currently outside the Red Sea port, ship-tracking data on Bloomberg show. Yemen’s Fahem Group is the buyer of the Russian cargo, Ince said.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-05-14/cargo-of-russian-wheat-hit-by-missile-near-yemen-destination

(A K P)

Targeting commercial, relief vessels aims to kill Yemeni people: Official

Minister of Transport, Zakaria al-Shami on Saturday said that targeting the commercial, humanitarian and relief ships by Saudi-led coalition is a deliberate crime to kill the Yemeni people.

http://www.sabanews.net/en/news495995.htm

and

(A K P)

Arab Coalition tows damaged Turkish vessel to Jazan

The Arab Coalition has towed the mysteriously damaged Turkish vessel to Jazan seaport upon a received call from the vessel's captain, the captain told the media.

https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-18340

My comment: Look at YPR 412, cp2a for earlier reporting. The wheat will not reach the people who are in need of it – the vessel was brought to Saudi Arabia.

(* B H P)

East Africa Key Message Update, April 2018

The major ports in Yemen remain open and imports continue to flow through Al Hudaydah, Salif, and Aden. However, levels of imports for food and fuel, specifically through the Red Sea ports at Al Hudaydah and Salif, remain volatile and in February were lower than pre-blockade levels. However, WFP reports suggest national-level stocks of cereals and rice have increased by approximately 25 percent between late January and late March, from approximately 684,000 MT to 851,000 MT. Meanwhile, large-scale assistance continues to prevent a deterioration from Crisis (IPC Phase 3) to more extreme levels in many western governorates.

https://reliefweb.int/report/somalia/east-africa-key-message-update-april-2018

cp3 Humanitäre Lage / Humanitarian situation

(* A H)

Doctors Without Borders rebuilds a hospital in Sa'ada #Yemen, which was destroyed by US/Saudi airstrikes in October 2015. They bombed that hospital despite receiving its GPS co-ordinates two weeks prior.

https://twitter.com/shireen818/status/996376949428817920 referring to https://twitter.com/msf_yemen/status/996372893809422336 (photo)

and film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNHFL2N45Bw&t=6s

(B H)

UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs: Yemen: Humanitarian Fund Dashboard (YHF) (as of 1 May 2018)

The YHF is mobilizing and channeling resources to humanitarian partners to respond to the critical needs of millions of people affected by the devastating humanitarian crisis in Yemen. The YHF is operating in alignment with the Yemen Humanitarian Response Plan (YHRP), with the objective of expanding the delivery of humanitarian assistance by focusing on critical priorities and needs.

https://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/yemen-humanitarian-fund-dashboard-yhf-1-may-2018

(B H)

World Food Programme: Yemen - Humanitarian Imports Overview, April 2018

The chart represents WFP food imports for its programmes in Yemen, and it includes food commodities imported through commercial vessels as well as chartered vessels for humanitarian cargo.

For the first time, in April 2018 WFP had three vessels simultaneously at the three ports (Aden, Hodeidah and Saleef), in addition to the two vessels VOS Apollo and VOS Theia facilitated by the Logistics Cluster.

In April, the Logistics Cluster facilitated three airlifts from Djibouti to Sana’a.

The Logistics Cluster facilitates the cargo transport via sea on board the WFP-chartered vessels VOS Apollo and VOS Theia. VOS Apollo operates a weekly rotation between Djibouti and Aden, whereas VOS Theia travels on average three times a month between Djibouti and Hodeidah. Both vessels can carry both cargo and passengers, and can be used as staff evacuation means.

https://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/yemen-humanitarian-imports-overview-april-2018

(A H)

Real time pictures Good morning guys, @monarelief's ground crew delivering now food aid baskets funded by Kuwaiti donors to IDPs and vulnerable families in Sana'a governorate. #Yemen #monarelief #ramadan2018

https://twitter.com/Fatikr/status/996307654099324929

https://twitter.com/Fatikr/status/996502522985578498

Jewish minority members in #Yemen received today monthly food aid baskets from @monarelief Each basket contains wheat, suger, rice, cooking oil, milk and dates. Our project was funded by @monareliefye's online fundraising campaign. Please share and RT #monarelief #ramadan2018 (photos)

https://twitter.com/Fatikr/status/996079233410781185

(A H)
‏ @ShareYemen
: It was a rush against time 2day:we jumped from one side 2the other of #Sanaa2 deliver 30 food baskets in different areas knowing the families were in particular need #Ramadan is approaching &we want 2thank those who supported &continue to support our efforts (photos)

https://twitter.com/ShareYemen/status/996525603619733504

(* A H)

Yemen Humanitarian Update Covering 10 – 14 May 2018 | Issue 15

Health Cluster partners finalise cholera preparedness plans as rains could trigger another epidemic.

The total number of households displaced by conflict to areas accessible by the Aden Hub has significantly increased to 15,600.

WHO has delivered over seven metric tonnes of cancer and chemotherapy medications to the National Oncology Centre in Sana’a.

https://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/yemen-humanitarian-update-covering-10-14-may-2018-issue-15

(* A H)

MSF suspend their Taiz activities

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), otherwise known as Doctors without Borders, said on Saturday they were suspending their activities in the southwestern province of Taiz for security reasons, Anatolia news agency reported.

In a statement, MSF said they regret that they have to suspend their activities in the province "because of the deteriorating security situation in recent weeks".

The organization's closure comes in the aftermath of the storming of al-Thawra main hospital Hospital in the city by an armed group last Sunday, and the assassination attempt against one of the patients and the detonation of a bomb within the hospital's yard.

https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-18379

(* A H)

#Sanaa Airport To Operate Twice A Week For Medical Evacuation
Yemeni government in exile approved the commencing of an air bridge for medical evacuation from Sanaa.
According to Saudi news agencies: 'The operation should include bi-weekly flights for the sick, especially those with illness that exegetes being treated abroad, in coordination with the Arab led coalition, the UN, World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Food Program (WFP), in addition to the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Yemeni Lise Grande.'

https://www.facebook.com/LivingInYemenOnTheEdge/photos/a.961595153893515.1073741828.961126490607048/1742203735832649/?type=3

and

(* A H)

As instructed by President Hadi, I discussed today with Lise Grande, #UN Humanitarian Coordinator & UNDP Resident Representative in #Yemen, organizing flights from #Sanaa airport for patients that need treatment abroad in coordination with the Arab Coalition, the #UN & the #WHO.

https://twitter.com/almekhlafi52/status/995788309879312387

Comment: Some good news for thousands of Yemenis in need of immediate care abroad

https://twitter.com/Shuaibalmosawa/status/995802588724580354

My comment: This is by the Hadi government’s Foreign Minister. The Saudi coalition blocks all passenger flight to and from Sanaa, with deadly effects for those who cannot leave the Houthi-held part of the country for medical treatment. Well, I first believe when the flights really go.

And

(* A H P)

Sanaa Airport coming to life again

Forging minister in the Yemeni government Abdulmalik Almekhlafi said (Monday), the government will arrange air flights from Sanaa international airport, after one and half years of closure under the control of Houthis.

Almekhlafi said in a tweet “the flights will be only for sick and who in need of treatment passengers and this will be done in coordination with the coalition, United Nation, and world health organization”

He indicates that this has been discussed with Liz Grande Representative of the Secretary-General for Human affairs.
He added “soon we will announce the details of this agreement which comes from our effort to ease the tragedy of Yemeni people which caused by Houthis militia the one refuses to evacuate Sanaa airport and put obstacles to avoid reopening of the airport

http://almasdaronline.com/article/98887

(A H)

Qasim's Ramadan Food Baskets For Needy & Orphans Campaign, Yemen

With my team at Share Aid Yemen along with our partners A World Without Barriers we want to beat the odds, racing against time.
We are launching our Ramadan Campaign aimed at providing the neediest families with a basket comprising (25kg of Flour, 10kg Rice and 10kg Sugar, 4 liters of Cooking Oil, 2kg of Milk Powder, 2 kg of Dates.)
How to help? You can sponsor a basket (30£) and you can also fundraise for the cause. You can raise awareness, you can share our message.
United we can beat odds, starting from now.

Qasim Al-Shawea
Founder of Share Aid Yemen Organization.
Visit Our Twitter Account at @ShareYemen & check our humanitarian missions at the ground in Yemen.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/qasim-al-shawea

(B H)

Yemen | Nutrition Cluster Dashboard (January to March 2018)

https://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/yemen-nutrition-cluster-dashboard-january-march-2018

https://reliefweb.int/map/yemen/yemen-nutrition-cluster-sam-gap-analysis-31-march-2018

https://reliefweb.int/map/yemen/yemen-nutrition-cluster-mnp-gap-analysis-31-march-2018

https://reliefweb.int/map/yemen/yemen-nutrition-cluster-bsfp-gap-analysis-31-march-2018

https://reliefweb.int/map/yemen/yemen-nutrition-cluster-iycf-e-gap-analysis-31-march-2018

https://reliefweb.int/map/yemen/yemen-nutrition-cluster-plw-acute-malnutrition-treatment-gap-analysis-31-march-2018

(B H)

Infographic: Yemen: Shelter/NFI/CCCM Cluster Dashboard for April 2018

https://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/yemen-shelternficccm-cluster-dashboard-april-2018

(* B H)

Government of Yemen: Social Fund for Development Newsletter - Edition No. 80, October – December 2017

As the continued conflict deteriorates the economic and social life of Yemenis, the SFD’s emergency programs have become a value added in the country; bridging relief and development action. SFD has been accomplishing this by providing a portfolio of diverse interventions streamlining the cash for-work mechanism. As a result, such interventions meet priorities of severely affected households and provide the basic services to the surrounding community.

In order to combine relief and development and to avert exclusion of community groups, the project life cycle, including the design, implementation and monitoring, has been intensively adapted in order to result in the mitigation of conflict impact on the lives of the target communities. These adaptation procedures have meant to enhance equity, equality, transparency and dispute prevention. The latest procedure was the development of an acceleration plan so SFD can spend US$12 million per month.
Involving the donors in such an adaptation process has been a crucial part to help achieve the optimal use of funds and better support the beneficiaries.

As a result, for example, the cash-for-work interventions under the YECRP have been preferred by 95% of related beneficiaries according to a third-party independent evaluation. This preference is referred to multi-benefits, namely the delivery of 80% of the funds to the hands of the poor in labor wages that have enabled them to choose to meet their priority needs notably the life-saving food and medication.

Meantime, the resulted basic services have enhanced the communities’ resilience and kept them away of life threatening coping mechanism in light of the massive spread of food insecurity and epidemics.

https://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/social-fund-development-newsletter-edition-no-80-october-december-2017

cp4 Flüchtlinge / Refugees

Siehe / Look at cp1

(* B H)

International Organization for Migration: IOM Yemen Weekly Situation Report 29 April - 5 May 2018

Provided healthcare assistance to 136,108 IDPs and other conflict affected Yemenis and 13,712 migrants between January and April 2018, including 10,375 Yemenis and 578 migrants during the reporting week. Healthcare services were provided through 47 IOM-supported healthcare facilities.

Distribution of 474,780 LLINS was completed as part of the 25 April–2 May LLINs Campaign, with 765,073 LLINs distributed to date under the Global Fund (GF) Middle East Response (MER) Project in Yemen. 229 Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) were trained in malaria Integrated Community Case Management.

3,187 conflict-affected children (858 girls and 2,329 boys) benefitted from a range of activities—including acting, art, sports, and orientation on recycling and personal hygiene—provided in 34 Child-Friendly Spaces.

https://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/iom-yemen-weekly-situation-report-29-april-5-may-2018

(A H)

UNHCR Somalia: Refugees and Asylum-seekers Statistical Report - 30 April 2018

https://reliefweb.int/report/somalia/unhcr-somalia-refugees-and-asylum-seekers-statistical-report-30-april-2018

(* A H)

On May 13, IOM UN Migration Agency & UNHCR the Refugee Agency Evacuates 124 Somali Refugees via sea out of #Aden, #Yemen, heading to #Berbera,#Somalia through IOM's Voluntary Humanitarian Return (VHR) This is the 8th evacuation in 2018 and totaling 1,064 #Refugees (photos9

https://twitter.com/iom_yemen/status/995772292352434176

(* B H)

Film: Yemen - The Suffering Of Displaced People In Lahj Province Worsens As Ramadan Approaches

As the month of Ramadan approaches, the suffering of displaced people in camps in the southern province of Lahj increases. The displaced suffer from a lack of food, water and medicine, as well as a lack of basic humanitarian support in the absence of the concerned organizations. Displaced people demand urgent relief assistance, especially as the holy month of Ramadan approached

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8pk7htcuhc

(* B H)

PHOTOS: Displaced children in Yemen conflict

http://www.punchng.com/photos-displaced-children-in-yemen-conflict/

cp5 Nordjemen und Huthis / Northern Yemen and Houthis

Siehe / Look at cp1

(A K P)

20 coalition-backed militants released in Dhamar

A total of 20 Saudi-led aggression coalition-backed militants were released by security services in Dhamar province on Tuesday, an official told Saba.
The released had fought alongside with the coalition forces.

http://www.sabanews.net/en/news496368.htm

(A P)

Tens of thousands of Yemenis protest against U.S. embassy opening in al-Qud

Tens of thousands of Yemeni people took to the streets in the capital Sanaa on Tuesday to protest against the United States opening of its embassy in al-Quds (Jerusalem).

http://www.sabanews.net/en/news496342.htm

photos / films

https://www.facebook.com/tvalsahat/videos/vb.444866698870281/1973485589341710/?type=2&theater

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dBbSiIAysI

https://twitter.com/narrabyee/status/996443950083952642

https://twitter.com/A_mtrz/status/996411467313315840

https://twitter.com/HetarBander/status/996130509137817601

https://twitter.com/narrabyee/status/996385379593965568

(A K P)

New unit of Yemeni Special Forces graduates

A new unit of Yemeni Special Forces has graduated, determined to defend the Republic against all enemies.

