Jemenkrieg-Mosaik 420 - Yemen War Mosaic 420

Yemen Press Reader 420: 9.6.2018: Jemenkrieg kein Stellvertreterkrieg mit Iran–Quellen für westl. Medien–Wahabismus–Schlacht um Hodeidah wäre Katastrophe–UN-Friedensplan–46 Flüchtlinge ertrunken

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Eingebetteter Medieninhalt

Eingebetteter Medieninhalt

June 9, 2018: The Yemen War isn’t a proxy war with Iran – Western media: Who supplies the news? – The West and Wahabism – Battle for Hodeidah would be a catastrophe – New UN peace plan – 46 African refugees drowned off Yemen – 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: Kampf um Hodeidah / Most important: Hodeidah battle

cp1c Am wichtigsten: UN-Friedensplan / Most important: UN peace plan

cp2 Allgemein / General

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

cp7a Saudi-Arabien und Iran / Saudi Arabia and Iran

cp8 Saudi-Arabien / Saudi Arabia

cp9 USA

cp10 Großbritannien / Great Britain

cp11 Deutschland / Germany

cp12 Andere Länder / Other countries

cp12a Katar-Krise / Qatar crisis

cp13a Mercenaries / Söldner

cp13b Wirtschaft / Economy

cp14 Terrorismus / Terrorism

cp15 Propaganda

cp16 Saudische Luftangriffe / Saudi air raids

cp17 Kriegsereignisse / Theater of War

cp18 Sonstiges / Other

Klassifizierung / Classification

***

**

*

(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

(** B H K)

Film: Yemen's civil war: children on the brink of starvation | Unreported World

Yemen: Britain's forgotten war: Yemen an extremely distressing place. Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, fight the Yemeni President, who is backed by a Saudi led coalition of countries. The fighting, and in particular, the bombing of key transport links has led to severe food shortages and malnutrition. Krishnan Guru-Murthy went to see the extent of it last year, and be warned there are distressing images of starving children in this report.

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

Remark: Nov. 1, 2017; it seems I missed it.

cp1 Am wichtigsten / Most important

Eingebetteter Medieninhalt

Ertrunkene Flüchtlinge: cp4 / Drowned refugees: cp4

(** B K P)

War of Aggression: The Saudi & UAE Slaughter in Yemen Isn’t A Proxy Conflict With Iran

Alongside their throttlehold over which reporters can visit what parts of Yemen, and thus what story they can tell, Saudi and Emirati investments in public relations, lobbying, think-tanks, and political consultants are shaping the narrative about their war there. Headline writers, pundits, Wikipedia, news correspondents, and even some so-called experts frame the asymmetric conflict as a “proxy war.” Sunnis nations led by Saudi Arabia are battling Shi`a Iran and its regional proxies, the story goes; the world’s worst man-made humanitarian disaster thus appears as un-named collateral damage.

The word “proxy,” incongruously accompanied by the label of a “civil war” between an “internationally recognized government” and “Iranian-backed militia,” rationalizes the unwarranted, unprovoked Saudi-UAE intervention in Yemen. Some headlines and stories reflect sloppy journalism and the tendency to mindlessly reiterate hackneyed tag-lines. However, make no mistake: big petrodollar spending around DuPont Circle systematically produces a story-line that exonerates the murder and starvation of Yemenis who are not even “Shi`a” in the name of countering overblown Iranian influence.

The US- and UK- supported Saudi and UAE dynasties and their hired analysts insist that their Yemeni adversary is a proxy of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. The inference is that Arab Gulf monarchies righteously resist Iranian – or Shi`a — influence in the Peninsula. Therefore, forty months of relentless bombing and blockade are justified as self-defense.

Poppycock.

PressTV and other Iranian propaganda outlets champion the Houthi cause.

Civilian transport and propaganda do not, however, proxies make. The evidence of Houthis receiving Iranian arms despite the strangling Saudi-led, US-backed air and naval blockade is thin; the missiles they fire are low-tech and antiquated, mostly leftovers from the Soviet era. Iranians have not been filmed inside of Yemen. If anything, cries of “Iranian-backed” grossly inflate Tehran’s influence, and even that is more self-fulfilling after-the-fact prophesy than casus belli. No reasonable claim can be advanced that the Houthis take their marching orders or even their inspiration from the Islamic Republic.

The most dangerous aspect of the “proxy war against Iranian-backed militia” narrative is that it deflects attention away from indisputable war crimes.

The victims of the coming – or current — onslaught are not “proxies of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.” They are starving children under attack by filthy-rich monarchies wielding the most advanced weapons Britain and the United States have to sell – By Sheila Carapico

https://www.juancole.com/2018/06/aggression-slaughter-conflict.html = https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/06/06/war-aggression-saudi-uae-slaughter-yemen-isnt-proxy-conflict-iran

(** B P)

Who supplies the news? Patrick Cockburn on misreporting in Syria and Iraq

All wars always produce phony atrocity stories – along with real atrocities. But in the Syrian case fabricated news and one-sided reporting have taken over the news agenda to a degree probably not seen since the First World War. The ease with which propaganda can now be disseminated is frequently attributed to modern information technology: YouTube, smartphones, Facebook, Twitter. But this is to let mainstream media off the hook: it’s hardly surprising that in a civil war each side will use whatever means are available to publicise and exaggerate the crimes of the other, while denying or concealing similar actions by their own forces. The real reason that reporting of the Syrian conflict has been so inadequate is that Western news organisations have almost entirely outsourced their coverage to the rebel side.

In East Aleppo any reporting had to be done under licence from one of the Salafi-jihadi groups which dominated the armed opposition and controlled the area – including Jabhat al-Nusra, formerly known as the Syrian branch of al-Qaida. What happens to people who criticise, oppose or even act independently of these extremist groups was made clear in an Amnesty International report published last year and entitled ‘Torture Was My Punishment’.

The partisan reporting of the siege of East Aleppo presented it as a battle between good and evil: The Lord of the Rings, with Assad and Putin as Saruman and Sauron. By essentially handing over control of the news agenda to local militants, news organisations unwittingly gave them an incentive to eliminate – through intimidation, abduction and killing – any independent journalist, Syrian or non-Syrian, who might contradict what they were saying. Foreign leaders and the international media were at one time predicting slaughter on the scale of the worst massacres in postwar history. But, shamefully, by the time the siege came to an end they had completely lost interest in the story and in whether the horrors they had been reporting actually took place. Even more seriously, by presenting the siege of East Aleppo as the great humanitarian tragedy of 2016, they diverted attention from an even greater tragedy that was taking shape three hundred miles to the east in northern Iraq.

The Iraqi and US governments had every reason to play down the fact that they had failed to take Mosul and had instead been sucked into the biggest battle fought in Iraq and Syria since the US invasion in 2003.

Figures for wounded civilians in Mosul over the last three months may well exceed those for East Aleppo over the same period.

Despite the ferocity of the fighting in Mosul, and warnings from the UN about casualties in the city potentially surpassing those in Sarajevo and Grozny, international attention has been almost exclusively directed at East Aleppo.

There are many similarities between the sieges of Mosul and East Aleppo, but they were reported very differently. When civilians are killed or their houses destroyed during the US-led bombardment of Mosul, it is Islamic State that is said to be responsible for their deaths: they were being deployed as human shields. When Russia or Syria targets buildings in East Aleppo, Russia or Syria is blamed: the rebels have nothing to do with it. Heartrending images from East Aleppo showing dead, wounded and shellshocked children were broadcast around the world. But when, on 12 January, a video was posted online showing people searching for bodies in the ruins of a building in Mosul that appeared to have been destroyed by a US-led coalition airstrike, no Western television station carried the pictures.

https://www.lrb.co.uk/v39/n03/patrick-cockburn/who-supplies-the-news

My comment: exactly the same bias happens in Western mainstream media reporting on Yemen. And to this fits a new report on one of Western media main sources on Syria, headlined:

Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) Is Funded by UK Government: https://grayzoneproject.com/2018/06/06/syrian-observatory-for-human-rights-funding-sohr-uk-government/

(** C P)

Palestinian scholar Joseph Massad details some of the history of how the US explicitly encouraged "holy war" during the Cold War, in order to fight communism and anti-imperialist Arab nationalism, and subcontracted this work to the Saudi regime

https://twitter.com/BenjaminNorton/status/1004834557022081024 referring to https://books.google.de/books?id=Iga6BQAAQBAJ&pg=PA81&dq=everything+possible+to+stress+the+%27holy+war%27+aspect&hl=en&sa=X&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false

and the newest example:

(* A P)

The US and its allies have used Wahhabism and ultra-right-wing sectarian distortions of political Islam for decades to undermine progressive forces in the Middle East. This IDF spokesman is just further exposing this longtime, dangerous US/Israel policy

https://twitter.com/BenjaminNorton/status/1004831841281630209

Film: Some sick, demented joke?! IDF [Israel Defense Forces] blatantly fomenting sectarianism as if it were a #Wahhabi hate preacher.. Israeli forces spokesman derides what he calls “the Shi’a threat”, quotes (and praises) Ibn Taymiah & Ibn Abdul Wahhab; notorious demagogues praised by ISIS, AQ, & Taliban!!!

https://twitter.com/SayedModarresi/status/1004816455462817792

cp1a Am wichtigsten: Seuchen / Most important: Epidemics

(* A H)

Film: Yemen takes precautions amid concerns over new cholera outbreak

Precautionary measures were being undertaken in Yemen on Thursday as part of efforts to prevent the spread of cholera, as documented by an epa-efe photojournalist.

https://www.efe.com/efe/english/world/yemen-takes-precautions-amid-concerns-over-new-cholera-outbreak/50000262-3641351

cp1b Am wichtigsten: Kampf um Hodeidah / Most important: Hodeidah battle

(A K pS)

Al-Hodeida Erupts and Causes Al-Houthis to Panic

ocal sources in Al-Hodeida – west of Yemen, indicated that signs of public escalation to form resistance groups inside the city drove Al-Houthi – Iranian militias to panic. The sources indicated that groups of young men in the city started to form armed resistance groups against Al-Houthis and to protect and secure public and private properties while the militias started to escape and spread chaos in the city.

http://en.smanews.org/al-hodeida-erupts-and-causes-al-houthis-to-panic

Remark: By anti-Houthi media.

(* A K pS)

Arab Coalition destroys military reinforcements of Houthi militia with UAE's support and participation, killing 86

With the participation and support of the UAE Armed Forces, the fighter jets and artillery of the Saudi-led Arab Coalition in Yemen have launched air strikes on the Iranian-backed Houthi militias' locations and assemblies in Bait Al Faqih and Al Duraihami Districts in the south of Hodeidah, which resulted in the destruction of their military reinforcements and equipment.

The coalition forces also targeted the locations and reinforcements of the Houthis militias in the east of Al Mashrai'e, Al-Jarrahi Districts’ outskirts and western Hussainiya amid the escape of the militia elements towards the mountains and a state of confusion and panic among their ranks.

Eighty-six Houthis were killed in air raids launched by the Arab Coalition fighters in confrontation with the Joint Yemeni Resistance forces at the Hodeidah battlefront, while the forces carried out an operation to clear out the Houthi pockets in Al Taif and Al Nukhaila farms in preparation for the battle of liberating Hodeidah.

http://wam.ae/en/details/1395302693490

(A P)

Film: Following the liberation of some areas on the Western Coast from #Houthis, the civilian citizens are carrying out a campaign to remove the painted slogans of militia group from the walls of houses in these areas.

https://twitter.com/RepYemenEnglish/status/1004860914242334721

(* A H K)

Neue Kämpfe im Jemen drohen die Versorgung der Bevölkerung mit lebenswichtigen Gütern abzuschneiden. In den letzten Wochen sind um die strategisch wichtige Hafenstadt al-Hudaida heftige Kämpfe entbrannt. Hunderte Familien mussten aus ihren Häusern fliehen – doch die Katastrophe könnte sich noch verschlimmern: ungefähr 90 Prozent der Nahrungsmittel müssen im Jemen aus dem Ausland eingeführt werden – 70 Prozent davon über den Hafen von al-Hudeida. Treibstoff, ohne den keine Wasserpumpen und Stromgeneratoren für Krankenhäuser betrieben werden können, betrifft dies etwa zur Hälfte.

Ohne Treibstoff können zudem keine Lebensmittel, Medikamente oder andere Hilfsgüter transportiert werden. Ein Ausfall des Hafens würde also besonders jene Menschen treffen, die in schwer zugänglichen Gebieten im Landesinnern leben und die bereits durch die seit über drei Jahren anhaltenden Kämpfe zwischen den Houthi-Rebellen und regierungstreuen Kräften sowie deren ausländischen Unterstützern ausgezehrt sind.

http://www.taz.de/!5509014/

(* A H K)

USA raten von Angriff ab

Die "Arabische Koalition" hat Jemens Hafen al-Hodeida im Visier – die Folgen wären katastrophal.

In Jemen droht eine Katastrophe der Menschlichkeit, falls die "Arabische Koalition" den Hafen al-Hodeida angreift. Davor warnen Flüchtlingshelfer. Dieser Einschätzung haben sich nun die USA angeschlossen – und ihre Verbündeten aufgefordert, ihre Angriffspläne zu beenden.