A new batch of Special Forces of the Yemeni military has graduated, marking yet another group of highly-skilled and well-trained elite forces to be sent to the defence of the Republic of Yemen. Military media of the Armed Forces published photos of the graduation ceremony on Monday.

https://yemen-rw.org/2018/05/14/new-unit-of-yemeni-special-forces-graduates/

(A H P)

PM discusses relations, cooperation with WFP Regional Director

Prime Minister on Monday, Abdul Aziz Saleh bin Habtoor, met in capital Sanaa with the Regional Director of the World Food Program for the Middle East and North Africa, Muhannad Hadi, who is currently visiting Yemen.

http://www.sabanews.net/en/news496257.htm

(A K P)

Weakened Houthi rebels resort to recruiting African fighters

The Houthi militia detained 120 African immigrants and recruited them to fight in their ranks in the warfronts of al-Barah and al-Kamb (west of Taiz) after failing to recruit Yemeni tribesmen to fight in their side.

Yemeni sources told the Saudi daily Okaz that these Africans were arrested in the province of Ibb and some were transferred to Dhamar province for training.

https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-18381

remark: There are thousands of Africans fighting for the Saudi coalition in Yemen…

(A P)

Houthis Handed an activist dead body to his family

Houthis militia have handed the body of one of the political activists who tortured to death by them in Taiz- West Yemen.

Houthis handed the body of Sadiq Qaied Alhaidari to his family after three years of incarceration in their prisons, Sadiq a member of Islah party in Taiz.

http://almasdaronline.com/article/98882

(A K P)

New Yemeni batch if special forces of security graduated today in a secret place. The new well-trained soldiers will soon be deployed within the security forces in the main cities like Sanaa & Hodeida to bolster security (photos)

https://twitter.com/narrabyee/status/995725649796128768

(A P)

Two mass rallies in Ibb to praise Yemeni missile forces

http://www.sabanews.net/en/news496094.htm

(A P)

Houthi militants on Saturday appointed a mosque imam as health minister in their government. Now people are saying on social media: Houthis have replaced physicians with preachers & medicines with prayers. Reports say the new minister is a brother in law to leader of Houthi Group

https://twitter.com/FuadRajeh/status/995425428264374274

(* A P)

3 sentenced to death for collaborating with foreign state

The Specialized Penal Court in Sanaa, chaired by Judge Abdu Rajeh, on Saturday sentenced three persons to death after being convicted of collaborating with a foreign country and engaging in gangs of Al-Qaeda.

The verdict convicted both of Abdurhaman Ali Ali al-Shaiba and Essam Aziz Ezzi al-Tayyb of collaborating with a foreign country and assisting the Saudi aggression state during 2015-2016, and punished them with death.

http://www.sabanews.net/en/news495965.htm

and

(*A P)

Two spies among three sentenced to death in Yemen, Houthi media says

Two sentenced to death for 'providing information to a foreign state and co-operating with aggressor state Saudi Arabia'

Two men were sentenced by the criminal court in Sanaa for "providing information to a foreign state and co-operating with aggressor state Saudi Arabia between 2015 and 2016," the Saba agency reported.

A third man was sentenced for belonging to Al-Qaeda, Saba said.

http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/two-spies-among-three-sentenced-death-yemen-houthi-media-says-1620714756

cp6 Südjemen und Hadi-Regierung / Southern Yemen and Hadi-government

Siehe / Look at cp1b (Socotra)

(A P)

UAE-backed separatist commander vows to secede from Yemen soon

Muneer Al-Yafey, a commander in the Emirati-backed mercenary forces, has vowed that the southern part of Yemen will secede from the Republic of Yemen soon, in order to form its own independent country.

Al-Yafey commands a unit of the so-called Security Belt militia, an armed mercenary group supported by the United Arab Emirates and consisting mostly of South Yemeni separatists.

In a speech marking the anniversary of the so-called “Southern Separatist Council” held in Lahj province, the commander said that his forces will remove all Saudi-backed troops from the south of Yemen, specifically from the south-eastern province of Hadhramaut. After that, Al-Yafey vowed, the separatists will set about seceding from the Republic of Yemen and establishing an independent country alltogether.

https://yemen-rw.org/2018/05/14/uae-backed-separatist-commander-vows-to-secede-from-yemen-soon/

(A P)

Hadi receives credentials of new foreign ambassadors to Yemen

President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi received today the credentials of a number of newly appointed foreign ambassadors to Yemen. He received the credentials of the new Egyptian, Nigerian, Bosnian, Polish, and New Zealander ambassadors.

http://www.sabanew.net/viewstory/33171

Remark: At Riyadh.

(A P)

Prime Minister to Riyadh after few hours from arrival to Aden

After few hours of his arrival to Aden today (Monday), the prime minister Ahmed Bin Daghr left Aden to Riyadh - Saudi Arabia.

Sources said the prime minister left to Riyadh to meet the president Hadi and to inform him about the last situation updates especially at Socotra.

http://almasdaronline.com/article/98905

(A T)

Yemen leader of Assaaid Mosque of Taiz, Mohammed Dhubhani was killed early today as went out for dawn prayer. He's 3rd leader killed in less than 2 months this year in this city which is ruled by conflicting extremist groups. These groups r proxies of UAE-Saudi invaders (graphic photo)

https://twitter.com/narrabyee/status/995884495441203200 and also https://twitter.com/Dr_E_Kendall/status/996000248781819904 and http://almasdaronline.com/article/98893

(* A T)

#AQAP #Yemen issues 1st formal claim in 2weeks: Ansar al-Shari'a (Hamza al-Zinjibari battalion) killed dozens of #UAE-backed Security Belt forces & destroyed several mil vehicles in al-Maraqisha mountains, Abyan. 3-day battle began dawn Thurs & involved coalition & US air power

https://twitter.com/Dr_E_Kendall/status/995925011897700352

(A P)

Free Nidal-Zakaria campaign garners wide reaction

A social media campaign launched at 8:00 pm on Saturday, to press for the release of Nidhal Bahwirth and Zakaria Kasem has garnered wide reaction but not yet the release of the two educational figures held by Aden security police.

Nidhal and Zakaria were abducted by Aden policemen on 27th January 2018 and 28th March 2018 respectively for no known reason and have since been forcibly disappeared.

Hundreds of thousands reacted with the Free Nidhal-Zakaria hashtag.

The two detainees are widely popular for their role in supply of relief aid to the local community in Aden during the Houthi invasion of the city in 2015.

https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-18378

(A T)

A military commander survives an attempt on his life South of Yemen

Local Source said to us that the Commander of the armed 30 brigade colonel Abdulkareem Alsayadi survived an ambush while three of his escort have killed in the attack and two others injured at (hammam Alnubijah-Qaatabah) -West Aldhaleaa.

http://almasdaronline.com/article/98881

(A P)

PM issues directives to defuse tensions between armed tribal men in Aden

Prime Minister Dr. Ahmed bin Daghr on Monday evening instructed the security services in the interim capital Aden to prevent any escalation of tensions between al-Aqareb clan and other tribesmen from Yafea region.

Dozens of heavily armed gunmen from both clans deployed in Aden on Saturday days after a man from Yafe'a was found slain in a farm, in a crime suspected to have been committed by a member of a-Aqareb.

https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-18342

(A P)

East #Yemen tensions yesterday: #UAE-backed Southern Transition Council leaders met with #Mahra Governor to discuss holding a rally next week. Same day, Mahris held peaceful vs UAE military presence in #Socotra. Banners ask UAE to stick to aid & dev, not "occupation" (photo)

https://twitter.com/Dr_E_Kendall/status/995218059773272065

and

(A P)

Film: What's going on in the east of #Yemen, far from the battlefronts with the Houthis? Why should it be getting our attention? Here's a very short extract from my speech @BrookingsDoha last week.

https://twitter.com/Dr_E_Kendall/status/995982173604806656

cp7 UNO und Friedensgespräche / UN and peace talks

Siehe / Look at cp1

(A P)

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, 05 May 2018

The Special Envoy is making good progress towards the production of a framework for negotiations as promised in his briefing to the UN Security Council in April. He plans to put that to the council in the first half of June.

In this, the Special Envoy is grateful for the continuing unhindered and prompt access he continues to enjoy with all the parties. He wishes to correct any impression that the postponement of his visit to Sana’a has in any way impeded his access to Ansar Allah leaders to better understand their own perspectives on his framework for negotiations.

https://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/statement-attributable-spokesperson-special-envoy-secretary-general-yemen-05-may-2018

My comment: There will be no success as long as the UN does not abandon it’s biased UNSC resolution 2216.

cp8 Saudi-Arabien / Saudi Arabia

(* B P)

Is the Saudi Prince becoming a Zionist?

The crown prince and de facto leader of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed Bin Salman, now appears to be parroting Israeli propaganda.

“In the last several decades the Palestinian leadership has missed one opportunity after the other and rejected all the peace proposals it was given. It is about time the Palestinians take the proposals and agree to come to the negotiations table or shut up and stop complaining”, Bin Salman is reported saying in a closed-door meeting with heads of Jewish organizations in New York on March 27th (Israeli journalist Barak Ravid citing Israeli and American sources).

Israeli and Saudi interests have converged in the recent years, under the ostensible context of fighting the one arch-enemy – Iran. We have even seen this convergence in the Saudi (and Israeli) assault on Qatar-based Al Jazeera., as part of the Saudi-led isolation of Qatar for its supposed softness on Iran and “terror”.

Iran is now the main villain, in a kind of cold-war setting. Secretary of State John Pompeo was in Riyadh with Bin Salman on Sunday, saying “Iran destabilizes this entire region. It is indeed the greatest sponsor of terrorism in the world, and we are determined to make sure it never possesses a nuclear weapon.” Ben Norton responded on Facebook post:

“Satire has lost all meaning: The former director of the CIA (which has for decades trained and armed far-right terrorist death squads), who is now US secretary of state, called Iran “the greatest sponsor of terrorism in the world” while he was meeting with regime officials in Saudi Arabia, an extremist Wahhabi absolute monarchy that supported ISIS and al-Qaeda.”

Saudi-Israeli exchanges have been going on for some years now, under the table. Yet the recent US-Saudi unprecedented $110-billion military weapons deal has even begun to worry some Israeli leaders – will the Saudis in some way turn them against Israel?

But Bin Salman is apparently assuring everyone that this will not and cannot happen – because he is now revealing himself as a closet-Zionist. Ari Heistein of Jerusalem Post summated the logic three days ago:

http://mondoweiss.net/2018/05/prince-becoming-zionist/

(A P)

Saudi Arabia: Will Film Business’ Next Big Hope Pan Out?

Saudi Arabia may be the biggest star at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.

The Arab kingdom, which is hosting three panels at the film gathering ranging from theatrical distribution to digital content, has taken up a sprawling space at the Marché du Film, and is handing out ornate booklets to festivalgoers that tout its wealth, burgeoning population of consumers and exotic filming locations. It’s part of a global coming out party for Saudi Arabia, a culturally conservative and oil-rich nation, that just lifted a three-decade ban on cinemagoing.

http://variety.com/2018/film/news/saudi-arabia-cannes-1202804173/

Comment: This is so terrifying that it's insanely funny. God, please save us.

https://twitter.com/BaFana3/status/995754167850369025

(A K P)

FaceOf: Prince Fahad bin Turki bin Abdul Aziz, commander of the joint forces of the Saudi-led Arab coalition in Yemen

Prince Fahad is the new commander of the joint forces of the Saudi-led Arab coalition to restore the legitimate government in Yemen

http://www.arabnews.com/node/1301991/saudi-arabia

(A P)

Saudi Arabia begins redesigning traffic signs to address women

https://english.alarabiya.net/en/life-style/art-and-culture/2018/05/12/Saudi-Arabia-begins-redesigning-traffic-signs-to-address-women.html

cp9 USA

Siehe / Look at cp1

(A P)

US State Department: Press Statement

Heather Nauert, Department Spokesperson

The United States is deeply concerned by the harassment and detention of Baha’is by the Houthis in Sana’a, Yemen. The Houthis have targeted the Baha’i community in inflammatory speech along with a wave of detentions, “court summons,” and punishment without a fair or transparent legal process. These actions over the past year indicate a persistent pattern of mistreatment of Baha’is in Yemen. These actions appear to be an effort to pressure Yemeni Baha’is to recant their faith.

https://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2018/05/282075.htm

My comment: This is not caring for the Bahai, but blaming the Houthis as alledged Iranian “proxies” as part of the US anti-Iranian war.