Der für die norwegische Flüchtlingshilfe NRC im Jemen arbeitende Diplomat und Politologe Jan Egeland hatte zu Wochenbeginn eindringlich vor einem drohenden Angriff der "Arabischen Koalition" gewarnt. "Das wäre wie ein Krieg in Antwerpen oder Rotterdam", betonte der 60-jährige Hilfskoordinator. Auch die USA, wichtigster Verbündeter des von Saudi-Arabien und den Vereinigten Arabischen Emiraten geführten Bündnises, sprachen sich am Mittwoch gegen einen Angriff auf den Hafen von al-Hodeida aus.

http://www.badische-zeitung.de/ausland-1/usa-raten-von-angriff-ab--153364417.html

(* A B K P)

Al-Hudaida: Die "Dynamik" im Jemen ändern

Offiziell warten die VAE ab, ob die US-Regierung einen Angriff auf die Hafenstadt unterstützt. Inoffiziell gibt es auch andere Optionen

Die große Frage, die sich seit einigen Tagen im Jemen stellt, ist, ob die Hafenstadt al-Hudaida angegriffen wird. Die Vereinigten Arabischen Emirate und Saudi-Arabien haben dies laut Wall Street Journal von den USA abhängig gemacht. Die geben sich, was ihre Rolle im Jemen angeht, wie erwähnt, am liebsten zurückhaltend und erzählen nur die Hälfte.

Die Vereinigten Emirate hätten die USA um Unterstützung gebeten, lauteten die Informationen des WSJ Anfang der Woche. Zitiert wurden ungenannte Vertreter aus der Regierung, wonach man dort noch "überlege". Eine ranghohe Quelle sprach davon, dass es Stimmen gebe, die dafür sind "Let’s do this. We’ve been flirting with this for a long time." Die "Dynamik" solle geändert werden. Wenn man den "Emiratis" helfe, könnte das gut sein.

Wieder gegeben werden allerdings auch Beunruhigungen von anderen, die sich mit der warnenden Einschätzung von Experten aus Hilfsorganisationen treffen. Ein Angriff auf die Hafenstadt al-Hudaida würde wahrscheinlich eine Katastrophe auslösen, nicht nur wegen der geschätzt 400.000 Einwohner - wie viele genau in der Stadt sind, ist unklar, viele sind schon geflüchtet -, sondern auch, weil das Hinterland auf die Versorgung über al-Hudaida angewiesen ist.

So trifft ein Satz aus dem Bericht ins Mark: "Es gibt die Sorge, dass die Streitkräfte aus dem Yemen, die mit der von Saudi-Arabien geführten Koalition verbunden sind, nach eigenem Willen handeln".

Offensichtlich ist die arabische Koalition darauf vorbereitet, denn wie aus dem Jemen gemeldet wird, wurden von ihrer Luftwaffe Flugblätter abgeworfen, die Angriffswarnungen enthalten sollen.

Für den scharfen Beobachter der Nachrichtenlage, das Blog Moon of Alabama, zeichnet sich jenseits der Vernebelung eine wahrscheinliche Vorgehensweise ab, wonach die "jemenitischen Söldner, die von den Vereinigten Arabischen Emiraten angeheuert wurden, die Führung (beim Angriff auf al-Hudaida, Einf. d.Verf.) übernehmen, aber die VAE und die USA sind gleich hinter ihnen" – von Thomas Pany

https://www.heise.de/tp/features/Al-Hudaida-Die-Dynamik-im-Jemen-aendern-4074117.html

Kommentar: Mir ist nicht nachvollziehbar, wie in einen scheinbar kritischen Artikel solche Sätze Eingang finden:

Außerdem helfen die USA der saudi-arabischen Luftwaffe und den Jets der Vereinigten Arabischen Emirate bei der Betankung und mit der Munition für die Luftangriffe, die seit März 2015 laut UN-Schätzung 4.000 Zivilisten das Leben gekostet haben.

https://www.heise.de/forum/Telepolis/Kommentare/Al-Hudaida-Die-Dynamik-im-Jemen-aendern/Verharmlosung/posting-32492657/show/

4.000 tote Zivilisten. Ein schwarzer Humor?

mindestens 10 mal so viel(inklusive Verhungerte und an Cholera gestorben)

https://www.heise.de/forum/Telepolis/Kommentare/Al-Hudaida-Die-Dynamik-im-Jemen-aendern/4-000-tote-Zivilisten-Ein-schwarzer-Humor/posting-32492600/show/

(* A H K P)

Film: Should Saudi coalition stop their advance on Yemen's Hudaida port?

Human rights groups fear a protracted siege of Hudaida, saying aid would be cut off to millions of starving Yemenis. The UN is reportedly trying to get the Saudis to back off. But is that likely to happen? Guests: Radhya Almutawakel, Chairwoman of the Mwatana Organisation for Human Rights Hussain; Albukhaiti, Journalist; Salman al Ansari, Founder and president of the Saudi American Public Relation Affairs Committee; Najeeb Ghanem Yemen's former health minister

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_x9W1os6XE

(* A B H K P)

US-Saudi-UAE War on Yemen Could Starve Millions of Civilians

Joining us to discuss this is Shireen al-Adeimi. Shireen is a Yemeni-American activist and scholar.

SHIREEN AL-ADEIMI: Right. They haven’t been able to guarantee that any civilian lives are averted over the past three years, more than three years. The U.N. describes Saudi and UAE attacks on civilians as widespread. So an attack on a port that so many millions of people rely on for sure is going to have devastating consequences on the people there, on human life. You know, the Saudis and the Emiratis have shown no interest in the past for protecting civilians. They have targeted civilians in their homes and schools. And you know, even on refugees who have been trying to flee by boat, they’ve targeted them.

So there’s no, I mean, it’s not even a guarantee that they won’t attack civilians. There is a guarantee that they will. And there is a guarantee that they will cause the death of many, many more people.

And yet the war is continuing. The Wall Street Journal reported on June 3 that the Trump administration is considering more direct military intervention in Yemen to help Saudi Arabia and the UAE conquer Hodeida.

70 percent of that aid and commercial shipping and all of that takes place in Hodeida.

And so if they disrupt Hodeida, if they attack that port, then, you know, millions of people literally starve to death, because the only other port of entry is in the south, in Aden, where about 20 percent of the food comes in, and also we’re about 20 percent of the population lives. Most Yemenis live in Houthi controlled areas, so around 80 percent.

Yeah, the Saudis openly say that yes, we are starving the Houthis. Of course, Houthis, for them, is a term that encompasses all Yemenis. Because when they say, we only bomb Houthis, we only target Houthis, well, then you see dead children on our screens. So they must be classified as Houthis, too, according to the Saudis and the Emirates. So the Saudis say that they are using starvation to try to force Houthis to submit. But you know, the Yemeni population is the population that’s getting starved to death.

You know, the consensus among Democrats and Republicans seem to be that, you know, Saudi is a powerful ally, and it’s worth supporting them at any cost. We’ve seen this with the Obama administration. We’ve seen it now with the Trump administration. Like you said, there’s very little critique, or any analysis, really, on mainstream television or news sources.

And so Yemenis suffer at the expense of this important relationship that the Saudis have with the United States.

I think the sad reality, Ben, is that nobody really cares so much about the humanitarian crisis, because if they did then this war wouldn’t be in its third year, now. But what people do care about is legality, and the fact of the matter is that this is an illegal war. It’s unconstitutional. We should not be supporting the Saudis in any way, shape, or form, let alone, you know, helping them essentially wage this war in Yemen. So Yemenis in Yemen view this war as a U.S.-Saudi war on their country, not just a Saudi or Emirati war on their country. They see the U.S. as much being central in this, in this war against their country.

https://therealnews.com/stories/us-saudi-uae-war-on-yemen-could-starve-millions-of-civilians

(* A B K P)

Film: Is Yemen set to lose a humanitarian lifeline?

Saudi-led coalition fighting Houthi rebels is preparing a major offensive on the port city of Hudaida.

An attack by the Saudi-Emirati coalition on the city of Hudaida would make the situation even worse with disastrous consequences, humanitarian groups warn.

The Red Sea port has provided a lifeline - the gateway for 70 percent of Yemen's food supplies, half its fuel needs, and essential medicines for 22 million people.

Reuters news agency is reporting a possible breakthrough in attempts to end the conflict and has seen proposals for a peace plan written by the UN.

Is peace a possibility?

Presenter: Elizabeth Puranam; Guests: Hussain al-Bukhaiti - Houthi journalist, Muhsin Siddiquey - Oxfam International's director for Yemen

https://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/insidestory/2018/06/yemen-set-lose-humanitarian-lifeline-180607112807348.html = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAM7joTMSTQ = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vk2OibWXye8

(* A H K)

UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Yemen: A military assault on Hodeidah will almost certainly have catastrophic humanitarian impact

Humanitarian agencies in Yemen are deeply worried by the likely impact of a possible military assault on the port city of Hodeidah. The UN and its partners estimate that as many as 600,000 civilians are currently living in and around Hodeidah.

“A military attack or siege on Hodeidah will impact hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians,” said Ms. Lise Grande, the Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen. “Humanitarian organisations have rushed to develop a contingency plan. In a prolonged worst case, we fear that as many as 250,000 people may lose everything— even their lives.”

In addition to being one of Yemen’s most densely populated areas, Hodeidah is the single most important point of entry for the food and basic supplies needed to prevent famine and a recurrence of a cholera epidemic. Close to 70 percent of Yemen’s imports, including commercial and humanitarian goods, enter through the ports of Hodeidah and Saleef, just to the north of Hodeidah.

“Our top priority is helping to ensure the 22 million Yemenis who need some form of humanitarian aid and protection receive the assistance they need,” said Ms. Grande. “Cutting off imports through Hodeidah for any length of time will put Yemen’s population at extreme, unjustifiable risk.”

“Across the country, people are desperate for food, medical help and protection. This is why humanitarian organisations have dramatically ramped up the amount of assistance we are providing. Yemen is already the worst humanitarian crisis in the world. With so many lives at stake, absolutely everything has to be done by the parties to the conflict to protect civilians and ensure they have the assistance they need to survive,” said Ms. Grande.

https://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/military-assault-hodeidah-will-almost-certainly-have-catastrophic-humanitarian-impact and also https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/06/1011701

(* A H K)

Save the Children: Attack on Al Hudaydah in Yemen could put 170,000 children in the line of fire and kill any hope of peace talks

An estimated 340,000 people in Al Hudaydah (Hodeida), half of them children, could be forcibly displaced should the Saudi-led Coalition (SLC) and anti-Houthi forces try to retake the vital port city. This major escalation in violence puts 170,000 children at risk of death or injury and could cause the biggest single displacement of people since 2015, pushing Yemen towards a full-blown and entirely man-made famine. Hodeida is a densely populated city and any attack will almost certainly result in a huge loss of civilian life.

Hodeida’s children are already some of the hardest hit by the conflict. In the three districts that make up Hodeida city more than 14,000 children are projected to suffer from life-threatening severe acute malnutrition this year. In the event of an attack on the port and subsequent increase in displacement and decrease in food imports, the number of children dying of hunger-related causes is likely to rise.

Tamer Kirolos, Yemen Country Director, Save the Children, says:

“There’s no respite for the children of Yemen. If they aren’t being killed or maimed by bombs and shelling, then extreme hunger or diseases like cholera and diphtheria are a constant threat. A major escalation in fighting in Hodeida to try and take the city and port will likely kill the prospect of any peace talks in the short-term and condemn the children of Yemen to yet more misery.”

“The international community must bring its influence to bear to help prevent any further escalation of this conflict. These children trapped in Hodeida have nowhere to run or hide from the bombs that might fall on their homes and schools. We know from experience and evidence that when bombs are dropped in populated areas the vast majority of casualties are civilians, with children the most vulnerable. They will pay the heaviest price for this assault on their city and all the parties to this conflict will be to blame.”

https://www.savethechildren.org.uk/news/media-centre/press-releases/yemen--attack-on-hodeida-could-put-170-000-children-in-the-line- = https://www.politicshome.com/news/uk/foreign-affairs/press-release/save-children/95789/attack-al-hudaydah-yemen-could-put-170000

(A H K)

Oxfam: Kämpfe um Al-Hudaida bedrohen Hilfslieferungen

Die Kämpfe um den jemenitischen Hafen Al-Hudaida bedrohen die Versorgung der Menschen im Jemen mit überlebenswichtigen Gütern, warnt die Nothilfe- und Entwicklungsorganisation Oxfam. Diese Menschen stünden ohnehin bereits am Rand einer Hungersnot. Die Kämpfe um Al-Hudaida hätten bereits hunderte Familien dazu gezwungen, aus ihren Häusern zu fliehen.

"Im Jemen herrscht bereits jetzt die weltweit schlimmste humanitäre Krise", sagte Oxfams Landesdirektor im Jemen, Mushin Siddiquey. Den Hafen Al-Hudaida zu blockieren, bedeute, die lebensnotwendige Zufuhr von Nahrung, Treibstoff und Medizin zu unterbrechen. Dadurch würden noch mehr Menschen sterben.

"Im Jemen gibt es bereits viel zu viel Zerstörung, Krankheit und Tod. Die internationale Gemeinschaft muss massiven Druck auf die Kriegsparteien ausüben, damit die Kämpfe beendet und Friedensverhandlungen wieder aufgenommen werden", erklärte Mushin Siddiquey.

https://www.epo.de/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=14699:jemen-kaempfe-um-al-hudaida-bedrohen-hilfslieferungen&catid=30&Itemid=72

(* A K pH)

Yemeni army foils another Saudi attack on Hodeidah

Once again, the Yemeni army has beaten back a Saudi attack on Hodeidah, inflicting heavy casualties on the invaders.
The Armed Forces and Popular Committees of the Republic of Yemen have yet again stopped a Saudi invasion attempt near the city of Hodeidah on Wednesday.
The report stated that the Saudi-backed militias attempted to attack the Faza coastal area in Hodeidah province, but were beaten back with heavy losses, despite extensive support from airstrikes and Saudi helicopters.
According to Yemeni military sources, dozens of Saudi-backed forces were killed in the failed attack.

http://en.abna24.com/news/middle-east/yemeni-army-foils-another-saudi-attack-on-hodeidah_896579.html

Remark: “Yemeni army“, here: The army affiliated tot he Houthi side.

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Hodeidah Governor: We will liberate Hodeidah from within

The governor of Hodeidah province, Dr. Hassan al-Tahir said that the government authorities are contacting about 100 prominent rebel Houthi leaders in Hodeidah, as part of the arrangements to win the battle in the vital port city.

He said that he has succeeded in persuading about 100 elite rebel commanders to cooperate with the government's military plans to overthrow the rebel militia while ensuring the safety of civilians.
He explained that the Houthi leaders he is communicating with provide important military information to the Yemeni army. "There are people who want to get out of the city urgently to ensure their safety from reprisals by the militia," he said.
He pointed out that the Houthis will be taken by surprise in the next phase of military operations in coordination with rebels who have secretly switched sides.

https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-19089

Remark: The Hadi government’s governor of Hodeidah province.

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UAE SAYS IT CAN’T CONTROL YEMENI FORCES — EVEN AS IT HANDS THEM BAGS OF CASH

The Yemeni National Resistance fighters aiming to take Hodeidah cannot possibly do it alone. Time spent with the fighters on the front lines makes it clear that they depend on air power from the Saudi-formed coalition, as well as UAE ground support. A former senior White House official told The Intercept that multiple U.S. officials have indicated that the UAE said it would not attack Hodeidah without U.S. backing.

“Those forces cannot succeed against the Houthis without the UAE, and the UAE cannot succeed against the Houthis without the American green light and support,” said Joost Hiltermann, International Crisis Group’s Middle East and North Africa program director.

So far, the U.S. has been unwilling to back such an invasion, but recent reporting suggests that may be changing.

Although the UAE pledged not to make the final push on Hodeidah without U.S. approval, Emirati officials have claimed that they have no control over the actions of its surrogate forces, raising concern that Yemeni anti-Houthi resistance fighters may advance on the city without authorization.

But that contradicts the scene on the front line last month, which suggested that the Yemeni fighters do not move without Emirati orders. Soldiers told The Intercept that their salaries are also paid by the UAE, with additional daily cash handouts for some resistance fighters arriving in plastic bags on the front line. More than a half-dozen field and brigade commanders acknowledged taking their orders from the UAE, including from Emirati senior officers stationed on the Red Sea coast. The strength of the Emirati chain of command is important because the notion that the U.S. and UAE don’t really control the fighters gives those countries “plausible deniability” in case of an attack, Hiltermann said.

With forces on the outskirts of the city, pressure is mounting. On Thursday night in Hodeidah, residents witnessed a heavy presence of Houthi trucks in several parts of the city and artillery fire from nearby fighting could be heard from downtown. A deal between the two sides would open the way for further political negotiations, while failure could result in a long and devastating struggle for control of Hodeidah.

Military commanders on the front lines in Hodeidah governorate told The Intercept that their troops planned to cut off supply lines and besiege Houthi forces in the city, rather than fight their way in, though the UAE has also said this could change “if there is an attack on them or some sort of provocation from inside the city.” Any claim of incitement would likely be impossible to verify in the ensuing battle.

The conflict in Yemen has killed an estimated 28,033 people since January 2017 and pushed 8.4 million to the brink of famine. Some 50,000 Yemeni children are estimated to have died last year from hunger and preventable disease as a result of what U.N. aid agencies describe as “the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.”

“Hodeidah isn’t a political pawn to be traded and bargained with. It is a lifeline that millions of ordinary Yemenis are depending on for survival,” warned Mercy Corps’ Mohamud. “Grandstanding and hyperbole will not feed the people if the aid deliveries dry up.” – by Iona Craig

https://theintercept.com/2018/06/07/yemen-hodeidah-uae-saudi-arabia-houthis/

Comment: "the notion that the U.S. and UAE don’t really control the fighters gives those countries “plausible deniability”

https://twitter.com/StephenProducer/status/1004885100071407617

Comment: UN gave grave warnings, US spouted stern rebukes, UAE now unable to control : So everyone's arses are well covered now, legally & diplomatically. #Yemen's theater of war can now go on in Hodeidah port city.

https://twitter.com/BaFana3/status/1005029557534158848

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Yemen - The Attack On Hodeidah Is A Prelude To Genocide

Yemen is on the verge of another catastrophic event. The Saudi and United Arab Emirates plan to take the Red Sea port Hodeidah through which most of the food supplies to Yemen's come in.

The Saudi and Emirates aim is simply to starve Yemen into submission. They do not care how many people will die. They do not care what the UN says.

All talk about Iran in Yemen or of Iranian supplies is nonsense. The Saudis and Emirates control the borders. The ports are under Saudi blockade and tightly controlled. Only a trickle of supplies is smuggled from Oman through their lines. Most of the weapons and ammunition the Houthi use are captured through raids on Saudi troops.

The UAE asked the U.S. to support its operation against Hodeidah with boots on the ground. The U.S. is already coordinating the intelligence for the Saudi/UAE Yemen operation and is providing the ammunition as well as the aerial refueling for the daily bombing runs.

Officially the U.S. will not take part in the operations. Officially the UAE will not attack the city. But that is just obfuscation. The Yemen mercenaries the UAE has hired will take the leadbut the UAE and U.S. will be right behind them:

Emirati ground forces are about nine miles from Hodeida, and the UAE government told U.S. officials that they will not move forward. At the same time, however, the UAE says it has no control over the Yemeni government forces that it has trained and assisted.

Today Saudi planes dropped leaflets on the city inciting against the Houthi and asking the population to leave. Hodeidah normally has 600,000 inhabitants. But due to the three years of war many people fled from the rural areas which were bombed and lacked food supplies and moved into the cities. Hodeidah is believed to host more than a million people now who have nowhere else to go.

Today the Houthi managed to delay the operation against Hodeidah. They attacked the thin supply line of the attackers and managed to breach it.

It is doubtful that the Houthi can hold that point or even destroy those enemy troops they cut off from their supplies. Saudi air attacks will soon dislodge them again and the attack on Hodeidah will proceed.

The consequences will be terrible for the people of Yemen. None of the usually 'concerned' entities seems to be willing or able to prevent that.

http://www.moonofalabama.org/2018/06/yemen-the-attack-on-hodeidah-is-a-prelude-to-genocide.html

(A K pH)

This is HOW Yemeni fighters arm themselves under blockade Arm themselves from fleeing invaders' arsenal When Apache pounds, the fighters set fire2dozens of vehicles&tanks When Apache stops,they drive the vehicles to safe places 3 UAE vehicle arrived just now in Hodeida city (photos)

https://twitter.com/narrabyee/status/1004795955043033089

https://twitter.com/narrabyee/status/1004791230541320193

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#Yemen press is reporting leaflet drops by coalition planes over #Hodeidah yesterday.

https://twitter.com/Dr_E_Kendall/status/1004263823145160705

Gerald Feierstein, ex-US ambassador to Yemen: Maybe propaganda. Otherwise, really bad advice and a formula for getting innocent civilians killed. Whether or not a Hodeidah offensive is a good idea, Coalition should be telling civilians either to get out or seek shelter.

https://twitter.com/j_feierstein/status/1004379443912232960

Haykal Bafana: Perhaps the ex US ambassador would be kind enough to advise us civilians in Yemen: Where does one seek 'shelter' from American-made, Saudi-launched bombs & missiles? Under umbrellas?

Because I can confidently inform the ex US ambassador that even schools, mosques, weddings, funerals, clinics, graveyards and friggin' farms in Yemen are not safe from US-aided, Saudi airstrikes.

https://twitter.com/BaFana3/status/1004392738333380608

cp1c Am wichtigsten: UN-Friedensplan / Most important: UN peace plan

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Opinion | It’s time for the European Union to push Yemen towards peace

The European Union and its member states have a chance to stop the conflict from sliding into a lethal new stage; now is the time to take action. All sides have declared a readiness to engage in talks (with various conditions), but they need to be nudged towards the table before a full-fledged battle for Hodeidah breaks out.

As the outlines of a new UN peace plan have begun to surface, the EU should use the fact that it has maintained decent relationships with the warring parties to resume the UN-led peace process, moribund since 2016. This must be done before an assault on the port that could scuttle potential talks, especially if the rebels make good on their threats to attack coalition warships and oil tankers, or if one of their missile strikes on Saudi Arabia results in high civilian casualties.

Since Houthi rebels killed former president Ali Abdullah Saleh (their erstwhile wartime ally) in December last year, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and their Yemeni partners have been acting as if the tide has turned in their favour.

Not only would fighting over Hodeidah put off any prospect of peace, but it would also compound an already acute humanitarian crisis.

Despite the prospect of intensified warfare, the Houthis have stated publicly and privately their readiness to negotiate with Saudi Arabia over security concerns and re-engage with the UN process, led by the recently appointed special envoy to Yemen, Martin Griffiths. It remains unclear if the Houthis’ newly expressed appetite for talks stems from heightened military pressure or from an increased confidence from the death of Saleh, whom they suspected of dealing with Riyadh behind their backs. Either way, this opportunity for a return to the negotiating table ought not to be squandered.

The EU and its member states are uniquely placed to steer things in that direction.

As a non-belligerent, the EU should now reiterate its firm public position against a coalition assault on Hodeidah, building on its access to all sides and using its influence in Washington, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh.

In return for a halt to such an assault, the EU should press the Houthis to stop missile strikes on Saudi Arabia and ships in the Red Sea, and to accept an on-shore UN inspection mechanism that would intercept weapons deliveries through Hodeidah.

Moreover, European states, in particular UN Security Council members such as the United Kingdom (the penholder on the Yemen crisis), should press for a new resolution that would support a more inclusive political process. The current framework for negotiations is based on the fundamentally flawed Security Council Resolution 2216 – by Joost Hilterman, Middle East & North Africa Program Director at International Crisis Group

http://www.irinnews.org/opinion/2018/06/09/it-s-time-european-union-push-yemen-towards-peace

Comment: But will countries such as #UK & #France look up from signing arms deals long enough to see the tragedy they are complicit in? Will they be willing to put Yemeni lives before profit?

https://twitter.com/YemenSource/status/1005013774317875200

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UN-Friedensplan: Huthi-Rebellen im Jemen sollen Raketen abgeben

Die mit dem Iran verbündeten Huthi-Rebellen sollen nach dem Willen von UN-Diplomaten ihre Raketen abgeben.

Im Gegenzug könnte die internationale Koalition unter der Führung Saudi-Arabiens ihre Bombenangriffe auf die Aufständischen einstellen, heißt es in einem Friedensplan, mit dem der Bürgerkrieg in dem Land beendet werden soll. Ein Entwurf liegt der Nachrichtenagentur Reuters vor.

Demnach ist auch das Ziel, eine Übergangsregierung zu bilden, in der politische Gruppen angemessen vertreten sein sollen. Dies ist offensichtlich ein Zugeständnis an die Huthis, die die Hauptstadt Sanaa kaum aufgeben werden, ohne an einer Regierung beteiligt zu sein.

https://de.reuters.com/article/jemen-un-idDEKCN1J2345

Mein Kommentar: Das ist ein schiefer Vorschlag. Die Saudis könnten dann jederzeit ihren Luftkrieg wieder aufnehmen, die Huthis nicht mehr. Man kann ja wohl recht und billig nur verlangen, dass die Huthis im Gegenzug zu einem Ende der saudischen Luftangriffe ihre Raketenangriffe einstellen. Die Abgabe der Waffen durch die Huthis kann ja dann nur Teil einer Friedesnregelung, nicht eine vorab zu erbringende Leistung sein. Oder geben die Saudis gleichzeitig auch ihre Kampfjets ab? – Und, außerdem: Der größte Teil der schweren Waffen dürfte tatsächlich in der Hand der jemenitischen Armee sein. Die jemenitische Armee ist seit 2015 in zwei Teile gespalten, einer kämpft auf Seiten der Huthis, der andere ist loyal zu Präsiddnt Hadi. Es war 2015 nur der kleinere Teil der Armee, der sich Präsident Hadi angeschlossen hat. Daraus folgt, dass der größere Teil der sog. Huthi-Raketen von dieser Regelung gar nicht betroffen wären.

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Exclusive: Yemen peace plan sees ceasefire, Houthis abandoning missiles

A U.N. peace plan for Yemen calls on the Houthi movement to give up its ballistic missiles in return for an end to a bombing campaign against it by a Saudi-led coalition and a transitional governance agreement, according to a draft of the document and sources.

The plan, which has not been made public and could be modified, is the latest effort to end Yemen’s three-year-old civil war, which has spawned one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.

A draft document seen by Reuters and confirmed by two sources familiar with it says that as a step toward new security arrangements, “heavy and medium weapons including ballistic missiles shall be handed over by non-state military actors in an orderly and planned fashion.”

“No armed groups shall be exempt from disarmament,” it says.

The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the language included the Houthis, who have launched ballistic missiles at neighboring Saudi Arabia.

The document also cites plans to create a transitional government, in which “political components shall be adequately represented,” in an apparent nod to the Houthis, who would be unlikely to cede Sanaa without participation in a future government.

“The intention is to link security and political aspects starting with a cessation of fighting...then to move towards a withdrawal of forces and the formation of a national unity government. This last objective could possibly be the hardest,” one of the sources said.

A Houthi official cautiously welcomed the U.N. efforts, describing a ceasefire as the first building block in the political process.