(A P)

White House: Notice Regarding the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Yemen

The actions and policies of certain former members of the Government of Yemen and others in threatening Yemen’s peace, security, and stability continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States. For this reason, the national emergency declared on May 16, 2012, to deal with that threat must continue in effect beyond May 16, 2018. Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13611.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/notice-regarding-continuation-national-emergency-respect-yemen/

Comment: = more war
+ more airstrikes
+ more drone strikes
+ more siege
+ death, pain and sorrow

https://www.facebook.com/LivingInYemenOnTheEdge/posts/1741922625860760

(* B K P)

Can We All Agree That U.S. Officials Are Lying About Yemen?

‘Tacit support’ for an illegal and brutal war across the board – and it’s still a forgotten and invisible war, thanks to corporate Western media who run in lockstep with the foreign policy of their host states. Whether it’s the U.S. mockingbird media operation at CNN, or the UK’s state-run media giant, the BBC, et al…take your pick.

We’re clearly being lied to about Yemen, and it’s time we all agree to step-up the pace of exposing this lie.

http://21stcenturywire.com/2018/05/11/can-we-all-agree-that-u-s-officials-are-lying-about-yemen/

(* A P)

Erklärung der iranischen Regierung zu Trumps Ausstieg aus dem Iran-Deal – Exklusivübersetzung auf JusticeNow!
Diese Regierungserklärung wurde am 10. Mai auf den Internetseiten des Iranischen Außenministeriums veröffentlicht. Die Erklärung wurde von JusticeNow! exklusiv ins Deutsche übersetzt. Sie spiegelt nicht die Meinung von JusticeNow! wider, sondern soll als wichtiges zeithistorisches Dokument der deutschsprachigen Öffentlichkeit zugänglich gemacht werden. (…)
Der rechtswidrige Ausstieg des US-Präsidenten aus dem Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, JCPOA [offizielle Bezeichnung des „Iran-Deals“, Anm. J.R.], ist nur das Ende der langen und anhaltenden Verstöße gegen dieses Abkommen seitens der Vereinigten Staaten, insbesondere seit dem Amtsantritt ihrer neuen extremistischen Regierung. Mr. Trumps absurde Beleidigungen gegen die große iranische Nation lassen das Ausmaß seiner Ignoranz und seiner Torheit erkennen. Vielmehr gebühren seine haltlosen Anschuldigungen gegen die Regierung der Islamischen Republik Iran einem Regime, welches durch seine Interventionen den Nahen Osten ins Chaos stürzte und Terrorismus und Extremismus entflammte; dessen zionistischer Verbündeter beispiellose Grausamkeiten, Menschenrechtsverletzungen und Aggressionen begeht; und dessen regionale Klienten terroristische Gruppen gebaren und förderten, was Mr. Trump in einer lächerlichen Behauptung der Islamischen Republik Iran andichtet. Es ist bedauernswert, dass ein solches Individuum jetzt das zivilisierte und friedliche amerikanische Volk regiert.

http://justicenow.de/2018-05-12/erklaerung-der-iranischen-regierung-zu-trumps-ausstieg-aus-dem-iran-deal-exklusivuebersetzung-auf-justicenow/

(* A K P)

House Must Vote on Unconstitutional U.S. Role in Catastrophic Saudi War in Yemen

In order to defeat the Sanders-Lee-Murphy resolution in the Senate to end unconstitutional U.S. participation, Defense Secretary James “Mad Dog” Mattis promised that the U.S. would work to end the war. But apparently that was a lie. The war continues.

The Senate has had an up-or-down recorded vote on U.S. participation in the war. But the House has not.

Urge your Representatives to insist on a recorded floor vote on ending unconstitutional, illegal, immoral, counterproductive U.S. participation in the catastrophic Saudi war in Yemen by signing our petition.

https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/house-must-vote-on-unconstitutional-us-role-in-catastrophic-saudi-war-in-yemen?source=twitter&

(A P)

...... Some pictures of the event against the crimes of Saudi-Emirates war on Yemen which was held in front of the white house in Washington .

https://www.facebook.com/SaudiArabia.war.crimes.against.Yemen/posts/1812060509089935

(* B E P)

Post-Iran deal, the US needs a plan to keep nuclear weapons from spreading

Step 3: Negotiate a “gold standard” agreement with Saudi Arabia. For more than a decade, Saudi Arabia has planned to develop its civil nuclear power industry. As part of this effort, the kingdom has announced plans to build at least 16 large nuclear reactors by 2040 while also considering a number of small modular reactors.

The prospect of obtaining Saudi contracts is extremely appealing, if not vital, for the world’s leading nuclear suppliers. At the same time, ever since Riyadh announced plans to build nuclear power plants, some experts have warned that the move makes little economic sense for the oil-rich nation, arguing that the plans are designed to allow the country to become a nuclear threshold state and hedge against Iran’s nuclear program.

https://thebulletin.org/post-iran-deal-us-needs-plan-keep-nuclear-weapons-spreading11820

(* A K P)

As Civilian Deaths in Yemen Mount, Trump Moves to Sell Saudi Arabia Billions More in Bombs

Further demonstrating the willingness of the U.S. to reward and perpetuate the war crimes of its allies, the Trump administration is reportedly moving ahead with a multi-billion-dollar sale of so-called "smart bombs" to Saudi Arabia just weeks after the U.S.-backed Saudi-led coalition bombed a wedding in Yemen, killing more than 20 people.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/05/12/civilian-deaths-yemen-mount-trump-moves-sell-billions-more-bombs-saudi-arabia

cp10 Großbritannien / Great Britain

(A H P)

UK aid helps vaccinate over 450,000 people to prevent the spread of deadly cholera in Yemen

International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt said:

The UK is at the forefront of the international response in Yemen with the first ever phase of a cholera vaccination campaign completed today, helping protect more than 450,000 men, women and children from this potentially fatal disease.

The UK is the fourth largest donor to the humanitarian response in Yemen, providing at least £170 million in the financial year 2018/19.

As penholder for Yemen at the UN Security Council, the UK was responsible for the 15 March Presidential Statement on Yemen which included calls for all parties to the conflict to allow unhindered humanitarian and commercial access

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-aid-helps-vaccinate-over-450000-people-to-prevent-the-spread-of-deadly-cholera-in-yemen

Comment: Well it's like this. The British government sends bombs to kill people and destroy their water and drainage which means Yemenis are vulnerable to water borne diseases. Then they send in some vaccines to stop the spread of these nasty diseases - caused by their bombs - and tell us do that we think they are wonderful.

https://www.facebook.com/judith.brown.794628/posts/10156683037868641

(A P)

Former UK defence secretary: 'we need a new deal to restrain Iran'

Michael Fallon calls out Iran for stepping up supply of arms to Yemen since the nuclear deal was signed three years ago

Iran has exploited the resources from the dismantling of the sanctions regime under the 2015 nuclear agreement to foment and prolong the conflict in Yemen, according to the man who stepped down as British defence secretary last year.

Sir Michael Fallon was the head of the ministry at the time the Iran deal was signed and during the launch of the operation to support Yemen’s government against the Houthi-led rebellion in April that year. The deal gave Iran the resources to sustain and deepen its role in providing supplies to the Houthi rebels.

The veteran Conservative MP has been the highest profile European politician to back US president Donald Trump’s decision to pull out of the agreement that almost three years ago removed sanctions on the Iranian economy in return for a freeze on Iran’s nuclear programme.

“They have used their new financial freedom to step up the supply of arms to the rebels in Yemen to facilitate attacks on Saudi Arabia,” he told The National from his parliamentary office in Westminster.

https://www.thenational.ae/world/mena/former-uk-defence-secretary-we-need-a-new-deal-to-restrain-iran-1.730775

My comment: This is repeating bullshit propaganda, as the Iranian arms supply to the Houtzhis is quite small obviously. It’s a badf joke that a man like Fallon objects this tio Iran – a former minister of a government which had supplied arms worth many billions to Saudi Arabia and the Emirates.

(* B K P)

ACTIVISTS WANT TO USE THE BRITISH COURTS TO END SAUDI ARABIA'S WAR IN YEMEN

The U.K.-based Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) was granted permission to appeal against a 2016 court decision that allowed Britain to continue the sale of arms to Saudi Arabia, which has led a military coalition against Yemen’s Houthi rebels since 2015.

In that time, CAAT claims the U.K. has licensed more than £4.6 billion ($6.2 billion) worth of weapons to Saudi Arabia, including helicopters, grenades, bombs and other missiles. Along with other international agencies, charities and aid organizations, CAAT alleges that weapons sold to Saudi Arabia are being used to target civilians in schools, mosques and markets in Yemen.

If CAAT’s legal battle against the U.K. government is successful, it could be the first time a country has ever officially been found guilty of breaching its own arms export laws after years of “effectively ignoring”obligations by continuing to supply arms to Saudi Arabia, despite the risk they are being used to commit human rights violations.

The ruling could also add further pressures on other countries who have sold weapons to Saudi Arabia during the conflict.

“There’s been a lot more scrutiny in recent months of arms exports to Saudi Arabia,” Smith said.

“It’s going to be a vitally important case and it [could] set an incredibly important precedent, not just here in the U.K., but also internationally.”

http://www.newsweek.com/campaign-group-could-soon-force-uk-stop-selling-arms-saudi-arabia-heres-how-926826?piano_t=1

(* B E K P)

Britain's role in Yemen: Radical change must happen now

Through weapons sales to Saudi Arabia, UK arms dealers continue to profit handsomely from the tragedy in Yemen

The British government has so far remained steadfast in the face of such protest. Despite UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson describing the situation as "the world's largest humanitarian crisis", UK arms dealers continue to profit handsomely from the tragedy.

Since the conflict begun in 2015, over $8bn has been generated in revenue for British arms manufacturers in weapon sales to Saudi Arabia.
Moreover, despite much public protest in March surrounding Bin Salman's visit, Theresa May put the finishing touches to the sale of 48 Eurofighters in a contract worth billions of pounds - a deal very much in keeping with the broader post-Brexit export strategy.

Indeed, it is with Brexit on the horizon, that the UK arms industry has obtained increased importance to this administration.

UK weapons exports to repressive regimes around the world have soared to dizzying heights.

This reflects the growing importance of the general arms trade to the British economy. In an increasingly uncertain economic landscape characterised by low productivity, falling real wages and stagnant GDP growth, the defence industry provides a sticking plaster to disguise this general malaise.

It is, therefore, in the interests of the UK establishment to promote a hawkish foreign policy which generates weapons sales. This economic imperative, which lies at the heart of British capitalism, effectively relegates the humanitarian issues to that of marginal idealism.

Of course, in the real world, the result of this rigid thinking in the UK is that many thousands die as "collateral" because of this export policy.

https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/comment/2018/5/14/britains-role-in-yemen-radical-change-must-happen-now

(A E P)

The British state is capitalising on the increasing authoritarianism & militarism of Turkish President #Erdoğan, by rolling out the red carpet for him. British trade with Turkey has risen to about £16bn this year with up to £1bn in weapons sales, in the last 12 months. (see image)

https://twitter.com/MElmaazi/status/995758741927669761

My comment: prince salman, Erdogan, how nice. Same procedure, same reason.

(A P)

British Minister praises efforts of UAE, Saudi Arabia to deliver humanitarian assistance to Yemeni people

Alistair Burt, Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa Affairs of the United Kingdom, praised the efforts of the UAE and Saudi Arabia to deliver humanitarian assistance to the Yemeni people.

In an interview with the Emirates News Agency, WAM, on the sidelines of the "Beirut Institute Summit" that began yesterday in Abu Dhabi, Burt said that the humanitarian efforts in Yemen focus on water, food, fuel and daily essentials, in light of the statistics that some 85 percent of Yemenis rely on assistance.