“Our optimism will be determined by how serious and respectful the other parties are of the U.N. role,” the official told Reuters, noting that previous truces had failed.

Anwar Gargash, the UAE’s minister of state for foreign affairs, signaled Abu Dhabi’s desire to support Griffith’s efforts.

The wider peace plan appears designed to win a quick ceasefire while leaving many thorny issues for later negotiation.

Issues such as constitutional and electoral processes, and reconciliation among the sides would be dealt with later as part of a transition agenda, it says.

The draft document calls for establishing an inclusive transition government, led by an agreed-upon prime minister, “in which political components shall be adequately represented.”

The plan offers no further detail on how much representation the Houthis might receive in such a transition government.

A national military council would oversee steps for “phased withdrawal of armed groups from specific areas” and the handover of weapons, including ballistic missiles.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-un-yemen-exclusive/yemen-peace-plan-sees-ceasefire-houthis-abandoning-missiles-idUSKCN1J22ZE

Comment: Even the bare details leaked show this plan is unworkable.#

1st, the very idea of any Yemeni giving up weapons voluntarily – medium, heavy or ballistic – is downright ludicrous. 2nd, compliance will be a nightmare: No one knows what the arms inventory of each faction is (ref Saudi Arabia, Apr 2015: All Yemeni ballistic missiles destroyed)

To whom would these weapons be handed over to? Hadi's 'government'? No go. Foreign states? NO WAY. Neither Houthi nor any Yemeni will allow themselves to be disarmed by foreigners – if they do, they'd be ridiculed & spat upon at any qat market in Yemen for 3 generations.

I dread to see what the full draft of the UN envoy's peace plan for Yemen looks like. Disappointing – I expected a much more polished, and realistic, concept after 4 months of the envoy thinking over the 'framework'.

https://twitter.com/BaFana3/status/1004507801450885125

My comment: “Houthis abandoning missiles” while the Saudis cease their air strikes – this is an odd proposal. Under these circumstances, the Saudis could daily restart their air raids, while the other side would have given its far-range weaponry away. To really calm the situation, all sides should be obliged to give away their far-range weaponry: scrap the Saudi and UAE air forces!!

But: The peace plan tells all militia should abandon their missiles – this would include all these Saudi-backed and UAE-backed militia fighting against the Houthis at the West claost and elsewheres and all those UAE-backed separatist militia in the South, as far as they have any such missiles.

And, furthermore: The proposal just refers to missiles which are in the hands of militia. The greater part of the alledged “Houthi missiles” actually not are “Houthi” missiles. The are in the hands of the Yemeni army – strictly spoken, the greater part of the army which in 2015 stayed loyal to ex-president Saleh – and up to now to the Houthis – fighting alongside with them against pro-Saudi and pro-UAE troops and militia, including the other part of the Yemeni army which stayed loyal to ex-president Hadi. If all militia should release their heavy weapons, both parts of the Yemeni army should not be afflicted either.

(*A P)

Reports: Regional & Int'l players are working for a political solution to conflict #Yemen through UN envoy, Griffiths. Under the solution, a new vice president will be named & to whom president Hadi will transfer power.

Suggested names for the post are all UAE-backed politicians

https://twitter.com/FuadRajeh/status/1004561942781022209

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UN-led Yemen draft peace plan revealed to 'unite country'

"Heavy and medium weapons including ballistic missiles shall be handed over by non-state military actors in an orderly and planned fashion," the report states, according to Reuters.
"No armed groups shall be exempt from disarmament."
This likely refers to UAE-backed armed southern separatist groups who have clashed with government forces, along with fighters linked to al-Islah Party.
The disarmament would include Houthi's ballistic missile arsenal. The rebel groups have repeatedly fired missiles at Saudi cities, including the capital Riyadh.
The deal also says that Saudi and UAE armed forces would also halt their bombing of Yemeni towns and cities, which has killed thousands of civilians.
A transitional government would see Houthi elements included in the administration with the deal mentioning that "political components shall be adequately represented".

The Houthis - who control the capital Sanaa - would be unlikely to agree to a deal with President Abd Rabbo Mansour Hadi's government, unless they were granted some powers in a new unified authority.
UN envoy Martin Griffiths is expected to reveal the peace plan mid-June.

The UAE, which has played a key role in the conflict, has indicated that it would support the UN initiative.

"Politically, there is a necessity to back the UN effort. It will ultimately mean a transition, to a new political order in Yemen. Clearly with the UN effort, the military and political process will see the Houthis pull out of urban centres," UAE Foreign Minister Anwar Gargash told Emirati daily The National.

He said the UAE would only back the deal if the Houthis hand over all cities and towns to the government, including the capital Sanaa.

https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2018/6/7/yemen-draft-peace-plan-revealed-to-unite-country

cp2 Allgemein / General

Eingebetteter Medieninhalt

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'I fight for money': How Saudi 'vision' turns Yemeni shop workers into snipers

Riyadh's 'Saudisation' policy has kicked out thousands of Yemeni expats, who return home to a country with only one growth sector – war

Haitham faced a return to Taiz, a city which since his departure had been scarred by years of war between the Houthis and Yemen's Saudi-backed government. There are few jobs, and little hope.

He had one option: to become a soldier, and fight for money to protect the very country that had only weeks ago cast him aside.

He is now part of the blowback of a Saudi domestic policy that has helped fuel the conflict in Yemen, the dumping of a pool of desperate, jobless men on a country which now has only one growth area - war.

Haitham was given a gun, but received no training before being sent to the front for three months to fight the Houthis as a sniper.

"I am a good shot, and snipers are usually in the safer areas, so I did not feel in danger," Haitham said. For this, he is paid 2,000 Saudi riyals a month.

"I used to get that in Saudi Arabia but I would spend half on day-to-day living," he said. "As a fighter, I get everything for free and I do not pay for anything."

"I spent five years in Saudi Arabia and I did not achieve my dreams, but I hope to do soon," he said.

"I do not like Saudi Arabia or its leadership, but I am fighting with them for the sake of money. It is my government that made us the servants of the Saudis."

Saudisation leads to swelling of Houthi ranks

The Houthis have also profited from the Saudisation policy.

http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/yemenis-kicked-out-saudi-arabia-head-battlefields-1600729626

(B H K)

Krieg im Jemen:Lage der Bevölkerung wird immer dramatischer

http://www.tagesschau.de/multimedia/video/video-411667.html = https://www.msn.com/de-de/video/nachrichten/krieg-im-jemenlage-der-bev%C3%B6lkerung-wird-immer-dramatischer/vi-AAynWT6

(B H K P)

The Omani researcher and writer Zakaria al-Mahrami likened what is being carried out by the Arab-led coalition forces led by Saudi Arabia in Yemen to a “holocaust”.

“The United Nations warns of the death of 18.4 million Yemenis as a result of famine, which amounts to 3 Holocausts!!,” he said on Twitter along with the hashtag #Stop_Yemeni_Holocaust.

http://www.yemenextra.net/2018/06/07/saudi-war-on-yemen-is-three-times-worse-than-the-holocaust-omani-researcher/ = http://anayemeni.net/show2532214.html

My comment: Just be more cautious when comparing something to the Holocaust. – here, the headline does not fit at all to what al-Mahrami really has said. And, the figure of 18 million Yemenis starved to death for Heaven’s sake up to now stays hypothetical – and let’s hope it just stays. So, comparisons like this one are not helpful.

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Red Cross pulls 71 foreign staff out of Yemen due to insecurity

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said on Thursday it had pulled 71 international staff out of Yemen because of security incidents and threats, moving them to Djibouti.

The aid agency called on all parties to Yemen’s three-year conflict to provide security guarantees so it can keep running its surgical, water and food assistance programs there. Some 450 ICRC staff remain in Yemen, a spokeswoman said.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-aid/red-cross-pulls-71-foreign-staff-out-of-yemen-due-to-insecurity-idUSKCN1J3265

and

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Aid group ICRC pulls dozens of staff from Yemen over security risks

Those withdrawn from Yemen represent more than half of the ICRC's international staff in the country and one fifth of its total staff, spokeswoman Marie Claire Feghali told AFP.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/afp/article-5817767/Aid-group-ICRC-pulls-dozens-staff-Yemen-security-risks.html

and ICRC statement:

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Yemen: 71 ICRC staff pulled out of Yemen amid security incidents, threats

Statement from ICRC’s Director of Operations Dominik Stillhart

Due to a series of incidents and threats, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has pulled 71 staff members out of Yemen, crippling its humanitarian activities such as surgical services, visits to detainees, clean water initiatives and food assistance activities.

The ICRC has been present in Yemen since 1962, but we are now seeing dangerous trends. Our current activities have been blocked, threatened and directly targeted in recent weeks, and we see a vigorous attempt to instrumentalize our organization as a pawn in the conflict. The ICRC holds all parties responsible for the security of its staff.

While the Yemen delegation has received numerous threats in the past, we cannot now accept additional risk less than two months after a gunman killed a staff member. The security of our staff, who are being intimidated by parties to the conflict, is a non-negotiable prerequisite for our presence and work in Yemen and an absolute priority.

The ICRC is calling on all parties to the conflict to provide it with concrete, solid and actionable guarantees so that it can continue working in Yemen. The ICRC hopes to continue preventing and alleviating the suffering of people caught in the conflict, but we must have the full agreement of all parties to the conflict based on solid guarantees.

https://www.icrc.org/en/document/yemen-threats-against-staff-force-icrc-consider-pulling-out-yemen

and

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Red Cross: Aid Workers Being Used As a ‘Pawn’ In Yemen’s Civil War

ICRC spokeswoman Marie-Claire Feghali said the organization could pull out additional employees in the coming days if security threats continue.

"What is very obvious to us now is that we are being instrumentalized as a pawn in the conflict by both sides and we cannot accept that," Feghali told the Washington Free Beacon. "[The combatants] have in their hands the power to influence how many people we pull out and how many people we keep in Yemen, but today the picture is looking extremely bad. I cannot say if we will keep more people tomorrow."

"Since the killing of Hanna in April, the signals that we are receiving from everyone are that there's a certain leniency and acceptance to the fact that international organizations can be targeted and can be used by one side against the other and we refuse to do that and we refuse to put people at risk," Feghali said.

http://freebeacon.com/national-security/red-cross-aid-workers-used-pawn-yemens-civil-war/

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Yemen army designates northern region ‘hostile area’

The Yemeni army this morning declared the Al-Mutun Directorate, located in the country’s northern Al-Jawf province, a “hostile area” and called for the evacuation of its civilian residents.

In a statement, the army condemned what it described as the use of civilian areas by the Houthis for military purposes.

Yemen’s Saudi-backed government frequently accuses the group of using residential areas – in Al-Mutun and elsewhere – as staging points for military operations and for weapons storage.

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180607-yemen-army-designates-northern-region-hostile-area/ and also http://almasdaronline.com/article/99414 and document: https://twitter.com/RepYemenEnglish/status/1004855293497487360

My comment: “Yemeni army” = Saudi-backed pro-Hadi army and militia. By such a declaration, the Saudi-backed fighters want to give themselbes a blank check for no more take care of any civilians and civilian infrastructure. But this way the laws of war do not work, this would be enforced displacement and a war crime. – In this context, blaming the Houthis for “the use of civilian areas […] for military purposes” quite absurd.

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People of Yemen Resisting U.S./Saudi War & Occupation

For over three years, the Saudi-led military coalition has been pounding Yemen with daily airstrikes under the pretext of reinstating legitimacy and stability to the country.

Bringing stability to the people of Yemen? Really?! Let’s look at some of the Saudi-led coalition’s criminal track record against the people of Yemen:

What a farce! As the humanitarian crisis in Yemen worsens, it is becoming harder for the Saudi-led coalition to justify the war. As they continue to bomb the children of Yemen daily, the Saudi government and its allied UAE government announced a joint $930 million donation to the United Nations’ Yemen Humanitarian Fund. Indeed this is a farce and clear attempt by the Saudi-led coalition to wash their bloody hands of the war crimes they’re committing in Yemen.

In an article by NPR, Yahya Nasser, a Yemeni who works at a relief organization in Yemen, said in response to the news about the donation, “We don’t need money from Saudi Arabia…What we need is for them to stop the war.”

This hypocrisy is not exclusive to the governments of Saudi Arabia and the UAE. According to an investigation published recently by the Toronto Star, “Canada has sent $65 million in humanitarian aid to help Yemenis suffering amid a brutal war. It has also exported $284 million worth of weapons and military goods to the countries bombing Yemen. ”

This number doesn’t include the $15 billion sale of Canadian-made armoured combat vehicles to Saudi Arabia approved by the Trudeau government.

Further clear proof that the U.S. backed Saudi coalition has no real interest in peace or stability in Yemen, was the Saudi announcement about the assassination of Saleh al-Samad, the president of the Houthis’ Supreme Political Council. Samad was killed days before he was scheduled to meet with Martin Griffiths, the U.N. special envoy for Yemen, on April 28 to discuss the possibilities of reaching a negotiated settlement to Yemen’s war.

In an interview with the New Yorker: Shireen al-Adeimi, a Yemeni analyst and doctoral student at Harvard said, “It’s an assassination…Any group that assassinates political leaders gives a strong message that they don’t want peace talks. Imagine if the Houthis had sent missiles to Saudi that killed Mohammed bin Salman.”