He also confirmed the UK’s support for improving the political solution in Yemen and ending the suffering of its people, while those activities that undermine the stability of the region’s countries, such as Yemen, are dangerous, and the UK’s position is a clear rejection of violence and extremism.

http://wam.ae/en/details/1395302688813 = https://www.mofa.gov.ae/EN/MediaCenter/News/Pages/14-05-2018-UAE-Yemen.aspx

My comment: The British government is a firm ally of Saudi Arabia and the UAE, those who buy British arms. In a grotesque way, the british government looks away from Saudi coalition air raids.

(* A K P)

The boss of Britain’s biggest arms company is humiliated at his own yearly bash

Activists from Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) humiliated the boss of Britain’s biggest arms company at his own AGM. They posed a series of excruciating questions to chair Roger Carr about BAE Systems’ bloody relationship with Saudi Arabia.

And according to CAAT, Carr finished the meeting imploring people to remember what a “fine company” BAE is, despite what they had heard. Fat chance.

CAAT posed one question to Carr on behalf of Ahmad Algohbary, a Yemeni who lives in Sanaa. They asked how BAE ‘feels’ when its lucrative supplies kills Yemen’s children:

In response, Carr effectively absolved his company of any guilt in the carnage its weapons create:

Carr, however, contradicted himself at another point in the discussion, saying what BAE does with its produce is important:

And BAE Systems didn’t appear so confident of its innocence when confronted more directly about its responsibility. Because it ejected one campaigner who said it was “complicit in war crimes”:

https://www.thecanary.co/trending/2018/05/11/the-boss-of-britains-biggest-arms-company-is-humiliated-at-his-own-yearly-bash/

and

(* A E K P)

BAE Systems 'does not know' if British weapons used to commit war crimes, chairman admits

Chairman claims arms manufacturer has 'impeccable record on values'

BAE Systems does not know whether its weapons are used to commit war crimes, the defence firm’s chairman has admitted while praising its “impeccable record on values”.

Sir Roger Carr told shareholders gathered at the company’s annual general meeting they were not complicit in war crimes allegedly committed by Saudi Arabia using BAE-made planes and bombs in Yemen.

Asked whether any of its products were used in an airstrike that recently killed at least 20 people at a wedding, including the bride, he replied: “You don’t know and I don’t know.”

Sir Roger later admitted that BAE Systems equipment “may have been used” by Saudi forces in a military intervention to crush anti-government protests in Bahrain in 2011.

Monitors allege that weapons and aircraft manufactured by BAE Systems have been deployed to kill civilians and violate international law in Yemen.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/saudi-war-crimes-yemen-british-weapons-bae-systems-know-agm-values-a8347736.html

My comment: LOL. Just having been used in Bahrain in 2011??? A great part oft he Saudi air force fighter jets are BAE Typhoons. He wants to tell the public he does not know wheher they are used fort he purpose they had been built for???

cp11 Deutschland / Germany

(* B K P)

Krieg im Jemen: Bundesregierung weicht Fragen zu Rüstungsexporten aus

Die große Koalition will keine Waffenexporte in Länder genehmigen, die sich direkt am Jemen-Krieg beteiligen. Welche Länder das sind, sagt sie nicht.

Diese Bewertung ist zwei Monate später noch immer nicht abgeschlossen. Ein Sprecher des Bundeswirtschaftsministeriums sagte am Montag: „Die Aussagen zur Rüstungsexportpolitik im Koalitionsvertrag erörtert die Bundesregierung in all ihren Dimensionen derzeit intensiv.“

„Ich bin ja einiges gewohnt von der Bundesregierung, aber das ist eine ziemliche Frechheit“, sagte Liebich dem Tagesspiegel. Er forderte die Regierung auf, die betroffenen Länder endlich zu benennen, statt die Rüstungsindustrie zu schützen.

Dass bis heute unklar bleibt, welche Staaten überhaupt von dem Exportstopp betroffen sind, ist umso bemerkenswerter, weil schon die vorige Bundesregierung im Januar verkündet hatte, der Beschluss gelte ab sofort.

https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/krieg-im-jemen-bundesregierung-weicht-fragen-zu-ruestungsexporten-aus/22103924.html

(* B K P)

Tochterfirma von Rheinmetall -RWM Italia- ermöglicht Bombenanschläge im Jemen

Gemäß dem Kriegswaffenkontrollgesetz dürfen aus Deutschland keine Waffen an Staaten exportiert werden, welche in einen völkerrechtswidrigen Konflikt involviert sind. Die von Saudi-Arabien angeführte Militärkoalition im Jemen-Krieg verstößt aber laut den Vereinten Nationen gegen das Völkerrecht2. So wurden seitens Saudi-Arabiens nachweislich Bombenanschläge, wie die Tötung der sechsköpfigen Familie, ohne militärische Ziele begangen. Deshalb ist es seit Jahren nicht möglich, Waffen aus Deutschland direkt nach Saudi-Arabien zu exportieren.

Rheinmetall umgeht dieses Verbot, indem das Geschäft mit Saudi-Arabien an RWM Italia ausgelagert wird.

http://www.facing-finance.org/de/2018/05/tochterfirma-von-rheinmetall-rwm-italia-ermoeglicht-bombenanschlaege-im-jemen/

(A K P)

Bomben im Jemen: BKC konfrontiert Rheinmetall

Was richten die Bomben des Rüstungsproduzenten Rheinmetall an? Die Bank für Kirche und Caritas (BKC) hat aktives Engagement auf der Hauptversammlung betrieben.

Zum ersten Mal nahm die Kirchenbank aus Paderborn an der in Berlin abgehaltenen Hauptversammlung von Rheinmetall teil. Sie kam als deutscher Vertreter des europäischen Engagement-Netzwerks institutioneller Investoren, "Shareholders for Change" (SfC). Gemeinsam mit der italienischen Stiftung und dem SfC-Mitglied Fondazione Finanza Etica sowie der italienischen NGO Rete Italiana per il Disarmo, die sich für Abrüstung einsetzt, kritisierte die BKC vor dem Vorstand, Aufsichtsrat und Aktionären von Rheinmetall den Export von Bomben an Saudi Arabien über das italienische Tochterunternehmen RWM Italia SpA.

Da die ethisch-nachhaltige Anlagestrategie der BKC keine Investitionen in Rüstungskonzerne erlaubt, ist über das Shareholders for Change Netzwerk eine einzelne Aktie von Rheinmetall erworben worden, um ein Stimm- und Rederecht an der Hauptversammlung zu haben.

https://www.ecoreporter.de/artikel/bank-fur-kirche-und-caritas-aktives-engagement-bei-rheinmetall-versammlung/

(B K P)

Audio: Keine Kredite für heikle Waffendeals

Waffenexporte sind in die Deutschland genau reguliert. Nicht jedoch, was Rüstungsunternehmen z.B. mit Hilfe von Tochterfirmen im Ausland produzieren. Da könnte Druck auf die Geldgeber helfen, meint Aktivist Thomas Küchenmeister.

https://www1.wdr.de/mediathek/audio/wdr5/wdr5-politikum-gespraech/audio-keine-kredite-fuer-heikle-waffendeals-100.html

(* A P)

Als Steuerzahler zahlen Sie mit an der Finanzierung von Vorfeldorganisationen der USA in Deutschland. Konkret: Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik.

Es ist schon öfter aufgefallen, dass der Mitarbeiter der Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP), Guido Steinberg, von vielen deutschen Medien als Experte zum Interview eingeladen wird. Finanziert wird seine Arbeit von uns Steuerzahlern. Die Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik ist überwiegend vom Bund finanziert. Ein neues Beispiel seiner einseitigen Indoktrination erschien in der Zeitschrift der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Auswärtige Politik. Es fängt mit der Behauptung an, im Nahen Osten betreibe der Iran aggressive Großmachtpolitik. Und es endet mit der Empfehlung, Deutschland solle die Iran-Politik der USA und seiner Verbündeten wie Saudi-Arabiens unterstützen.

Hier zunächst der Einstieg zu dem Beitrag von Dr. Guido Steinberg in der Zeitschrift der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Auswärtige Politik für Mai-Juni 2018: …

Die iranischen Aktivitäten im Jemen und Bahrain haben entscheidend dazu beigetragen, dass Saudi-Arabien und die VAE nach Wegen suchen, die Iraner zu stoppen. Vor allem im Jemen mag dies mit den falschen Mitteln geschehen. Doch ist die Expansion des Iran eine Gefahr für den Nahen Osten mit Auswirkungen auf die Sicherheit Europas. Deutschland sollte deshalb keinen Zweifel daran aufkommen lassen, dass es auf der Seite der Iran-Gegner steht und ihr Ziel einer Eindämmung des Iran teilt. Saudi-Arabien und die VAE sind prowestliche Staaten und ebenso enge wie verlässliche Verbündete der USA, die bei allen Differenzen in Einzelfragen unsere prinzipielle Unterstützung verdienen.“

Eine „aggressive Großmachtpolitik“ jetzt dem Iran zu unterstellen, wie der Autor Steinberg dies tut, stellt die wahren Verhältnisse auf den Kopf. Das ist ein Vorwurf, der die Ziele und Methoden des Westens verdecken soll.

Für diese nackte Propaganda zahlen wir Steuerzahler. – von Albrecht Müller

https://www.nachdenkseiten.de/?p=43931

cp12 Andere Länder / Other countries

(* A P)

Saudi Arabia and UAE care about self-preservation, not democracy

Elections in Malaysia have toppled close Saudi ally Najib Razak. His downfall could expose how and why Riyadh gave him hundreds of millions of dollars in donations

What then truly distresses them [Saudi, UAE] about the Malaysian election result?

Fall of a close ally

The source of distress must surely be the loss of close ally Razak, who has been accused of corruption involving the embezzlement of funds with the collusion of senior UAE and Saudi officials.

Now that Razak is no longer in power and likely to be prosecuted, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh must, surely, be dreading the likelihood that the humiliating defeat incurred upon their ally in Kuala Lumpur might lead to a more transparent investigation into what exactly happened to all those billions of dollars that mysteriously disappeared with the help of Saudi and UAE princes.

It is not hard to guess what Razak was getting out of all of this; surely money and more of it.

But what was it that the Saudis and the Emiratis were getting in exchange?

http://www.middleeasteye.net/columns/saudi-arabia-uae-malaysia-razak-1225600062

(* A P)

Dinner diplomacy: Netanyahu's unusual run-in with UAE envoy

Officially, their governments don't speak. The United Arab Emirates doesn't even formally recognize that Israel exists.

But an impromptu bit of dinner diplomacy between Israel's prime minister and a prominent Emirati ambassador sheds light on one of the worst kept secrets in the Arab world: the quiet ties between Israel and some of its Arab neighbors that are increasingly coming out in the open as they find common cause against mutual foe Iran.

https://www.mrt.com/news/politics/article/Dinner-diplomacy-Netanyahu-s-unusual-run-in-with-12909253.php

cp12b Libanon / Lebanon

Look at cp1

(* A K P)

Hisbollah warnt Israel vor weiteren Raketenangriffen

Die libanesische Schiitenmiliz Hisbollah hat Israel vor weiteren Angriffen auf eigene Stellungen oder die des Verbündeten Iran in Syrien gewarnt. Der Raketenangriff auf den Golanhöhen am Donnerstag sei eine Botschaft gewesen: "Israel kann Syrien nicht weiter bombardieren, ohne dafür eine Antwort zu erhalten", sagte Hassan Nasrallah, Anführer der libanesischen Schiitenmiliz Hisbollah, am Montag.

https://deutsch.rt.com/newsticker/69855-hisbollah-warnt-israel-vor-weiteren/

(* A P)

Bei den Parlamentswahlen im Libanon konnte die Hisbollah sich politisch behaupten. Das Ergebnis zeigt, dass die "Partei Gottes" in allen Teilen der Gesellschaft und religionsübergreifend unterstützt wird. Die Regierung der nationalen Einheit, an der sowohl die westlich orientierte Zukunftspartei als auch die Hisbollah beteiligt war, hat den Libanon in den vergangenen Jahren vor einem Krieg wie in Syrien bewahrt. Möglich war das, weil die regionalen und internationalen Kräfte hinter den jeweiligen Parteien die Kooperation zuließen. Die USA, Europa und die Golfstaaten standen hinter Saad Hariri und der Zukunftspartei, der Iran hinter der Hisbollah.

https://deutsch.rt.com/der-nahe-osten/69828-droht-krieg-israels-gegen-iran/

cp13a Waffenhandel / Arms trade

(* B K P)

Armi italiane nel mondo: dove finiscono e chi colpiscono

[#Italy's arms sold worldwide
45 million euros of bombs to #SaudiArabia that uses them on #Yemen-i civilians, and then there is the rush to arm #Qatar, #Turkey, #Pakistan, #Algeria, #Kuwait, etc]

Bombe per decine di milioni di euro all’Arabia Saudita, che le usa nella guerra in Yemen. E le armi italiane finiscono pure in Nord Africa, Turchia e in tanti altri paesi del Medio Oriente. Un commercio che vede tra i protagonisti la Rwm Italia (della Rheinmetall) e le autorità italiane che lo permettono. Una situazione così grave che gli attivisti hanno presentato un esposto.

Più di 45 milioni di euro di bombe all’Arabia Saudita. Una fornitura che rappresenta un record non solo per la piccola azienda di Domusnovas in Sardegna, dove la Rwm Italiaproduce bombe aeree del tipo MK 82. MK83 e MK84 per conto della multinazionale tedesca Rheinmetall, ma per l’intera produzione italiana di ordigni.

https://www.osservatoriodiritti.it/2018/05/15/armi-italiane-nel-mondo-arabia-saudita-yemen/

(A K P)

4-ship of Royal #Saudi Air Force F-15SA have departed from St. Louis on delivery to the Kingdom. (photo)

https://twitter.com/MbKS15/status/996043862308216833

Photos taken by: Rod Martins of the 4 #RSAF F-15SA fighters (12-1021, 12-1060, 12-1063 and 12-1064) arrived today at RAF #Lakenheath

https://twitter.com/MbKS15/status/996120212259958784

cp13b Söldner / Mercenaries

(* B E K P)

MAPPING ERIK PRINCE'S PRIVATE MERCENARY EMPIRE

P rince is partially responsible for modernizing the private army for the post 9/11 world, outsourcing militaries to cheap, specialized labor pools and skirting traditional regulations meant to ensure accountability for armed forces.

His journey from hiring mercenaries to help bolster the U.S. occupation in Iraq to China is long, dizzying and includes stops around the world to train Colombian mercenaries to help make a private army for the U.A.E. and outfitting crop duster planes with missiles to be fired at Armenians.

He has become a global figure, roaming between conflicts zones to sell various governments his expertise on private armies.

To document his journey thus far, Al Bawaba has compiled a partial list of countries/regions in or for which he has done business.

UAE

I n 2011, Erik Prince was appointed by the crown prince of Abu Dhabi to make a secret, private army. For this, he was paid $529 million.

In documents obtained by the New York Times, the mission of this privately commissioned battalion included “intelligence gathering, urban combat, the securing of nuclear and radioactive materials, humanitarian missions and special operations ‘to destroy enemy personnel and equipment,’ and crown-control.

Prince hired Colombians and nationals of other countries thousands of miles away to fill his ranks from two reasons. First, Prince was looking to pay them as little as possible. Second, they weren’t Muslims. Prince surmised that Muslims could not be trusted to kill other Muslims.

A few years later in 2015, Saudi Arabia began its military intervention in Yemen and recruited a host of other Arab nations to join its coalition. Abu Dhabi’s crown prince, business partner to Erik Prince, Sheik Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, signed up for the cause in order to destroy any creeping Iranian influence in the war-torn nation.

Yemen

Erik Prince and his U.A.E. private military firm helped recruit and train over 1,000 soldiers from Latin American countries. Then, their bodies started appearing on battlefields in Yemen.

A single missile reportedly killed 45 mercenaries from the U.A.E.

Prince’s initial battalion of 800 soldiers had blossomed into almost 2,000 specialized troops hired mostly from Latin America to do the U.A.E.’s business.

Although officials say Erik Prince’s formal business role with the U.A.E. had ended several years before the intervention into Yemen, his corporate blueprint to partially outsource the U.A.E.’s military is doubtlessly still in use.

The U.A.E. keeping and even expanding Prince's blueprint for a private, outsourced army demonstrates just how influencial he and his mercenary business model has become.

https://www.blacklistednews.com/article/65801/mapping-erik-princes-private-mercenary.html

cp13c Wirtschaft / Economy

(A E)

Yemen's Aden refinery seeking 150,000 tonnes of oil products

Yemen’s Aden refinery is seeking 150,000 tonnes of oil products for the local market in two separate tenders, the state news agency SABA said on Sunday.

The refinery is seeking 30,000 tonnes of unleaded petrol and 30,000 tonnes of diesel in its first tender, as fuel supplies ran low because of Yemen’s civil war.

Aden refinery is also seeking 60,000 tonnes of petrol and 30,000 tonnes of heating oil for electricity generation in Aden in its second tender.

https://www.reuters.com/article/yemen-security-fuel/yemens-aden-refinery-seeking-150000-tonnes-of-oil-products-idUSL5N1SK07V

cp14 Terrorismus / Terrorism

(A T)

AQAP militants assassinated a local leader named Ali Mohammed al Tayabi in al Batha area, Dhi Na’im district in southern al Bayda governorate, central Yemen on May 6. AQAP frequently attacks al Houthi forces in al Bayda to gain the trust of local populations and frame itself as the protector of Sunni Muslims.[3]

https://www.criticalthreats.org/briefs/gulf-of-aden-security-review/gulf-of-aden-security-review-may-15-2018

(A T)

Al Qaeda operatives in Yemen killed in suspected U.S. airstrike

Three extremists affiliated with al Qaeda’s Yemeni cell were reportedly killed in a suspected U.S. airstrike in the country’s south on Tuesday.

The three individuals were traveling in a convoy through the Shabwa province in southern Yemen when their vehicle was hit, local Yemeni officials told The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity. Neither U.S. Central Command or the Pentagon have released statements on the incident, but officials claim the strike was carried out by an American drone.

https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2018/may/15/al-qaeda-operatives-yemen-killed-suspected-us-airs/

and

(A T)

Two civilians killed by Drone airstrikes at Shabwah

Two civilians have been killed by an American Drone airstrike with the dawn today(Tuesday) targeted a vehicle at Markha Alsufla- Shabwa (south-east Yemen).

The locals said to our source, two airstrikes launched by the drone targeted a car near Aghdhina dam in Khorah which destroyed and flam up.

The local also indicated that the car was flaming for hours while the drone was hovering the area.

Until now the targets are unknowns but locals said its most likely targeted AlQaida members.

http://almasdaronline.com/article/98913

My comment: So what? As so often, it remains unclear whether really Al Qaeda had been hit.

(A T)

#IslamicState in #Yemen issues a 20 image photoset from Qayfa front battling Houthis in al-Bayda'. Mostly a 2-man band, max 5 in any frame. Includes using weapons, everyday life scenes & reading Qur'an right alongside #ISIL's weekly paper (recognizable as no.129 from 2 weeks ago) (photos9

https://twitter.com/Dr_E_Kendall/status/996077045254934529

(* A T)

IS bekennt sich zu Attentaten in Surabaya

Eine Großfamilie hat in drei Kirchen in Indonesien Selbstmordanschläge verübt. 13 Menschen wurden getötet. Es sind die schwersten Anschläge auf Christen seit Jahren.

Die Zahl der Todesopfer bei den Selbstmordanschlägen auf christliche Kirchen in Indonesien ist gestiegen. Nach Angaben der Polizei sind mindestens 13 Menschen getötet worden, 41 weitere wurden verletzt. Binnen weniger Minuten waren am Sonntag gegen 7.30 Uhr Sprengsätze an drei Kirchen in Indonesiens zweitgrößter Stadt Surabaya explodiert.

Nach Angaben der Polizei kamen die Attentäter alle aus derselben Familie, die zuvor einige Zeit in Syrien gewesen sei. Neben Mutter und Vater gehörten zwei Mädchen im Alter von neun und zwölf Jahren sowie zwei Söhne im Alter von 16 und 18 Jahren zu der Familie, sagte Polizeichef Tito Karnavian.

https://www.zeit.de/politik/ausland/2018-05/indonesien-anschlag-kirchen-islamischer-staat

(* A T)

Family of IS-inspired suicide bombers attack Indonesian churches, at least 13 dead

Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, has seen a recent resurgence in homegrown militancy and police said the family who carried out Sunday’s attacks were among 500 Islamic State sympathizers who had returned from Syria.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-indonesia-bomb-churches/family-of-is-inspired-suicide-bombers-attack-indonesian-churches-at-least-13-dead-idUSKCN1IE01U

cp15 Propaganda

(* B K P)

The Hodeida Campaign (Part 1): Humanitarian and Political Role of Red Sea Ports

Hodeida and al-Salif will process substantially more food imports after the Houthis are evicted, so the United States should back some form of demilitarization of the ports or help liberate them.

Key reasons for the crisis include the collapse of the government payroll inside Houthi-held areas since 2015; Houthi taxation of food entering its areas, as documented by the UN Panel of Experts; and a shortfall of food reaching Yemen via Hodeida, the port closest to the Houthi areas.

In an effort to improve data-led understanding of this issue, the author undertook a survey of Gulf coalition, U.S., and British government as well as NGO metrics on imports via Houthi-held ports, government-held ports, government-held land borders, and airports.

BENEFITS OF LIBERATING HODEIDA

However, inaction at Hodeida carries steep costs. As long as the port is under Houthi control, food merchants and shippers will not return because they fear onerous paperwork, slow turnarounds, war risks, and Houthi taxes. If liberated, the port's capacity could quickly be expanded, especially if the liberation is achieved quickly and carefully. People in government-controlled areas are better off than people in Houthi-controlled areas precisely because they are reconnected to functioning ports and, partially, to the government payroll system.

The war is inexorably creeping closer to Hodeida every day. Washington has three options.

Option 1: Freeze Red Sea military movements but offer no solution

The worst option would be for the United States to continue its behind-the-scenes opposition to a decisive UAE-led military operation to liberate Hodeida and the Red Sea coast, while at the same time offering no alternative.

Option 2: Demilitarize the Houthi Red Sea ports.

The best-case scenario might be demilitarized Red Sea ports under the control of international agencies and local Yemenis—the so-called Hodeida initiative.

Option 3: Support rapid liberation of the ports

If the international community fails to embrace the Hodeida initiative, this summer will witness intensified military operations near Hodeida and al-Salif. In light of such a development, U.S. interests will arguably shift: the fighting must be as short, clean, and decisive as possible. "Scorched earth" sabotage tactics and collateral damage must be kept to an absolute minimum (as will be discussed in Part 2 of this series). If a battle is launched for Hodeida, the United States might view the liberation of the port as the best way to save lives in Yemen by shortening the war and processing more goods because of the greater efficiencies of inspecting cargo on shore. Drawing on defensive authorities to protect Gulf allies and global sea-lanes, the U.S. support could be limited to passive measures such as the detection of Houthi missile launches plus Houthi naval mines and antishipping attacks on the Red Sea coast.by Michael Knights

http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/the-hodeida-campaign-part-1-humanitarian-and-political-role-of-red-sea-port

The Hodeida Campaign (Part 2): Can Yemen Recapture Major Ports from the Houthi Rebels?

The United States should not interfere in the campaign, which has begun and stands a good chance of succeeding, except through steps to make the operation quicker and less destructive.

The key guiding principle for the U.S. government should be to "do no harm"—in other words, to stay out of the way of the UAE-backed Yemeni liberation of Hodeida, al-Salif, and the entire Red Sea coast. Washington should work with other capitals and international organizations to publicly warn the Houthis against any scorched-earth tactics in the ports that could slow their development as food-import locations. If possible, the United States should transmit useful intelligence to the Yemeni government and Gulf coalition that might reduce the destructiveness and duration of the Tihama campaign – by Alexandre mellow and Michael Knights

http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/the-hodeida-campaign-part-2-can-yemen-recapture-hodeida-from-the-houthi-reb

My comment: This is trying to lobby the US into more participation in the Yemen war, even if it is claimed this participation should “be kept to an absolute minimum”. This mostly does not work. If the first principle really would be “"do no harm “, then the US must have stopped selling arms to Saudi Arabia a long time ago, must have stopped supporting the Saudi air campaign by refueling fighter jets and targeting assistance, and so on. – On the author: Who is the author?: http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/experts/view/knights-michael . And where he belongs to: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Washington_Institute_for_Near_East_Policy . One more of these ugly warmongering neocon think lobby tanks. – These articles are tough propaganda.

(A P)

Yemen gets nearly Dh14 billion in UAE relief aid

Areas targeted for support include health, education and energy

Nearly Dh14bn billion in essential aid has been given to Yemen, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation has announced.

The figure covers relief assistance provided between April 2015 and last month across humanitarian and development areas that include education, health, utilities, and energy.

https://www.thenational.ae/uae/yemen-gets-nearly-dh14-billion-in-uae-relief-aid-1.730759

Comment: The very same #UAE has flattened homes, killed civilians, destroyed infrastructure, carpet bombed, imposed a killing blockade on #Yemen, set up secret prisons, invaded the country.

https://www.facebook.com/LivingInYemenOnTheEdge/posts/1743351395717883

(A P)

Coalition Joint Forces presence in Socotra Island due to joint coordination with Yemeni legitimate govt.: Col. al-Maliki

The presence of the joint forces of the Arab Coalition on the island of Socotra is within coordination with the legitimate Yemeni government, and that the coalition welcomes the statement issued by tribes and sheikhs of Saada Governorate, totally rejecting the Iranian-backed Houthi coup, the Official Spokesman for the Coalition to Support the Legitimacy in Yemen, Colonel Turki al-Maliki, announced here today.