The U.S. and Saudi Arabia have no interest in peace or the well-being of the Yemeni people. Their goal is to expand their hegemony in Yemen and the region in a desperate move to quash the formation of an independent government; to protect its shaky and unstable monarchy; as well as to impose on Yemen a corrupt pro-imperialist government to serve their interests.

https://unac.papillonweb.net/2018/06/01/people-of-yemen-resisting-u-s-saudi-war-occupation/

(* B H K)

Jemen droht eine verheerende Hungersnot

Der von den Huthi-Rebellen kontrollierte Hafen Hodeidah ist der größte des Landes und lebenswichtig für die Versorgung im ärmsten Land der arabischen Welt.

Schon jetzt wissen mehr als 17 der 29 Millionen Menschen in Jemen laut dem UN-Nothilfe-Büro nicht, wo sie ihre nächste Mahlzeit hernehmen sollen.

Dem Vernehmen nach sondiert ein UN-Sondergesandter die Möglichkeit, den Hafen Hodeidah unter internationale Kontrolle zu stellen.

http://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/krieg-in-jemen-jemen-droht-eine-verheerende-hungersnot-1.4004588 = https://www.tagesanzeiger.ch/ausland/standard/dem-jemen-droht-eine-hungersnot/story/28966805

Bemerkung: Überblicksartikel.

(* B H K)

„Überall und jederzeit kann eine Bombe der Saudis explodieren“

Yousra Ishaq lebt im vom Krieg fast komplett zerstörten Jemen und erzählt uns, was dort tagtäglich passiert.

Yousra: Nichts ist so wie vor dem Krieg. Nichts. Die Leute sind fertig. Man sieht viele Menschen, die auf den Straßen mit sich selbst reden. Die Leute werden verrückt. Sie wissen, dass überall und jederzeit eine Bombe der Saudis explodieren kann. Huthis kontrollieren hier in Sanaa alles – die Leute sind sehr vorsichtig und wollen in nichts verwickelt werden. 2017 gab es eine schlimme Choleraepidemie, aber die ebbt langsam ab. Dafür breitet sich Diphterie stark aus, vor allem auf dem Land. Die Supermärkte sind zwar wieder voll mit Lebensmitteln, aber die sind mittlerweile sehr teuer. Alles muss importiert werden. Es gibt sehr viele Produkte aus Saudi-Arabien und Ägypten. Schon komisch: Wir Menschen können nicht raus aus dem Land, aber diese Produkte dürfen alle hinein.

Wie überleben die Menschen?

Ich kann es dir nicht sagen. Jeder schaut, wo er bleibt. Ich kenne einen Lehrer, der alles verkauft hat in seiner Wohnung. Seinen Fernseher, seinen Kühlschrank, alles eben, was er zu Geld machen konnte. Nur um seiner Familie etwas zu essen besorgen zu können. Angestellte der Regierung haben seit fast einem Jahr kein Gehalt mehr bekommen.

Die meisten Leute im Jemen sind arm. Aber es geht immer noch weiter nach unten. Die Leute haben oft keine Türen und Dächer auf ihren Häusern. Du kommst zu Familien, in denen alle krank sind. Die Kinder haben keinerlei Schulbildung. Ich treffe beinahe jeden Tag Menschen, die sich in solchen Situationen befinden. Die Menschen erzählen mir ihr ganzes Leid, obwohl sie mich nicht mal kennen. Das nimmt mich sehr mit. Und am Schluss kommen noch ihre Nachbarn und erzählen mir auch ihre Geschichten.

https://www.jetzt.de/politik/krieg-im-jemen-wir-sprachen-mit-einer-jeminitischen-ngo-helferin

Bemerkung: Vom 13.3.2018, ist mir offenbar damals entgangen.

cp3 Humanitäre Lage / Humanitarian situation

(B H)

Film: Shora is a girl from world's largest humanitarian crisis she is s 40 days old, she lost her siblings, her house & her mother’s health, she Fought for survival, & she survived against seemingly impossible odds... . Meet miracle baby Shora and #watch her story by @UNHCRYemen

https://twitter.com/UNHCRYemen/status/1004651201428951040

(B H)

US Agency for International Development: Yemen - Complex Emergency Fact Sheet #8, Fiscal Year (FY) 2018

Conflict intensifies in Al Hudaydah Governorate; humanitarian actors prepare for additional displacement

First containerized vessel delivers supplies to Al Hudaydah Port since November 2017 port closures

Health actors launch cholera and diphtheria vaccination campaigns in high-risk areas

https://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/yemen-complex-emergency-fact-sheet-8-fiscal-year-fy-2018

Yemen - Active USG Programs for Yemen Response (Last Updated 06/08/18)

https://reliefweb.int/map/yemen/yemen-active-usg-programs-yemen-response-last-updated-060818

(* B H K)

Physicians for Human Rights: Yemen: Attacks on Health May 2018 Newsletter

Attacks on health infrastructure

PHR confirmed four attacks on health care facilities and personnel with field sources, totaling 12 verified attacks out of the 23 attacks reported in the past eight months. Previous reports stated that 39 hospitals were hit from March to October 2015, and that 50 percent of health care infrastructure was destroyed as of Dec 2017. Despite a decrease in airstrikes, armed attacks still strike hospitals and disrupt service.

Health consequences

Most of Yemen’s health care infrastructure is non-functioning. Assessments show that only four out of 10 facilities in Taizz Governorate currently function. In May 2018, Haydan Hospital reopened, two and a half years after being damaged in October 2015. It expects to serve 7,000 people. However, outbreaks and rates of infectious diseases continue in Yemen:

Access to humanitarian aid

Reports indicated that humanitarian access has improved in some regions, yet 22 million people still depend on aid and 90 percent of IDPs lack access to clean water, sanitation, shelter, and food as of May 2018. Humanitarian access also decreased in areas where frontlines are shifting, particularly in Taizz Governorate.

A spike in IDPs has strained humanitarian groups. As of April 2018, the UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism stepped up inspections of aid shipments, increasing delivery delays and costs. Ongoing bureaucratic hurdles to deliver aid into Yemen also continued, despite Saudi Arabia’s lifting of the blockade in January.

The following incidents have been reported:

https://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/yemen-attacks-health-may-2018-newsletter

(* B H)

International Federation of Red Cross And Red Crescent Societies: IFRC Reference Centre for Psychosocial Support 2017 Annual Report

In many ways, 2017 was a special year seen through the lenses of mental health and psychosocial support in the IFRC. International attention has never been so strongly focused on psychosocial support at field level, in research and at policy level.

In severe crises, such as the conflicts in Syria and Yemen, the Rakhine crisis and the protracted crisis in Libya, mental health and psychosocial support is repeatedly mentioned as being key elements in the overall response.

Yemen

Supported by the European Commission, Yemen Red Crescent, Danish Red Cross, the PS Centre and the UNDP Social Fund for Development launched the programme “Community Services in Health and Action for Resilience” in 2017. The overall objective of the programme is to strengthen the resilience capacity of poor and vulnerable communities and households through improved access to public services and social safety nets, with added focus on the inclusion of women, young people and marginalized minorities. The programme is implemented in a collaboration between Yemen Red Crescent Society, the PS Centre and Danish Red Cross.

https://reliefweb.int/report/world/ifrc-reference-centre-psychosocial-support-2017-annual-report and full report https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/2017-PS-Centre-Annual-Report-lo-res.pdf

(A H)

Bonyan Development Foundation (B.D.F), in cooperation with Al-Ghaouth Charity Foundation, distributed 200 food baskets to the families of the Palestinian community in Sana'a capital and Sana'a, Amran and Dhamar provinces coinciding with the celebration of 'Al Quds Day'. (photos)

https://www.facebook.com/LivingInYemenOnTheEdge/posts/1769182416468114

(* A H)

Yemen: Cyclone Mekunu Situation Report No. 1, 7 June 2018

An inter-cluster mission led by OCHA visited Socotra from 29 May to 4 June to assess humanitarian needs in the aftermath of cyclone “Mekunu”. The mission was able to visit approximately 70 per cent of the affected areas and assess the status of critical infrastructure such as main roads, water networks and hospitals. While on the ground, the team initiated the distribution of food and non-food items to affected population.

According to the Governor’s office, the people of Socotra might be at risk of increased hunger unless immediate resources are mobilized to cover the food stock gap created as result of the cyclone. Seven ships carrying food stock for the period of monsoon reportedly sank with the food consignment onboard. In few weeks, sailing across sea will not be possible due to the strong winds and the island will be only accessible via the airport. Currently, there is no stock of wheat flour and sugar on the island and only low quantities of rice and other critical food supplies.

https://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/yemen-cyclone-mekunu-situation-report-no-1-7-june-2018

cp4 Flüchtlinge / Refugees

(** A H)

Wieder Flüchtlingsboot verunglückt – mindestens 46 Tote vor Jemen

Mindestens 46 Migranten sind im Golf von Aden bei einem Schiffsunglück ums Leben gekommen. Ihr Schiff war bei hohem Wellengang gekentert. Es gibt Überlebende, doch zahlreiche Opfer werden vermisst.

Wenige Tage nach dem verheerenden Kentern eines Flüchtlingsbootes vor Tunesien hat sich vor der Küste Jemens eine ähnliche Katastrophe abgespielt. Nach Angaben der Internationalen Organisation für Migration (IOM) kamen mindestens 46 Migranten um, als ihr Schiff am Mittwoch im Golf von Aden bei hohem Wellengang kenterte. 16 Menschen wurden vermisst, 39 Überlebende konnten gerettet werden, wie die Organisation in Genf berichtete.

Menschenschmuggler hatten nach ihren Angaben mindestens 100 Menschen auf das Boot gepfercht, das am Dienstag in Boosaaso in Somalia ablegte. An Bord seien Äthiopier gewesen, die auf der Suche nach Arbeit womöglich über das Bürgerkriegsland Jemen in die Golfstaaten weiterziehen wollten.

Das Boot sei die ganze Nacht unterwegs gewesen und kurz vor dem Anlegen an der Küste Jemens von hohen Wellen erfasst worden. Für die Menschen an Bord habe es nach Angaben von Überlebenden keine Schwimmwesten gegeben.

https://www.welt.de/vermischtes/article177114234/Golf-von-Aden-Wieder-Fluechtlingsboot-verunglueckt-mindestens-46-Tote-vor-Jemen.html

und

(*A H)

Mindestens 46 Flüchtlinge vor Jemens Küste ertrunken

37 Männer und neun Frauen seien ertrunken, teilte die Internationale Organisation für Migration (IOM) in Genf mit.

Das Boot war mit mindestens 100 Flüchtlingen völlig überladen, als es den Hafen von Bossaso in Somalia am Tag zuvor in Richtung Jemen verließ. An Bord: 83 Männer und 17 Frauen. Berichten zufolge waren alle Äthiopier. Gegen fünf Uhr morgens kam es zum Unglück.

Überlebende berichteten dem IOM, dass der Großteil keine Schwimmwesten von den Schleppern bekommen hatte. Als die hohen Wellen anfingen das Boot mit Wasser zu füllen, soll Panik ausgebrochen sein. Dabei drängten sich viele Menschen auf eine Seite des Bootes – dann wurde es von einer Welle erfasst und kenterte!

https://www.bild.de/politik/ausland/jemen/bootsfluechtlinge-vor-jemens-kueste-ums-leben-gekommen-55929910.bild.html und auch https://kurier.at/politik/ausland/jemen-boot-mit-100-migranten-verunglueckt-dutzende-tote/400046972

(** A H)

U.N. says 46 Ethiopians drown en route to Yemen; 16 missing

Forth-six Ethiopians drowned early on Wednesday and 16 were missing after a smuggler’s boat carrying at least 100 migrants capsized as it approached Yemen, the U.N. migration agency said in a statement.

The boat left the port of Bossasso in Somalia on Tuesday, with 83 men and 17 women on board who were hoping to find work in Yemen and the Arabian Gulf, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said, citing information from survivors.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-migrants/u-n-says-46-ethiopians-drown-en-route-to-yemen-16-missing-idUSKCN1J22J3

and

(** A H)

IOM Saddened as 46 Migrants Drown on Yemen’s Shores, 16 Still Missing

Tragedy struck migrants trying to cross from the Horn of Africa to find employment in Yemen and the Gulf, when their vessel capsized in high waves as it approached its destination in the early hours of 6 June.

UN Migration Agency staff were on the scene providing assistance to the traumatized survivors. IOM staff reported that 46 migrants had drowned, 37 men and 9 women. A further 16 remain missing, presumed dead.

At least 100 migrants crammed onto a smuggler’s boat that left the port of Bossaso, Somalia on 5 June. They were reportedly all Ethiopian, 83 men and 17 women. After travelling through the night across the short but treacherous Gulf of Aden, their boat approached the shore at 5 am on 6 June.

Survivors said the passengers who were without lifejackets in the smuggler’s boat started panicking as high waves struck close to the shore. As the boat took on water, they were pitched headlong into the rough seas where so many succumbed.

IOM staff went to the scene and were providing medical assistance, health, food and psychosocial support to the survivors. The ICRC and Yemen Red Crescent ensured the burial of the deceased.

This tragedy is the latest of many to have befallen migrants traveling to or from Yemen.

https://www.iom.int/news/iom-saddened-46-migrants-drown-yemens-shores-16-still-missing

photo: http://almasdaronline.com/article/99415 (wrong figures)

and

(* A H)

Human Solidarity Association Bury 39 Victims of the Afflicted Boat in Hadhramaut Coast

Human Solidarity Association announced that 50 migrants were saved from 100 and 39 dead bodies were retrieved in a rescue mission of a sunken boat started at dawn of Wednesday June 6th, 2018 and is still continuing in Sharg Ben Taleb – Hadhramaut (photo)

http://en.smanews.org/human-solidarity-association-bury-39-victims-of-the-afflicted-boat-in-hadhramaut-coast

cp5 Nordjemen und Huthis / Northern Yemen and Houthis

(A P)

Houthi De facto Authority Shuts Down Several Hajj, Umrah Travel Agencies

The Houthi authority has shut down several Hajj and Umrah travel agencies in the capital Sana’a and other areas under their control, and are pursuing their owners, according to international media outlets.