Col. Al-Maliki said at the regular conference of the joint forces of the coalition command that the coalition has begun operating humanitarian air bridge, with two monthly flights as per two-week trip from Sana'a to Cairo.

He praised the efforts exerted by the legitimate Yemeni government, the joint forces command, the World Health Organisation, in Yemen, to coordinate and overcome all difficulties resulting from the Houthi coup or problems in the airspace, at Sana'a airport, pointing out that the aircrafts will transport patients or those in need of health care from Sana'a to Cairo, aboard United Nations' aircrafts.

He stressed that the political solution in Yemen must come through the three references: the UN resolution No. 2216; the Gulf initiative and its mechanism of implementation as well as the outcome of the Yemeni national dialogue.

http://wam.ae/en/details/1395302689151 = http://alriyadhdaily.com/article/1caaff2becdc4275bff5bd2923b7779f

My comment: A propaganda roundup

(A P)

KSrelief transfers an injured Yemeni girl to the Kingdom for treatment

King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center has transferred Yemeni girl Alaa Osama Abdelfattah Mohammed from Taiz to Jeddah for treatment after she was injured inside her home that left her left leg amputated as a result of indiscriminate bombing by Iranian backed Al-Houthi militias on populated areas.

https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=1765826

(A P)

Saudi Arabia: Everything is in place for women to drive in June

Landmark decision to allow women to drive will take effect on June 24

https://www.thenational.ae/world/gcc/saudi-arabia-everything-is-in-place-for-women-to-drive-in-june-1.728330

and background: Wahabisation of Indonesia:

(* B P)

Saudi Arabia Is Redefining Islam for the World's Largest Muslim Nation

King Salman's historic visit to Indonesia is the culmination of a long campaign for influence.

https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2017/03/saudi-arabia-salman-visit-indonesia/518310/

(A P)

New Saudi TV station feeds into modernisation drive

Branded "SBC", the channel will broadcast exclusive content including films, talk shows and cooking programmes

https://www.thenational.ae/world/gcc/new-saudi-tv-station-feeds-into-modernisation-drive-1.729890

My comment: Cooking for war.

(A P)

John Bolton: Iran Nuclear Deal Enabled "Turmoil" In Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen

White House national security adviser John Bolton joined CNN's Jake Tapper Sunday morning to discuss the U.S. withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal. He warned that Iran "was able to take advantage of turmoil in the region to advance its interests all across the Middle East, in Iraq, in Syria, in Lebanon, in Yemen."

"The consequences of being able to sell Iranian oil without restriction on the international market were providing them resources not just for their nuclear program, not just as the world's central banker of international terrorism, but conventional hostilities across the region as well," Bolton said.

https://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2018/05/13/john_bolton_iran_nuclear_deal_enabled_turmoil_in_iraq_syria_lebanon_yemen.html

and film https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwdZSkN9P9o

My comment: This is odd; this man will help to lead us into a new war.

(A P)

GCC urges Iran to stop destabilizing region

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on Sunday urged the international community to pressure Iran to respect the UN Charter, stop providing ballistic missiles to Houthi rebels in Yemen to attack Saudi Arabia, and stop meddling in the affairs of Arab states.

“The GCC countries want a Middle East free from all weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons,” said Secretary-General Abdullatif Al-Zayani, adding that Iran has been using its resources to destabilize the region despite a struggling economy.

If Tehran wants regional security, it should meet certain requirements, including “the completion of the nuclear file in terms of inspection, not providing terrorists with ballistic missiles, respecting UN Security Council resolutions and non-interference in neighboring countries,” he said.

The Gulf initiative to resolve the Yemeni crisis has received support from Arab, regional and international countries, Al-Zayani added.

He welcomed the assistance provided by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSRelief) to the Yemeni people.

http://www.arabnews.com/node/1302031/saudi-arabia

My comment: LOL. The destabilizing effects of US and Saudi foreign politics are much higher than those by Iran.

(A P)

Young Saudi man takes selfie with his mother driving

https://english.alarabiya.net/en/variety/2017/10/03/Saudi-young-man-takes-selfie-with-his-mother-driving-.html

(A P)

Yemeni president praises Arab coalition’s support for legitimacy in Yemen

http://www.arabnews.com/node/1301676/middle-east

My comment: Hadi does this on a (at least) weekly basis – this is one of his main jobs.

(A K P)

ERC assesses needs of Perim Island, Yemen

An Emirates Red Crescent, ERC, team yesterday visited Perim Island in the Strait of Bab Al Mandab, Taiz Governorate, to assess its needs, distribute food parcels to local residents.

In a statement, Tayyeb Al Shamsi, Deputy Head of the ERC Team in Aden, said that the ERC’s ongoing support for Perim Island and the Yemeni people is due the directives of the UAE leadership

http://wam.ae/en/details/1395302688637

Comment: #Perim island and #UAE 'humanitarian work' (Emirates News Agency)
The strategic location of the island in Bab el Mandab strait is obviously irrelevant

https://www.facebook.com/LivingInYemenOnTheEdge/posts/1740658609320495

(A P)

Merkel, Macron’s pro-Iran stance will push more chaos in the region

The siren drills in a number of Saudi cities is not a routine amid the tense circumstances of the region as Iran continuous firing ballistic missiles targeting populated Saudi cities through their Houthi agent in Yemen, which shows the danger facing everyone.

Despite this and the spread of the organized violence by the Iranian regime, both governments of Germany and France are promoting the idea to overlook the Iranian wars and respect the nuclear agreement with it.

Can the Germans and the French let us know their solution for what Iran is doing in Iraq, Syria, Gaza and Yemen? They do not anything but seeking to sell weapons, but they refuse to send forces or offer information or logistical services! With exception of a symbolic French force in Syria, we could not say that it makes a difference on the ground!

Thus, The Europeans submission to the Iranian regime is at the expense of the restless Iranian people and the countries of the region which are all targeted by Iran. The only choice left is to get ready for wider wars.

http://english.alarabiya.net/en/views/news/middle-east/2018/05/12/Merkel-Macron-s-pro-Iran-stance-will-push-more-chaos-in-the-region-.html

(*A P)

Arab Coalition to Asharq Al-Awsat: Houthi Leaders are Valid Military Targets

Arab Coalition spokesman Colonel Turki al-Maliki reiterated accusations that the Iran-backed Houthi militias in Yemen have violated International Humanitarian Law through their actions in the war-torn country.
He told Asharq Al-Awsat: “The Houthi members and leaderships are therefore valid military targets according to International Humanitarian Law.”
He explained that the Houthis are attempting to portray their political council as a legitimate authority to justify their control of Yemeni state authorities that they had effectively rebelled against.
They went on to form a government, which they are presenting to the people as being legitimate, he continued.

The Houthis have also manipulated the media to show that the Coalition was targeting civil leaderships, in what the spokesman said was an attempt to mislead the public.

“The Houthis are outlaws … and they do not represent the civilians, who in turn are not a side in the military operations,” he went on to say.

https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/1266781/arab-coalition-asharq-al-awsat-houthi-leaders-are-valid-military-targets

My comment: This is Saudi arbitrary interpretation of international law. In Yemen, who has „violated International Humanitarian Law“ most? Evidently, this are not the Houthis… Political lesderd as „military targets“, another strange interpretation. – And, as there is no legitimacy for the saudi war in Yemen at all, there cannot exist any legitimate military target at all. – and: “The Houthis have also manipulated the media to show that the Coalition was targeting civil leaderships, in what the spokesman said was an attempt to mislead the public”: All the films, photos, reports, of ruins, victims = fake and actors??

(A P)

More Saudi / UAE „We are benefactors“ propaganda

http://www.gulftoday.ae/portal/3195619f-5360-4588-a746-2b6bc45e0ac7.aspx

https://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/erc-provides-emergency-assistance-displaced-people-taiz-yemen

cp16 Saudische Luftangriffe / Saudi air raids

(* A K pH)

Saudi coalition air raids day by day

May 14: https://www.facebook.com/lcrdye/photos/pb.551288185021551.-2207520000.1526387844./1027647637385601/?type=3

May 13: https://www.facebook.com/lcrdye/photos/pb.551288185021551.-2207520000.1526301621./1027151234101908/?type=3

May 12: https://www.facebook.com/lcrdye/photos/pb.551288185021551.-2207520000.1526226447./1026577204159311/?type=3

May 11: https://www.facebook.com/lcrdye/photos/pb.551288185021551.-2207520000.1526137617./1026070370876661/?type=3

May 10: https://www.facebook.com/lcrdye/photos/pb.551288185021551.-2207520000.1526137617./1026069854210046/?type=3&theater

May 9: https://www.facebook.com/lcrdye/photos/pb.551288185021551.-2207520000.1526137617./1026069497543415/?type=3&theater

(A K pH)

Three women injured in Saudi-led air raids on Saada

Three women were injured in Saudi-led coalition warplanes waged seven strikes on Saada province, an official told Saba on Wednesday.
The strikes hit a citizen's house in Sharawi and Al-Zamah areas in Baqim district, wounding three women.

http://www.sabanews.net/en/news496380.htm

(* A K pH)

The US-Saudi Arabian airliner on Tuesday (May 15) committed a new crime against two citizens traveling on two vehicles in the Directorate of Kataf in Saada province and behind three martyrs and two wounded (photos)

https://www.facebook.com/SaudiArabia.war.crimes.against.Yemen/posts/1813245928971393

and film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OG4svqruVw0

(A K pH)

Saudi-led coalition air strike hits gas station in Sanaa

Saudi-led coalition waged on Tuesday an air strike on a gas station in Bain Matar district of Sanaa province, an official told Saba.
The station exploded and caught into huge fire, triggering a panic among the citizens.

http://www.sabanews.net/en/news496366.htm and photo http://26sep.net/news_details.php?sid=136718

(A K pS)

20 airstrikes on Sa’adah and increasing in the intensity of battles at borders.

Coalition Air Forces led by Saudi Arabia have launched today (Monday) a series of Airstrikes on Almahather -Alsafra precinct at Saadah governorate -North of Yemen.

A local source said the coalition fighters launched about 20 airstrikes last night on the area with no more details about the targeted sites.

He said the area is empty inside Almahather but Houthis prevented anyone from coming near the targeted area with an excuse of “the coalition may strike it again”.

Houthis militia media said that the coalition launched 23 airstrikes on Almahather with no farther information.

http://almasdaronline.com/article/98894 and by pro-Houthi news agency: http://www.sabanews.net/en/news496119.htm

(* A K pH)

Coalition fighter jets attack Hodiedah

The strike hit a fishing boat off al-Himah port in al-Tuhitah district.
In the same day, the combat jets waged a series of strikes on Haydan district, injuring a number of civilians.

http://www.sabanews.net/en/news496084.htm

(A K)

I traveled 2 #Hodeidah 2 visit Aisha, I was driving 2 her village yesterday, suddenly #Saudi strikes targeted farms close 2 my car. The bombardment was huge. I got out from the car, I was going 2 die. I didn't find her when I arrived to her village. I won't give up.

https://twitter.com/AhmadAlgohbary/status/996167111478337537

(* A K pH)

Saudi Fighter Jets Killed , Injured 13 Yemeni Civilians in a Farm

Martyrdom and wounding of 13 citizens in a raid targeted a farm in Yemen’s Hodeidah and more than 90 rockets and a shell on Yemen’s Saada

13 civilians were killed and injured in a preliminary incident following a raid from US-Saudi aggression on a farm in Al-garahi Directorate in province of Haidayda, while seven attacks were launched and more than 90 rockets and a shell on Saada during the past hours.

A local source in Hodeidah said that air aggression targeted a farm in Directorate of Al-garahi, which led to death of four citizens and wounding nine others in an endless outcome .. Referring to resumption of aviation targeting area of ​​al-Jahah in Directorate of Beit al-Faqih by three raids, and launched two raids on Ras Issa, (photo9

http://www.newnewss.net/saudi-fighter-jets-killed-injured-13-yemeni-civilians-in-a-farm/ and https://www.facebook.com/LivingInYemenOnTheEdge/photos/a.961595153893515.1073741828.961126490607048/1740840165969006/?type=3

and what pro-hadi gov. propaganda makes of this:
(A K pS)

Airstrikes on New Houthis locations at Hodeida

Eyewitnesses said to Almasdar, the Arabic coalition led by Saudi Arabia launched several airstrikes on a camp and Houthis centers at Hodeida (west – Yemen)

The locals said three airstrikes targeted the presidential guard camp at 16th km area south of Hodeida city, and another 5 airstrikes on Aljah at Hussiniah in Bait Alfaqeeh precinct.

http://almasdaronline.com/article/98925

(* AK pH)

More Saudi coalition air raids reported on:

May 15: https://www.facebook.com/LivingInYemenOnTheEdge/photos/a.961595153893515.1073741828.961126490607048/1743330622386627/?type=3 Saada p.