The director of one of these agencies based in Sana’a said that a large Houthi campaign is underway to shut down Hajj and Umrah travel agencies on the basis of weak justifications.

http://republicanyemen.com/archives/7237 and https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/gulf/2018/06/08/Houthis-shut-down-Hajj-and-Umrah-agencies-in-Yemen-target-owners.html

(A P)

Yemen Mass Rallies to Commemorate Jerusalem International Day

The capital Sanaa witnessed on Friday afternoon a mass rally to commemorate of the Jerusalem International Day, with the participation of masses which is the largest in the Arab region.
The participants in the rally raised Yemeni flags , Palestinian flags, signs of freedom against the American policy in the region and banners that show the extent of the Yemeni people’s adherence to Al-Aqsa cause.

http://www.sabanews.net/en/news498537.htm

http://www.sabanews.net/en/news498544.htm

http://www.sabanews.net/en/news498543.htm

http://www.sabanews.net/en/news498542.htm

http://www.sabanews.net/en/news498536.htm

photos:

http://geopoliticsalert.com/yemen-al-quds-palestine-2018

https://twitter.com/narrabyee/status/1004978995472097280

https://twitter.com/narrabyee/status/1005105952155230208

(* A P)

Two days after he was released from #Houthi prison, the civil #activist Anwar al-Rukn died, as medical sources confirm that the death was due to severe torture in one of the Houthi detention in the eastern province of #Taiz.

He was kidnapped a year ago. (photos)

https://twitter.com/RepYemenEnglish/status/1004870890377662465

https://twitter.com/FuadRajeh/status/1005094414694404097

https://twitter.com/FuadRajeh/status/1005257083342770176

(A P)

Through Community Leaders in the neighborhoods, the #Houthis are conducting a campaign to count the number of children and young people in every neighborhood, and issue them identification cards as; a prelude to call them when needed to fight on the fronts. (image)

https://twitter.com/RepYemenEnglish/status/1004865133435375617

(A P)

Sayyed al-Houthi: Conflict in region aims to control human's thoughtSayyed al-Houthi: Conflict in region aims to control human's thought

Leader of Yemeni Revolution,Sayyed Abdulmalik al-Houthi, said on Thursday that the conflict imposed on the Islamic and Arab region is a conflict over the control of human's thought.
"The US and Zionist invasion powers and their allies from some states of the region seek to control the region's peoples through taming them and influencing their thought," said Sayyed al-Houthi in a speech he delivered on the eve of the International Day of al-Quds (Jerusalem).
Al-Houthi called on the Yemeni people to participate in the rallies to be held on Friday in the capital Sanaa and in Hodeidah city to mark al-Quds Day and to renew the vow to liberate Al-Aqsa Mosque from its enemies.

http://www.sabanews.net/en/news498441.htm

(A K P)

Police arrests 8 mercenaries in Dhamar

http://www.sabanews.net/en/news498466.htm

Security services arrest 2 collaborators of aggression in Hodeidah

http://www.sabanews.net/en/news498467.htm

Remark: Reports like these are increasing.

(A P)

President directs paying half of salary to state staff before Eid al-Fitr

President of the Supreme Political Council Mahdi al-Mashat directed Finance Ministry to make more efforts to collect revenues to be able to pay a half of salary to the state employees before Eid al-Fitr.

http://www.sabanews.net/en/news498452.htm

Remark: They had not been paid for over a year now.

(B P)

Iran's allies are preparing a genocide in Yemen. But there's still time to stop it

Opinion: Baha’is have been brutally oppressed in Iran; now Yemeni rebels directed by Tehran have embraced that brutal campaign

Abdel-Malek al-Houthi, the leader of the Houthis in Yemen, has begun to publicly incite hatred against Baha’is. His inflammatory remarks have unmistakable genocidal intent. When viewed in light of the Houthi authorities’ actions against Yemeni Baha’is, his goal can only be seen as one of extermination and possible genocide.

http://nationalpost.com/opinion/irans-allies-are-preparing-a-genocide-in-yemen-but-theres-still-time-to-stop-it

My comment: That’s nothing new, has been often reported. Here, this seems to be just a repeat for having the opportunity to introduce a stronger propaganda wording.

(A P)

US-KSA Accountable for Country’s Disastrous Conditions : Head of Yemen’s Supreme Revolutionary Council

http://www.newnewss.net/us-ksa-accountable-for-countrys-disastrous-conditions-head-of-yemens-supreme-revolutionary-council/

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

(A)

Marib security arrests terrorist cell specialized in planting explosive devices

The security forces of Marib province have arrested a terrorist Houthi cell specialized in planting explosives
The Houthi rebels are seeking to destabilize the security of the government-held city by sending dozens of cell, which the security forces continuously arrest on time.

https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-19152

My comment: Houthi cell? I doubt.

(* A )

Dozens killed, wounded by armed clashes in north of Taiz

The situation of security chaos in Sarab-Salam district , north of Taiz province, during the past few days was horrifying, as it witnessed daily killings related to the issues of revenge, a local source told Yemen Press Agency on Friday.

During the last few days, the Sarab-Salam district has seen four different killings and 10 civilians were killed and more than ten injured because of fighting between armed groups, due to the issues of revolutions occurred in previous years.

http://en.ypagency.net/2018/06/08/dozens-killed-wounded-by-armed-clashes-in-north-of-taiz/

and

(A)

Gangsters clash in middle of Taiz

Armed clashes burst today (Thursday) with mid-heavy artillery between two armed gangs at “Tahreer” street in Taiz city.

http://almasdaronline.com/article/99419

(A P)

Commander of Al-Dalia Security Belt: We Welcome Everyone and Force Will Only be Used with Those Who Want to Break up the Line-up and Disturb Security

I n a press release distributed to all media tools, Colonel Ahmed Kaid, commander of the security belt troops in Al-Dalia, indicated that the troops are working hard for restoring safety and security to Al-Dalia. He added: Force is not our first option as we work for peace and security on this precious piece of land. Force will only be used with outlaws and those who want to spread chaos in Al-Dalia.

http://en.smanews.org/commander-of-al-dalia-security-belt-we-welcome-everyone-and-force-will-only-be-used-with-those-who-want-to-break-up-the-line-up-and-disturb-security

My comment: UAE-backed militia are the real lords of the Southern provinces.

(* A B P)

Two citizens were killed under torture in UAE prison inside a camp run by Tariq Afash in Aden

According to informed sources, “Remi Ali Abad Al-Shorji” and , “Mohammed Al-Hajji”, under torture under the direct supervision of the Director of Security of Aden, the pro-UAE paid fighter leader “Shalal Shaya.” lost their lives.

According to the sources, “Shalal Shaya”, directly supervised the torture of hundreds of political detainees inside a prison run by the UAE forces inside the Wadi Ahmed camp, supervised by Tariq Afash.

The sources pointed out that dozens of detainees have been transferred to hospitals in Aden because of the deterioration of their health conditions as a result of the daily exposure of the most severe and the worst forms of torture by the elements of the so-called “security belt”, supported by the UAE forces.

It should be noted that the forces of the UAE held hundreds of people from the southern provinces inside secret prisons in Aden, and practice the most heinous and cruelty of physical torture, according to international reports and reports.

A new UN report has blasted Saudi Arabia for torturing those arrested on “terror-related” charges and persecuting those exercising free speech, saying reports of the kingdom’s so-called liberalization efforts are “completely wide of the mark.”

British lawyer Ben Emmerson, the UN’s special rapporteur on anti-terrorism, concluded the report on Wednesday following a five-day visit to Saudi Arabia.

The UN report said there were “well documented reports of the use of torture and ill-treatment by law enforcement officials against individuals accused of having committed acts of terrorism and the use of coerced confessions as sole or decisive evidence in their conviction.”

http://www.yemenextra.net/2018/06/07/two-citizens-were-killed-under-torture-in-uae-prison-inside-a-camp-run-by-tariq-afash-in-aden/

Remark: There had bet quite a lot of reporting on these torture prisons before. – “Tariq Afash is Tariq Saleh, nephew of ex-president Saleh, now leader of militia in the Hodeidah assault.

(* A T)

Five bodies at dawn: The mystery that has left this war-torn city reeling

After unidentified corpses were found in a Taiz graveyard, residents fear they could be the next victims of a perpetrator still on the loose

It started as whispers over meals, in the shops, on the street: a group of men was executing civilians and soldiers in the east of the city and quickly burying them in Wadi al-Madam graveyard.

For weeks, the story spread even though no one wanted to believe something like this could happen.

But last week, after eyewitnesses came forward, security forces and a forensic team disinterred five fresh graves turning the persistent rumour into a terrifying mystery.

"Unfortunately, the disinterment created terror among Taiz's residents,” said Farouq al-Farea, who watched the bodies come up from the ground last Thursday morning alongside a crowd.

As Farea and others watched, the team brought up five corpses, two with missing heads that had been cut with knives. The bodies smelled but still residents gathered to watch.

"No one expected to see this thing happen in Taiz, the cultural capital of Yemen, so everyone was shocked to see the corpses killed in such an ugly way."

After the corpses were taken to al-Rawdha hospital security forces were able to identify three people, each soldiers in the 22 Brigade which fought against the Salafis in Taiz last month.

Clashes broke out between battalions of Abu al-Abbas, commander of the largest Salafi force in Taiz, and security forces after several Abu al-Abbas fighters were arrested under suspicion of assassinating Hannah Lahoud, an ICRC employee.

The other two bodies remain unidentified.

http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/mystery-has-yemenis-city-terrified-1977050625

(A)

Heavy rain lashed #Aden causing waterlogged roads (photo)

https://twitter.com/MuradAbdu/status/1004851083758460930

(A)

Locals: Mukalla floods damage houses and vehicles

Local citizens in Mukalla city the capital of Hadramawt governorate and the coastal areas, torrential floods hit the city in the past few hours and left huge damages.

The locals said to almasdaronline, the floods resulted from the heavy rain since the early morning hours and it sweeps away houses and vehicles at “aburish” valley east of the city and Aldees

http://almasdaronline.com/article/99394 and more photos https://twitter.com/RepYemenEnglish/status/1004469648157442049 and https://twitter.com/BaFana3/status/1005126778728468480 and film https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NvnOyzkRbk

(A T)

An attack with a grenade injures 4 soldiers in Taiz

Four soldiers follow the security campaign have been injured yesterday Wednesday in an attack launched by unknowns at “Almajliah” area southeast Taiz

A military source said to alamsdaronline “masked unknowns riding a motorcycle threw a grenade upon a security patrol which led to the injury of four soldiers and their injuries vary.

http://almasdaronline.com/article/99412

(A T)

After crackdown on militants, Taiz police calls on people to return to their houses

The Director General of Taiz Police has called on the residents of the eastern precinct of Taiz city to come back to their houses after a crackdown on militants has led to the arrest of a number of them.

https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-19092

cp7 UNO und Friedensgespräche / UN and peace talks

Siehe / Look at cp1c

(* A K P)

AN OPEN LETTER TO UN SECRETARY-GENERAL ANTÓNIO GUTERRES FOR THE CHILDREN OF YEMEN

Below is the full text of the open letter that Save the Children, together with 23 other civil society organisations, sent to UN Secretary-General António Guterres ahead of the publication of this year’s Children and Armed Conflict Annual Report.

As organisations working to protect children in situations of war, we sincerely welcome your decision in 2017 to include the Saudi Arabia-led Coalition along with other violators in the annexes of your Annual Report of the Secretary-General on Children and Armed (“Annual Report”) based on credible UN-verified evidence of violations against children in armed conflict. As your report noted, the Coalition was responsible for killing and injuring at least 683 children during 2016.

Despite the scale of violations, the Coalition was the only party to the armed conflict in Yemen listed in the newly-created Section B of Annex 1 among other “Listed parties that have put in place measures during the reporting period aimed at improving the protection of children.”

In 2017, however, the Coalition continued its child rights violations, including air strikes that have killed and maimed scores of children. We believe that the Coalition’s measures to protect children have been insufficient and are asking you to move the Saudi Arabia-led Coalition to the list of parties that have not taken measures to protect children in your upcoming Annual Report.

Although your report last year noted that Saudi Arabia had set up a “Child Protection Unit” at the Coalition’s command centre in Riyadh, we have seen no evidence on the ground that this has yielded any marked shifts in behaviour.

https://blogs.savethechildren.org.uk/2018/06/an-open-letter-to-un-secretary-general-antonio-guterres/

(* A K P)

Um die von Hilfsorganisationen befürchtete "totale Katastrophe" im Jemen zu verhindern – also eine Hungersnot, die 22 Millionen Menschen treffen könnte –, wollen die USA jetzt eine diplomatische Initiative der Vereinten Nationen zur Beendigung des Bürgerkrieges unterstützen. Nach Informationen der Nachrichtenagentur Reuters sollen die pro-iranischen Huthi-Milizen ihre ballistischen Raketen abgeben. Im Gegenzug müsse die "Arabische Koalition" dann ihre Bombenangriffe und andere Kampfhandlungen im Jemen einstellen.

Falls der Waffenstillstand hält, soll eine Übergangsregierung in Sanaa gebildet werden, in der alle Gruppen "angemessen vertreten" sein müssten – ein Schritt, der selbst in UN-Kreisen als "höchst schwierig" bezeichnet wird. Teil des Friedensplans ist zudem die Internationalisierung des Hafens von al-Hodeida, die Vorrang hat.
Sprecher der in die Defensive geratenen Huthis sollen den noch unveröffentlichten "Friedensplan" der UNO vorsichtig begrüßt haben. In Medien der "Koalition" wird dagegen weiter eine militärische Lösung des Konfliktes propagiert.

http://www.badische-zeitung.de/ausland-1/usa-raten-von-angriff-ab--153364417.html

(A P)

A high-ranking UN official also told Asharq Al-Awsat that reports about the failure of Griffiths’ visit to Sanaa was “inaccurate,” adding that negotiations were still ongoing.
“The outcomes of those talks would reveal in the UN envoy’s report on Yemen expected to be revealed by mid-June,” the source said.

https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/1294011/griffiths%E2%80%99-plan-yemen-technocrat-government-no-houthi-weapons

(* A P)

Failure is threatening the United Nation initiation of Hodeida port

The Houthis militia (Ansar Allah) in Yemen on the economical settlement presented by the United Nation envoy to Yemen Martin Griffith under the name “Hodeida – Salaries initiation “which state on butting Hodeida port under the supervision of UN but they stipulate impossible terms.

An official at United nation office in Yemen said to “Aarabi Aljadeed” the initiation stated on butting Hodeida port which controlled by Houthis under international supervision and reopen Sanaa airport to commercial flights and paying the government employees salaries which stopped since 20 months, and handing Central back in Sanaa in return.

According to the official who asked not to mention his name ,Houthis refused to hand over central bank or to be under the Aden central bank management and also refused transferring the government incomes according to each governorate to the government account in the central bank in Aden and refused the stipulated inspection of the commercial flights at Bisha airport in Saudi Arabia.

Houthis terms is threatening the economical initiation which is a preamble to the political settlement includes stopping the war and formation of a coalition government from all parties including Houthis according to the peace plan presented to the security council last April.

http://almasdaronline.com/article/99401

My comment: Some more news on Houthis’ preconditions. Of course, a pro-Saudi-backed Hadi government media labels them “threatening”. – But it’s just simple that the Houthis and their Sanaa government do not recognize the Hadi government, why they should send their revenues to a Hadi government’s Central Bank?

(* A P)

Officials from Abdu Rabbu Mansour Hadi’s government rejected a proposal to transfer al Hudaydah port to UN administration, according to a June 6 report from Asharq al Awsat. The Hadi government has not confirmed this report. UN Special Envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths proposed placing al Hudaydah under UN supervision in order to avoid an offensive on the port during meetings with al Houthi officials on June 2. The al Houthi movement rejected a similar plan from the previous UN envoy in July 2017 but have not publicly commented on the latest proposal [2]

https://www.criticalthreats.org/briefs/gulf-of-aden-security-review/gulf-of-aden-security-review-june-6-2018

(A P)

Govt commitment to terms of reference for peaceful solution

The legitimate government in Yemen has renewed its commitment to the three terms of reference for any peaceful resolution of the Yemeni crisis with Houthi rebels. The terms of reference represented by the GCC Initiative, the outcomes of the National Dialogue and the UNSC resolutions including resolution no. 2216 entail that the rebels end their rebellion by handing over cities and weapons to the state.

https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-19153

My comment: Back to Square One. Simply repeating their old preconditions, which had blocked any peace process since 3 years now.

cp7a Saudi-Arabien und Iran / Saudi Arabia and Iran

(A P)

Regional security threatened if Iran cornered: parliament speaker

The speaker of Iran’s parliament Ali Larijani said on Friday security in the Middle East could be threatened if Tehran was further pressured by Israel and Saudi Arabia.

“Israel and Saudi Arabia are the source of chaos in the region. The malicious triangle of Saudi Arabia, Israel and America wants to turn the region into a chaotic scene,” state television showed Larijani telling demonstrators “The region’s security will be threatened if they corner Tehran.”

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-palestinians-quds/regional-security-threatened-if-iran-cornered-parliament-speaker-idUSKCN1J40XK

cp8 Saudi-Arabien / Saudi Arabia

Siehe / Look at cp1

(A P)

'It's like a ghost film': Saudi fashion show mocked for using drones instead of women

A fashion show held in Saudi Arabia during Ramadan has been mocked because it doesn't feature any models - only drones.

Footage of the show has been widely shared on Twitter, with videos showing Dolce and Gabbana dresses and handbags travelling eerily down the catwalk, fluttering in the breeze.

The fashion show was held in Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh, and was part of their annual fashion week.

The choice to omit models, however, has caused debate and ridicule among social media users.

One Twitter user compared the bizarre show to 'a ghost movie'.

https://www.indy100.com/article/audi-arabia-fashion-show-drones-dresses-women-ramadan-8387966

films: https://twitter.com/wa7d_riyadh/status/1004528067354775552

https://twitter.com/AviationWG/status/1003692748615102464

Comment: The Friday laugh: Saudis used drones carrying hangers with clothes instead of models. 'Being human is so last season.'

https://www.facebook.com/LivingInYemenOnTheEdge/posts/1769432733109749

(* B P)

Film: PRO TIP: Time to leave the Stone Age behind, Riyadh!

https://twitter.com/IntheNow_tweet/status/1004845458190041088

(* A P)

Saudi, UAE launch 60 joint projects as part of newly formed alliance

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed 20 deals and announced 60 joint projects as part of the newly formed alliance, Saudi Press Agency reported Thursday.

The 60 joint projects aim at strengthening cooperation between the two countries and supporting the system of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

The economic cooperation includes a policy to empower the banking sector and the exchange of financial technology, insurance market, nuclear energy, infrastructure and road safety experiences.

The security and military cooperation includes a number of initiatives such as the joint manufacturing of ammunition, light weapons, vehicles, electronic shooting systems as well as cooperation and coordination in foreign military assistance, cooperation in the maintenance of military systems, and standardization of the military industry.

http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-06/08/c_137238056.htm

(A P)

Saudi Arabia and UAE move closer with joint military and economic strategy

Saudi Arabia and the UAE unveiled a host of joint military and economic initiatives during their first Joint Coordination Councilmeeting on Thursday, which analysts believe is a way of undermining the existing Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman hosted Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed in Jeddah, where the two effective rulers discussed a host of joint initiatives.
"We have a historic opportunity to create an exceptional Arab model of cooperation," UAE's Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed said.

"We are the two largest Arab economies, forming the two most modern armed forces.

https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2018/6/7/saudi-arabia-and-uae-move-closer-with-joint-strategy

and

(A P)

Saudi-Emirati Co-ordination Council the 'nucleus that brings all Arabs together', says Sheikh Mohammed

The UAE and Saudi joint dialogue is the nucleus that will bring the Arab world together, said Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

“Our alliance with KSA is a strategic choice that increases our strength and provides both countries a promising future. We’re keen to form a nucleus that brings all Arabs together,” Sheikh Mohammed tweeted on Thursday.

“In our second home, KSA, my brother Mohammed bin Salman and I witnessed the 1st meeting of the Saudi-UAE Co-ordination Council, which represents our aspirations for the future & reflects our vision, brotherhood & common destiny.”

As part of an initiative called The Strategy of Resolve, 44 joint projects will foster cooperation in security, military, economic and development projects, according to a statement issued by Wam, the state news agency.

https://www.thenational.ae/uae/government/saudi-emirati-co-ordination-council-the-nucleus-that-brings-all-arabs-together-says-sheikh-mohammed-1.738012

https://www.thenational.ae/uae/historic-saudi-emirati-coordination-council-in-pictures-1.737879

https://www.thenational.ae/uae/government/saudi-emirati-co-ordination-council-all-you-need-to-know-1.737773

https://www.thenational.ae/uae/saudi-emirati-coordination-council-will-strengthen-already-tight-bonds-1.737718

My comment: The claim is evident: We are the head of the Arab world. And the other Arabs would accept this??

(* B P)

Saudi Arabia crushing dissent through counter-terrorism law: investigator

Saudi Arabia is misusing its broad anti-terrorism law to silence peaceful dissent and deny freedom of expression, imprisoning critics and allegedly subjecting some of them to torture, according to a United Nations report.

The report by Ben Emmerson, who visited the kingdom last year as U.N. special rapporteur on counter-terrorism, said the definition of terrorism in laws enacted in 2014 was “objectionably broad”.

He called on Saudi authorities to bring the law in line with international norms, to halt “barbaric and public” executions, and to investigate allegations of the torture of detainees.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-rights-un/saudi-arabia-crushing-dissent-through-counter-terrorism-law-investigator-idUSKCN1J31RA

and

(* B P)

UN: Saudi Arabia Torturing, Mistreating Terror-Related Suspects, Activists

A new UN report blasted Saudi Arabia for torturing those arrested on “terror-related” charges and persecuting those exercising free speech, saying reports of the kingdom’s so-called liberalization efforts are “completely wide of the mark”.

British lawyer Ben Emmerson, the UN’s special rapporteur on anti-terrorism, concluded the report on Wednesday following a five-day visit to Saudi Arabia, presstv reported.

The UN report said there were “well documented reports of the use of torture and ill-treatment by law enforcement officials against individuals accused of having committed acts of terrorism and the use of coerced confessions as sole or decisive evidence in their conviction”.

“Those who peacefully exercise their right to freedom of expression are systematically persecuted in Saudi Arabia. Many languish in prison for years. Others have been executed after blatant miscarriages of justice,” it added.

The report also denounced “a culture of impunity” for Saudi officials who are guilty of acts of torture, saying, “Peaceful avenues for redress of grievances are foreclosed by the use of repressive measures to silence civil society”.

Emmerson complained that he had been repeatedly denied access to many prisons or prominent rights activists.

He further denounced Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman's clampdown on pro-democracy campaigners and stressed that it is “a matter of shame for the UN that it allowed Saudi onto the UN human rights council” back in 2016.

http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13970317000706 = http://www.newnewss.net/un-saudi-arabia-torturing-mistreating-terror-related-suspects-activists/

cp9 USA

Siehe / Look at cp1

(* A B K P)

Senate defense bill includes limits on US support for Saudi campaign in Yemen

The version of the annual defense policy bill being considered by the Senate this week includes a provision to limit U.S. military support to the Saudi Arabia-led coalition fighting in the Yemen civil war.

A bipartisan pair of senators behind the measure touted it on Thursday.

“The civil war and the world’s largest humanitarian crisis in Yemen are inflicting unacceptable damage to our national security interests and exacerbating heartbreaking human suffering,” Sens. Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) said in a joint statement. “The United States must use its influence to persuade Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to pursue an urgent diplomatic solution to end the civil war.”

Young and Shaheen introduced what they billed as a compromise proposal to require certification that the Saudi coalition is meeting certain criteria before the U.S. can refuel Saudi and coalition aircraft.

The proposal passed the Senate Foreign Relations Committee 14-7 last month and has now been folded into the National Defense Authorization Act.

Under the provision, the secretary of State would have to certify to Congress that the Saudi coalition is undertaking efforts to end the civil war; alleviate the humanitarian disaster by increasing access to food, fuel and medicine; reduce delays in shipments of humanitarian supplies; and reduce the risk of harm to civilians.

Without the certification, the United States would be banned from refueling Saudi coalition aircraft for missions exclusively focused on the civil war. The United States could still refuel coalition aircraft for certain other missions, such as those against al Qaeda and the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.

http://thehill.com/policy/defense/391208-senate-defense-bill-includes-limits-on-us-support-for-saudi-campaign-in-yemen and https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-shaheen-successfully-include-yemen-legislation-in-defense-bill-passed-by-senate-armed-services-committee

My comment: This will stay a “paper tiger” as the Secretary of State could whip it away by a simple statement only – whether it will be a complete lie or not.

(* B H P)

Trump’s Travel Ban Has Torn Apart Hundreds of Families

Yemeni Americans and other US citizens separated from their relatives await a Supreme Court decision that will determine their families’ futures.

By the first week of March, Sharifa was still in Djibouti waiting for her visa. In that time, she had watched hundreds of other Yemenis in Djibouti receive rejection letters from the US embassy. Just like her, they were all relatives—usually a spouse or child—of a US citizen, and had applied for visas years ago, well before Trump introduced the ban.

When Sharifa finally received an update from the embassy three months after her interview, everything unraveled. Her visa had been denied. The decision was final; there would be no appeal.

The small piece of paper that said her visa was approved and once signaled her future mocked her now. “Many were given this same paper, but then they ended up rejecting them,” Sharifa said quietly, sitting on the floor of the small apartment she shares with one of her few friends.

Sharifa and her family’s separation is likely what awaits US citizens with family members across the countries affected by Trump’s travel ban. Their one hope now is the Supreme Court. After its December decision that allowed the ban to go into effect, the Court announced in January that it would hear a challenge brought by the state of Hawaii. Arguments took place in late April, but many court watchers believe the justices will uphold the ban. A decision is expected this month.

The Supreme Court decision is particularly fraught for Yemeni Americans. Before the war, which began in 2015, they were able to maintain a life between their two home countries—working in the United States to support their family back in Yemen, whom they would visit often. The war changed all of that.

https://www.thenation.com/article/trumps-travel-ban-torn-apart-hundreds-families/

(* B K P)

Trump’s Secret War on Yemen

Trump is considering revoking the Obama era's transparency policy that sought to make anti-terrorist operations more transparent by issuing an annual report on conventional or drone operations in #Yemen, #Somalia or #Afghanistan.

The Trump administration has not only stopped reporting these operations, which are documented to have targeted both civilians and alleged terrorists, but is increasing them in number. Unlike Obama, Trump has delegated the war against terrorism to his generals and given them the power to make the decisions to carry out attacks in these three countries. According to Trump, giving up this power is the way to be more successful in the anti-terrorist policy, but also an alibi to avoid the responsibility that comes with making such decisions.