May 14:

http://www.sabanews.net/en/news496157.htm Sanaa city

http://www.sabanews.net/en/news496119.htm Saada p.

http://www.sabanews.net/en/news496139.htm Marib p.

May 13:

http://www.sabanews.net/en/news496087.htm Marib p.

May 12:

http://www.sabanews.net/en/news495991.htm Hajjah p.

http://www.sabanews.net/en/news495903.htm Hodeidah p.

cp17 Kriegsereignisse / Theater of War

(A K)

Huthi-Rebellen feuern Rakete auf saudischen Militärstützpunkt – TV-Sender

Jemenitische Huthi-Rebellen haben am Dienstag eine Rakete auf den Militärstützpunkt King Faisal im Süden Saudi-Arabiens abgefeuert, wie Reuters unter Berufung auf den TV-Sender der Rebellen, al-Masirah, meldet.

https://de.sputniknews.com/politik/20180515320722255-huthi-rebellen-rakete-saudi-arabien/

(A K)

Houthis say fire rocket at southern Saudi military base

Yemen’s armed Houthi movement fired a rocket at the King Faisal military base in the southern Saudi Arabian city of Jizan on Tuesday, the group’s al-Masirah TV said on Twitter.

There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties and no confirmation from Saudi authorities.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security/houthis-say-fire-rocket-at-southern-saudi-military-base-idUSKCN1IG1GZ?rpc=401&

and

(A K)

Saudi forces intercept missile fired by Yemen's Houthis: state media

Saudi forces intercepted a ballistic missile fired by Yemen’s Houthi movement over the southern Saudi city of Jizan on Tuesday, according to a report by state news channel al-Ekhbariya.

The Houthis said earlier in the day they had fired a rocket at the King Faisal military base in Jizan. There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-saudi/saudi-forces-intercept-missile-fired-by-yemens-houthis-state-media-idUSKCN1IG1Q3

and

(A K)

Saudi Arabia shoots down missile fired from rebel-held Yemen

Saudi air defences on Tuesday intercepted a ballistic missile fired into the south of the kingdom from Huthi rebel-held territory in neighbouring Yemen, said a spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition.

Debris from the missile landed in residential areas of the city of Jizan, but without causing casualties, coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki said.

The Huthi news outlet Al-Masirah earlier announced a "Badr 1" ballistic missile had been fired at the King Faisal military base in Jizan.

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/culture-society/396668-saudi-arabia-shoots-down-missile-fire-from-rebel-held-yemen

(A K pS)

Yemenis celebrate Houthi defeat in Taez

The liberation of west Taez signals progress in the three year battle to control this highlands city

The Yemeni military has captured west Taez from Houthi rebels, liberating thousands of residents and restoring some hope to what was once known as the “Dreamer’s City”.

For more than three years, since the Iran-backed militias seized the Yemeni capital Sanaa, residents of this sprawling highlands city have lived under the constant sound of artillery fire and explosives.

The national forces, backed by the Arab Coalition, have been stalemated against the rebels since the launch of the military campaign in 2015. Military victories have often been followed by equal defeats.

As the battle raged, Taez’s residents grew reluctant to celebrate the return of Yemeni forces into parts of their city, fearful of what might happen if Houthis regained control.

But this week, it seems the population has reason to celebrate.

As the Yemeni forces entered western parts of the city, residents emerged from their homes through doors that had remained shut for weeks on end.

https://www.thenational.ae/world/mena/yemenis-celebrate-houthi-defeat-in-taez-1.730635

My comment: By Emirati media, mixed with propaganda bias. The Houthis are no “Yemeni forces”??

Comment: I haven't seen this anywhere else but the Houthi militias have clearly been under strain in Taiz. The inner part of the city was controlled by Taiz militias - Islahi militias and Abu Abbas Salafist militias mainly plus some independent militias. The Abu Abbas militias were supported by a UAE at one point but the UAE and KSA have recently designated them as terrorists due to their links with Al Qaeda. I had heard that some of the forces loyal to Saleh changed sides in Taiz after the death of Saleh and now support the Taiz militias - the Taiz branch of the GPC has moved to a pro-coalition stance although in different areas local groups have made different decisions. The Houthi militias have gradually lost control, first of the central parts of Taiz but for years they have held the areas around the city, except for routes to the south that could be reached through the mountains, thus controlling much that went in and out of the city. Now this Emirati agency says they have lost control of the West of the city which I guess means that there is a road entering the city which is under Saudi coalition control and that weakens the Houthi position. If it's true of course. This war is full of propaganda and I'm never quite sure until I see it repeated from numerous sources, including credible ones like Reuters or AP. And I'm sure some Yemenis are celebrating but in this fractured country some will be worried by this development. This war is so cruel.

https://www.facebook.com/judith.brown.794628/posts/10156683091568641

(A K)

Huthi-Rebellen feuern Rakete auf Distributionszentrum von Saudi Aramco

Jemenitische Huthi-Rebellen haben eine Rakete auf ein Distributionszentrum der größten saudischen Erdölgesellschaft Saudi Aramco abgefeuert, wie der jemenitische TV-Sender al-Masirah berichtet.

Das betroffene Zentrum liegt in der südwestlichen Saudi-Arabischen Provinz Jazan.

https://de.sputniknews.com/politik/20180514320707108-saudi-arabien-raketen-angriff-huthi-rebellen-jemen/

(A K)

Al Houthi air defenses shot down a Saudi-led coalition reconnaissance drone in Jizan region, southwestern Saudi Arabia on May 14. [5]

https://www.criticalthreats.org/briefs/gulf-of-aden-security-review/gulf-of-aden-security-review-may-14-2018

(* A K pS)

Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen comments on the launch of a Houthi ballistic missile fired towards Jazan

The Coalition spokesman Colonel Turki Al-Malki said that at 10:18 am today, the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces started tracking a ballistic missile launched by the terrorist Iranian-Houthi militia towards
civilian areas in Jazan.
Col. Al-Malki explained that the missile was launched from Sa’da governorate to deliberately target civilian objects, but came down in an empty desert.
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=1765911 = http://alriyadhdaily.com/article/92bd9b0732754953a5265179b3648a82 and by Reuters https://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-security/yemens-houthis-fire-missile-at-aramco-facility-saudi-says-it-falls-in-desert-idUSKCN1IF136

My comment: Statement mixed with propaganda.

(* A K pH)

Ballistic missile fired toward Aramco distribution tanks in Jizan

Rocketry force of the army and popular committees on Monday fired a ballistic missile toward Aramco company in southern Saudi province of Jizan, a military official told Saba News Agency.
The missile, Bader-1, was targeted Aramco distribution tanks.

http://www.sabanews.net/en/news496149.htm

(* A K)

Yemen's Houthis say they fired missile at Saudi Aramco center

Yemen’s armed Houthi movement launched a missile at a distribution center belonging to oil giant Saudi Aramco in Saudi Arabia’s southwestern Jizan province on Monday, the group’s al-Masirah TV reported.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-security/yemens-houthis-say-they-fired-missile-at-saudi-aramco-center-idUSKCN1IF136

(A K pH)

the Saudi-paid mercenaries fired an artillery towads various areas in Marib province

http://www.sabanews.net/en/news496139.htm

(A K pH)

the Saudi aggression fired dozens of missiles towards various areas in Saada province

http://www.sabanews.net/en/news496119.htm

(A K pS)

Three civilian killed by Houthis landmines at Aljawf

Three civilians have been killed by a landmine went off and destroyed their vehicle at Khab Alshaaf at Aljawf governorate – East Yemen.

http://www.almasdaronline.com/article/98880

(A K pH)

Film: The crime of Saudi - American aggression against the family of Al - Surhi in the Directorate of Mtoun Al - Jouf 13-05-2018

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GzAWqpI5Mk

Raqiya Al-Suryhi his age is less than two years ... she lost her mother / Lamia Al-Suryhi after the bombing of their house by the aggression mercenaries in Al-Jouf province (photo9

https://www.facebook.com/SaudiArabia.war.crimes.against.Yemen/photos/rpp.1434084576887532/1812037852425534/?type=3

(A K pH)

Film: The injury of a citizen and his child with a bombardment of the Saudi American aggression on the Directorate of Razih, Sa'ada Governorate 12-05-2018

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Up302YZWJIY

(A K pS)

Yet another coalition victory in Yemen

The Yemeni National Forces have liberated the entire Waziya front, expunging the Iran-backed Houthi militia out of their pockets in the area.
The liberation came as part of a large-scale campaign that was supported by the UAE Armed Forces and inflicted heavy human and material damage on the rebels.
The Yemeni resistance is continuing to drive the militias out of their pockets in the liberated areas amid heavy losses sustained by the coup perpetrators across all battlefields in Yemen’s Red Sea Coast.
The liberation comes following a series of victories claimed by the resistance with the support of the Arab Coalition across different fronts

http://gulftoday.ae/portal/155b744a-f7ff-493e-80a5-34d6782e9072.aspx

Remark: The pro-Emirati forces at the West coast and in Taiz province claim victories on a daily basis now. This report is by Emirati media.

And also

(A K pS)

Alwazeaiah – west Taiz Houthis Free

Governmental forces supported by Arabic coalition led by Saudi Arabia have seized control of ALshuqiraa the center of Alwazeaiah precinct -wet Taiz (sooth west Yemen) today(Saturday).

A field source said to Almasdaronline, the governmental forces regained Alshuqiraa and most of Alwazeaiah areas after withdrawal of Houthis groups and heavy clashes during the past few days.

Houthis have withdrawn after detonating their heavy artillery in Qarf mountain at Aldharifa, Safi mountain at Albukra - the center of the precinct, some of the militia member surrender to the governmental forces at Alghil area.

Coalition air forces launched 4 air strikes on Houthis vehicles at Alfaqea during their escape from Alwazeaiah , the airstrikes killed 15 of them.

http://almasdaronline.com/article/98854

(A K)

Yemeni officials say fighting kills 115 in western Yemen

Yemeni officials say fighting over two days in western Yemen has killed at least 115 people on both sides of the conflict pitting forces loyal to a Saudi-led coalition against Iran-backed Shiite rebels.

The officials said Saturday the clashes west of the province of Taiz also wounded dozens. They said the forces loyal to the coalition backing the internationally recognized government seized control of some rebel-held areas in western Yemen.

https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/yemeni-officials-fighting-kills-115-western-yemen-55116049

cp17a Offensive an der Westküste / Offensive at the West coast

(* A K)

Hunderte Houthi-Kämpfer kapitulieren im Jemen

Im Westen der zentraljemenitischen Provinz Taiz mussten die zaidischen Houthi-Rebellen, ebenfalls bekannt unter dem Namen „Ansar Allah“, eine schwere Niederlage erleiden. Nachdem verschiedene Milizen und Streitkräfte, entweder unter dem Kommando der international anerkannten Hadi-Regierung oder der südjemenitischen Unabhängigkeitsbewegung, in den letzten Wochen eine groß angelegte Offensive in der Region um al-Waziyah starteten, kapitulierten am Samstag die letzten verbliebenen Houthi-Kämpfer vor Ort, nachdem sämtliche Nachschubwege abgeschnitten wurden und man faktisch umkreist war. Nach einer langen Zeit der Stillstands im jemenitischen Konflikt handelt es sich hierbei um eine der größten Entwicklungen in den letzten Jahren, die das Gleichgewicht im Land erheblich zugunsten des Südens kippen könnte.

Der Regierung von Mohammed Hadi nahe stehenden Quellen berichten von insgesamt etwa 800 kapitulierten Houthi-Kämpfern, auch wenn diese Angaben wahrscheinlich eher inflationärer Natur sind wurde eine große Anzahl an Mitgliedern festgenommen. Zudem wurden enorme Mengen an Kriegsgerät erbeutet

https://flutterbareer.wordpress.com/2018/05/14/hunderte-houthi-kaempfer-kapitulieren-im-jemen/

(* A K P)

Pro-Saudi Forces Announce Start of Offensive Against Last Yemeni Rebel Port

Pro-Saudi forces have announced Monday that the “large-scale military operations” against the northern port city of Hodeidah have begun, and that forces intend to continue advancing north until “victory” is achieved.

Hodeidah is the lone seaport under the control of the Shi’ite Houthi movement, and by extension is the only port through which humanitarian aid can flow for the entire northern half of the country. A vital humanitarian location, which to pro-Saudi forces is a vital military target.

Successfully conquering Hodeidah would, after all, mean the Houthi territory, including the capital city and many millions of people, would have no access to food or medical aid. This would be an opportunity for the Saudi invading force to really crack down on them.

Saudi-led forces have been massing just south of the city, and say that while the city itself isn’t the immediate goal of the invasion, it is the eventual point of the operation. The “liberation” of Hodeidah is seen as a potential breaking point for the Houthis.

They envision it forcing a surrender, but it may also could bring millions of malnourished people into outright starvation. This is a known fact, with the UN special envoy warning about this for weeks. Still, Saudi officials have been desperate to break the stalemate in the war, and have also shown little concern for the consequences to civilians – by Jason Ditz

https://news.antiwar.com/2018/05/14/pro-saudi-forces-announce-start-of-offensive-against-last-rebel-port/

(* A K P)

The Saudi-led coalition began new operations to retake al Hudaydah port from al Houthi forces on May 14, according to the commander of coalition forces in Yemen’s Red Sea Coast Brigadier General Abdul Salam al Shehi. Emirati forces launched an amphibious assault dubbed “Operation Red Thunder” to seize an al Houthi command center in al Faza region along al Hudaydah governorate’s Red Sea coast on May 14. Saudi-led coalition-backed Southern Giants Brigade forces and National Resistance Forces captured al Hima port in al Tuhayat district in southwestern al Hudaydah governorate on May 13. Coalition-backed forces advanced into southern al Hudaydah governorate on May 11 after securing major roadways and cities leading from Taiz governorate to al Hudaydah governorate.[1]

https://www.criticalthreats.org/briefs/gulf-of-aden-security-review/gulf-of-aden-security-review-may-14-2018

(* A K P)

Saudi-led coalition masses troops for push on Yemen's Hodeidah

Forces backed by a Saudi-led coalition are advancing towards Yemen’s Houthi-held Hodeidah port city, long a key target, but do not plan to launch an assault on densely populated areas nearby, local officials said on Monday.

The Western-backed military alliance last year announced plans to move on Hodeidah, Yemen’s second most populous province, but backed off amid strong international pressure, with the United Nations warning that any attack on the country’s largest port would have a “catastrophic” impact.

The renewed push towards Hodeidah is taking place amid increased tensions between Saudi Arabia and regional arch-foe Iran, which are locked in a three-year-old proxy war in Yemen that has killed more than 10,000 people, displaced three million and pushed the impoverished country to the verge of starvation.

In the last week, thousands of fighters backed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have made advances to frontlines south of Hodeidah in al-Jarahi and al-Khoukha districts — 120 km (75 miles) from Hodeidah port on the Red Sea, local officials said.

The forces have taken al-Hayma military port, north of al-Khoukha town, which lies 80 km from Hodeidah port, the UAE state news agency WAM said. Hodeidah handles the bulk of Yemen’s imports.

“All the Yemeni national resistance are taking part in the military operation on Hodeidah, along with participation from Sudanese forces,” Brigadier Abdul Salaam Al Shehi, a coalition forces commander in the UAE-controlled coastal area, told WAM.

The forces — drawn from the Southern Resistance, local Tehama brigades and a battalion led by a nephew of late former president Ali Abdullah Saleh — will have to cross large swathes of densely populated Houthi-held territories to get to Hodeidah.

The Houthis are on alert and claim to have killed dozens of government forces and their allies as they prepare to repel any advance, according to Houth-run media.

It was unclear if Saudi Arabia’s Western allies, which have come under increasing scrutiny for arms sales to the coalition, have approved a renewed advance on Hodeidah, whose port receives both commercial imports and critically-needed aid supplies.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security/saudi-led-coalition-masses-troops-for-push-on-yemens-hodeidah-idUSKCN1IF1WL

(* A K pS)

Large-scale military operations towards Hodeidah begin: Arab Coalition Commander

Brigadier Abdul Salaam Al Shehi, Commander of Arab Coalition Forces in Yemen's Red Sea Coast, said that large-scale military operations have been launched today towards the Hodeidah city, building on the military momentum and advance achieved west of Taiz Governorate.

Brigadier Al Shehi said that the forces are advancing towards the north in multiple fronts until the victory is achieved.

He stated that the forces are building up and preparing to carry out surprise, qualitative operations against the terrorist Houthi militias.

In exclusive statements to the Emirates News Agency, WAM, Brigadier Al Shehi said:'' All Yemeni national resistance are participating in the operations along the effective participation from the Sudanese forces with high morale and complete harmony and coordination, and with the land, sea and air support from the UAE Armed Forces operating within the Saudi-led Arab Coalition.'' ''The Iran-allied Houthi militias have been experiencing successive defeats by the advancing Arab Coalition forces and Yemeni resistance fighters.

They have been losing their sites and fleeing the battlegrounds in group, leaving their equipment, weapons and dead bodies after the Coalition and resistance forces to

http://wam.ae/en/details/1395302688842 and also https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/gulf/2018/05/14/Arab-Coalition-launches-large-scale-military-operations-towards-Yemen-s-Hodeidah.html

My comment: Many reports showed that a grater offensive had begun. An assault against Hodeidah city will have disastrous consequences – for the city itself and for the millions in the Houthi-held parts of Yemen who depend on imports passing Hodeidah, which is Yemens greatest port.

(* B K)

Why the battle for Hodeidah is important

Capturing Yemen's fourth largest city could precede the downfall of the Houthis

The Houthi-held Red Sea city of Hodeidah lies in a strategic location on Yemen’s western coast, providing access to the Bab Al Mandeb, connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.

The Arab coalition has begun an operation to recapture Hodeidah. Securing Yemen’s largest port city would protect international trade from the threat of Houthi disruption and could be the final step in launching a military campaign to recapture the rebel-held capital, Sanaa.

Control of Hodeidah would also provide a strategic base from which to launch a campaign to recapture Sanaa, less than a day’s drive from the coastal city.

The Arab Coalition says recapturing the city would provide an opportunity to provide much needed humanitarian aid ahead of a possible second cholera outbreak.

https://www.thenational.ae/world/mena/why-the-battle-for-hodeidah-is-important-1.730402

My comment: The last sentence quoted here is propaganda bullshit. The contrary will be true: Fighting at Hodeidah will interrupt all provisions of humanitarian aid; Hodeidah port being in the hands of the Saudi coalition will even more block the Houthi-held interior from getting even the most essential supplies.

And this is from May 9 already:

(* A K pS)

Yemeni forces prepare to recapture Hodeidah

Capturing the Houthi-held city would mark a major victory for the Arab coalition-backed forces

The Yemeni military, backed by UAE forces, are preparing a final push to recapture Hodeidah province, home to the country’s largest port city.

The military launched a renewed push at the beginning of this year to combat the Houthi presence in territories along the Red Sea coast of Yemen.

Known as the “Giant Brigade,” the special forces of the Yemeni military are now besieging rebel strongholds in the south-west provinces of the country after severing crucial supply lines in early May.

The Iran-backed Houthis are struggling to reinforce and resupply their units along the west coast battlefront. They are now forced to using tough mountain passes to supply provisions, a process which can take weeks.

Hodeidah, Yemen’s third largest city and home to its biggest port, will represent a major prize for the national forces in what has been an arduous military campaign.

The capture of Hodeidah would allow Yemen’s forces to re-open the port, which has been placed under blockade by the Houthis in the past.

https://www.thenational.ae/world/mena/yemeni-forces-prepare-to-recapture-hodeidah-1.728872

My comment: The last sentence quoted here is true nonsense propaganda: Hodeidah port has been blocked by the Saudi coalition blockade, not by the Houthis.

(A K pS)

The #Houthis have withdrawn from al-Ashrooh area of Jabal Habashi in the west of #Taiz city while at least 25 Houthi fighters have surrendered to the Army Forces .(photos)

https://twitter.com/RepYemenEnglish/status/996512245722042368

(A K pS)

Governmental forces free Ghwiriq – South of Hodeida

The coalition forces along with the governmental forces managed today(Monday) to free new areas at Altahita -South Hodeida after few hours of launching the (Red Thunder) military operation.

A military source said: the coalition implement amphibious landing with the dawn and destroyed a command center for Houthis at Alfaza and killed more than 40 Houthis.

At the same time, the national resistance with Tuhami and South resistance freed Alghwiriq and some villages around it in Tahita precinct and the confrontations still ongoing

http://almasdaronline.com/article/98907

(A K pS)

[The pro-Saudi / pro-UAE forces in the north and in the west of Yemen claim victories nd advances]

Saada Governor to Asharq Al-Awsat: Military Advances Being Made on All Fronts

The governor of Yemen’s Saada province stressed that positive developments are in store for the Alab region leading to the Baqim area.

https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/1266796/saada-governor-asharq-al-awsat-military-advances-being-made-all-fronts

Hodeidah Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Local Forces Awaiting Yemen Legitimacy Advance

Forces in Yemen’s Hodeidah province have completed preparations in anticipation of the legitimacy forces’ advance on the Houthi rebels in the region.
First Hodeidah Undersecretary Walid Mohammed al-Qodaimy explained that these forces will act once the legitimacy forces make their advance with the backing of the Saudi-led Arab Coalition.
The Yemeni army is currently advancing on Hodeidah’s west coast.

https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/1266791/hodeidah-official-asharq-al-awsat-local-forces-awaiting-yemen-legitimacy

Yemeni Army liberates Hima Port

Yemen's National Resistance Forces, backed by the UAE Armed Forces, have liberated Hima Port, situated north of Al Khawkha. This latest advance saw the collapse of Houthi militia capabilities.

The Hima Port liberation is part of a large-scale military operation to dismantle Houthi militias, and liberate Yemeni cities.

http://wam.ae/en/details/1395302688644 and film https://twitter.com/RepYemenEnglish

New tactics lead to victories on Red Sea front

Cooperation between Yemeni factions and death of senior Al Houthis contribute to loyalists’ success

Military experts attributed the rapid military gains made by the UAE-backed Yemeni forces west of Taiz and along the country’s western coastline in Hodeida to better battlefield tactics, cooperation between different military factions, and the death of senior Al Houthi political and military commanders.

More than a week ago, hundreds of troops from the National Resistance led by General Tarek Mohammad Abdullah Saleh, the Giant Brigades and Tehami Resistance launched a joint military offensive on Al Houthi-held areas west of Taiz city.

Despite the rough topography of the area and thousands of landmines planted by Al Houthis, the troops advanced quickly into the battlefield, seizing control of Mawza and Al Wazyia districts, and stormed the Al Ameri military camp.

https://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/yemen/new-tactics-lead-to-victories-on-red-sea-front-1.2220306

cp18 Sonstiges / Other

(B)

In wartime Yemen, artisans keep up the shine on gemstones

Just a quarter of artisans are still working in Sanaa's old market, where the majority of gemstones were sold, and the men who previously dominated the industry have mostly gone in search of other work.

Faqih has lost most of her clients, who are unable to afford gemstones in wartime, and now sells her wares to a few family members or neighbours.

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/wartime-yemen-artisans-keep-shine-gemstones-041107848.html = http://www.arabnews.com/node/1303561/middle-east

(B)

A hug, please?

This war and others have taught me that humans are capable of limitless and creative violence. I am trying to protect her [the author’s daughter] from that darkness, but I know that I can never totally keep her away from harm. I worry that the collective trauma will somehow seep through to her despite the seas that separate from the war. I hope she never has to experience it herself, yet that is a naïve dream and an unlikely reality. Instead, I hope that when she does experience utter fear and when her stomach feels as heavy as steel, that she faces the darkness and becomes the steel, unable to bend under force, heat or weight.

As hard as life can be, I am trying to remember that this too shall pass, that life is simply an exercise in endurance.

https://www.laformoisie.com/single-post/2018/05/13/A-hug-please

Vorige / Previous:

https://www.freitag.de/autoren/dklose/jemenkrieg-mosaik-412-yemen-war-mosaic-412

Jemenkrieg-Mosaik 1-412 / Yemen War Mosaic 1-412:

https://www.freitag.de/autoren/dklose oder / or http://poorworld.net/YemenWar.htm

Der saudische Luftkrieg im Bild / Saudi aerial war images:

(18 +, Nichts für Sensible!) / (18 +; Graphic!)

http://poorworld.net/YemenWar.htm

http://yemenwarcrimes.blogspot.de/

http://www.yemenwar.info/

und alle Liste aller Luftangriffe / and list of all air raids:

http://yemendataproject.org/data/

Dieser Beitrag gibt die Meinung des Autors wieder, nicht notwendigerweise die der Redaktion des Freitag.
Geschrieben von

Dietrich Klose

Vielfältig interessiert am aktuellen Geschehen, zur Zeit besonders: Ukraine, Russland, Jemen, Rolle der USA, Neoliberalismus, Ausbeutung der 3. Welt

Dietrich Klose

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