Increasing secrecy prevents carrying out effective supervision of control over the executive by the US Congress. Secrecy about the costs and consequences of Trump's policy of carrying out murders with drones impedes accountability and public oversight for unfair deaths. The victims of lethal actions deserve to have justice and reparation for the damages suffered, just as the American population deserves to know and be able to comment on the secret murders committed in its name by the Trump administration.

https://www.facebook.com/notes/living-in-yemen-on-the-edge/trumps-secret-war-on-yemen/1767809579938731/

(* B P)

Exclusive: Trump requested Saudi oil support before Iran nuclear decision – sources

A day before U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal, one of his senior officials phoned Saudi Arabia to ask the world’s largest oil exporter to help keep prices stable if the decision disrupted supply.

Riyadh, Tehran’s arch rival, has long been a close Washington ally, but direct pressure on a member of Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) over oil policies is rare. Washington last pressed Saudi Arabia to increase output in 2012.

Riyadh has said that even though prices have spiked to over $80 per barrel, the highest since 2014, the market has yet to recover from a long slump. Until the phone call, Saudi officials had been saying it was too early to raise output.

Three sources familiar with the matter said a senior U.S. administration official had called Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman before Trump’s announcement to make sure Washington could count on Riyadh, the de facto OPEC leader.

One of the sources said the call took place on May 7. The other two did not specify a date for the call.

Washington was worried that the sanctions would curb deliveries from Iran and push oil prices up, the sources said.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-oil-opec-usa-exclusive/exclusive-trump-requested-saudi-oil-support-before-iran-nuclear-decision-sources-idUSKCN1J31XU

(* B P)

Documents Show Private Intelligence Web Behind Global Surveillance Program

Editor’s Note: This is the second installment of a two-part investigation into Cambridge Analytica/SCL’s global operations. Read the first part here.

Internal documents exclusively obtained by the Grayzone Project (and embedded after this article) show how Cambridge Analytica’s UK-based parent company, SCL group, conducted a surveillance operation in Yemen called Project Titania. The initiative relied on psychological profiling, “strategic communications campaigns,” and infiltration of foreign operatives into indigenous communities through unwitting local partners whom they were instructed to deceive.

According to the materials detailed here, Project Titania was to be implemented by SCL “on behalf of Archimedes.” Archimedes is a US-based private contractor that advertises its ability to provide “Systems Integration, Engineering, and Mission Support solutions to government and businesses worldwide.”

The partnership between SCL and Archimedes highlights the seamless web of relationships between private intelligence firms and Western governments engaged in counter-intelligence activities in the Middle East. These large scale surveillance operations have been conducted without the knowledge of the Western public or input from elected officials, and would have remained mostly unknown had a series of leaks and hacking operations not placed them in the public domain.

Communications obtained legally by the Grayzone Project indicated that a former Archimedes staffer named Tim Riesen was a key contact for the Yemen operation. Little information is publicly available about Riesen; he is currently the the CEO of an international corporate consultancy firm called Madison Springfield, Inc. – by Max Blumenthal

https://www.truthdig.com/articles/documents-show-private-intelligence-web-behind-global-surveillance-program/

(B P)

Syracuse National Security Program Director Registers as a Saudi Foreign Agent

Former chief of staff to Secretary of State Powell oversees education program for senior national security officials

Congressman Walter Jones: Syracuse situation “should cause major unease for all Americans”

The director of a national security program at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs has registered with the U.S. Department of Justice as an agent of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 28Pages.org is first to report.

In his registration statement, retired U.S. Army Colonel Bill Smullen, former chief of staff to Secretary of State Colin Powell, indicated he has agreed to provide “public relations support” to the Saudi embassy for compensation initially projected at $8,000.

https://28pages.org/2018/06/06/syracuse-national-security-program-director-registers-as-a-saudi-foreign-agent/

(B P)

today in Hellscape USA news: the detention center being used to detain immigrant children is a former WalMart with blacked-out windows and locked doors. (photo)

https://twitter.com/hello__caitlin/status/1003760792280301568

cp10 Großbritannien / Great Britain

(* A K P)

Keith Vaz MP: We must not stand idly by and watch this conflict continue to ravage Yemen

Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Yemen, Keith Vaz MP, implores the Government to stand up and be counted on Yemen and specifically to help to protect Al Hudaydah port.

The UK must continue to urge the coalition publicly and privately not to attack this area, reinforce that there can be no military solution, and instead insist that all parties engage in good faith in peace talks towards a political solution.’

Yet we have not, at time of writing, seen a statement by our Government calling on all sides for de-escalation around the port and directly condemning fighting in the region. The United States has beaten us to the punch, going on record and suggesting that it could not support actions that destroy key infrastructure or that are likely to exacerbate the dire humanitarian situation that has expanded in this stalemated conflict. Losing the moral argument to the Trump administration is shameful indeed. We know that this week Theresa May had a phone conversation with Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. However, from the account given of the call by number 10’s press secretary there was no indication that the Prime Minister spoke to him about Hudaydah port directly.

I have long been on record saying that sadly the Government has lost its way on Yemen. This is despite the outstanding efforts by the Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa Alistair Burt who has been a consistent champion for Yemen. I fear his voice has been drowned out by the Government's obsession with Brexit. Concerted international pressure has averted an assault on Yemen’s most vital port previously. Last year the coalition moved away from their plans to attack Hudaydah. It is not too late for the Government to stand up and warn all combatants that it will not endorse or tolerate military action on Hudaydah port. Fighting in Hudaydah would wipe peace prospects off the table and would put millions of Yemenis at risk. We must not stand idly by and watch this conflict continue to ravage Yemen and its people. I implore the Government to stand up and be counted.

https://www.politicshome.com/news/world/middle-east/opinion/house-commons/95790/keith-vaz-mp-we-must-not-stand-idly-and-watch

cp11 Deutschland / Germany

(A H)

BUND und Nabu sammeln für "Kinderhilfe im Jemen"

Es hat eine lange Tradition, das Konzert der Altenstädter Umwelt- und Naturschutzverbände BUND und Nabu, dessen Erlöse regelmäßig guten Zwecken zugutekommen.

An die Tradition wurde nun angeknüpft mit einem weiteren Auftritt von Mitgliedern des Frankfurter Opern- und Museumsorchesters und Gästen in der evangelischen St. Nikolai Kirche in Altenstadt. Dr. Werner Neumann, Vorsitzender des BUND-Altenstadt, hieß die Besucher willkommen, dankte den Musikern für ihr Kommen und stellte kurz die Arbeit des Vereins "Kinderhilfe im Jemen" vor, der in diesem Jahr Empfänger der Spenden ist. Wie Neumann später mitteilte, kamen 826 Euro zusammen.

http://www.kreis-anzeiger.de/lokales/wetteraukreis/altenstadt/bund-und-nabu-sammeln-fuer-kinderhilfe-im-jemen_18822266.htm

cp12 Andere Länder / Other countries

(A K P)

Egypt's army chief of staff discusses military cooperation with Yemeni counterpart in Cairo

http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/302012/-.aspx

My comment: Saudi-backed president hadi’s Yemeni army. Egypt is a member of the Saudi coalition.

(A P)

Yemeni farmers 'humiliated' after Netherlands denies visas for coffee convention

A group of Yemeni farmers who risked their lives to apply for visas to attend a coffee trade show in Amsterdam say they have been "humiliated" after the Dutch embassy refused to grant them entry.
Thousands of dollars and several months were spent preparing to send a delegation of farmers to the Netherlands to proudly represent Yemeni coffee at the World of Coffee international convention. It would have been the first time Yemeni coffee was showcased abroad in more than 500 years of history.
The group travelled for 20 hours through war-stricken Yemen from Sanaa to Aden, through 50 militia checkpoints, and then made the 3,000km journey to the Dutch embassy in the Jordan capital Amman just to apply for the visas.
But a month later, the group was told their applications had been rejected.

https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2018/6/8/yemeni-farmers-denied-visas-to-netherlands-for-coffee-convention

(A K pS)

#Bahrain's Crown Prince visits today #RSAF King Fahd AFB, Taif, and the Bahraini Artillery Task Force stationed in #Jazan in support of the #Saudi-led coalition operations to restore legitimacy in #Yemen (photos9

https://twitter.com/MbKS15/status/1004785458180739072

(* B P)

Congress seeks to insulate Oman from Yemen instability

As a three-year civil war continues to plague Yemen and create a fertile breeding ground for terrorist groups, Congress is seeking to mitigate spillover into neighboring Oman by bolstering border security.

But the funding may be aimed at cracking down on alleged Iranian smuggling routes through Oman as much as protecting the neutral Gulf state.

The Senate’s annual defense authorization bill, released this week, would add Oman and Pakistan to a list of countries eligible for reimbursement for border security funding

In addition to IS, al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula also maintains a robust presence in southern Yemen. And as the civil war pushes the world’s poorest country into an unprecedented famine while killing and wounding thousands of civilians, numerous displaced Yemenis have flocked to the border.

“Part of the problem is that you have an extremely difficult terrain there,” Anthony Cordesman, a Gulf analyst at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told Al-Monitor. “There are all kinds of paths and small areas that people are trying to secure. … It’s fairly easy to cut across.”

“Both sides share a lot of tribal affinities and they don’t necessarily recognize the border from day to day,” added Cordesman. Because Oman maintains diplomatic ties with Iran, the United States often turns to Muscat to conduct back-channel negotiations with Tehran. However, the Saudis have frowned upon Oman’s relations with Iran, especially as Muscat seeks to remain neutral in the Saudi-Iranian proxy war playing out in Yemen.

https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2018/06/congress-seeks-insulate-oman-yemen-instability.html

(* A P)

Quand des parlementaires français se rendent au Yémen... grâce à l'Arabie saoudite

Six parlementaires français se sont rendus sur place dans un voyage financé par... l'Arabie saoudite.

Certains de ces parlementaires ont posté leur escapade sur les réseaux sociaux.

Sauf que la polémique est née lorsque, le 30 mai, Le Point a révélé que ces élus de la République s'étaient rendus dans cette région en conflit, en répondant favorablement à l'invitation de la coalition arabe, menée par les Saoudiens, qui est allée jusqu'à financer le voyage. Or, selon l'ambassade française de Riyad, cette délégation s'est aussi rendue en Arabie saoudite à la rencontre des autorités saoudiennes, principaux belligérants dans la guerre. En outre, l'ambassade saoudienne à Paris n'a pas hésité à relayer une vidéo de propagande après ce voyage.

Avec ce voyage, la France a-t-elle été instrumentalisée par l'Arabie saoudite ?

Toutefois, autre problème posé : le 6 juin France 2 atteste que les parlementaires ont eu un point de vue uniquement saoudien après «la visite de deux centres d’accueil saoudiens pour les populations qui ont fui le conflit» et la rencontre d'une «organisation saoudienne qui prend en charge d’anciens enfants soldats». Interviewé par France 2, le député LREM Michel Amiel avoue que «le but était d’essayer de se rendre compte d’une partie de la réalité tout en étant parfaitement lucide et conscient sur le fait que ce n’était qu’une partie de la réalité».

https://francais.rt.com/france/51370-quand-des-parlementaires-francais-se-rendent-au-yemen-grace-a-l-arabie-saoudite

(* A K P)

Se suspenden los envíos de "armamento" desde el Puerto de Bilbao

[Thanks to the relentless efforts of various NGOs, the Spanish port of #Bilbaowill no longer ship armaments to Saudi Arabia!]

Según revela a Radio Bilbao un miembro de la comisión "La guerra empieza aquí", de Ongi Etorri Errefuxiatuk, son ya tres meses consecutivos sin que la naviera saudí, que ha cargado en 16 meses un total de 455 contenedores, haya atracado en el Puerto de Bilbao. Según el colectivo, la movilización social ha incomodado de tal forma que les ha obligado a desplazarse

http://cadenaser.com/emisora/2018/06/05/radio_bilbao/1528179194_436029.html

cp12a Katar-Krise / Qatar crisis

(A P)

Dr Anwar Gargash: solving the Qatar crisis must involve tackling the 'trust deficit'

In an exclusive interview, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs says a solution to the Yemen war must be UN-led

Dr Gargash said Qatar had caused harm in the region, accusing its leaders of "undermining the Bahraini regime" and of "systematically supporting Saudi opposition" by providing a "platform to try and play a seditious role".

Referring to the decision to boycott Qatar on June 5 last year, he said: "The four countries have made their point. They don't have to escalate. We have become more or less accustomed to dealing with our region through isolation of Qatar. The onus is on Qatar if it really wants to come out of its current isolation."

https://www.thenational.ae/world/mena/dr-anwar-gargash-solving-the-qatar-crisis-must-involve-tackling-the-trust-deficit-1.737701

Remark: UAE viewpoint.

(* A P)

Qatar eyes full NATO membership: Defense minister

Qatar is looking forward to a full NATO membership, the country’s defense minister said Tuesday.

"We are certainly better than before," Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, H E Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah said in an interview with Altalaya, the official magazine of the Qatari Defense Ministry.

"Qatar today has become one of the most important countries in the region in terms of the quality of armament,” he said.

The Qatari minister cited the growing cooperation between Doha and the NATO which he said may lead to "hosting one of the NATO’s units or one of its specialized centers.”

"Regarding the membership, we are a main ally from outside the NATO… the ambition is full membership if our partnership with NATO develops and our vision is clear,” H E al-Attiyah said.

https://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/05/06/2018/Qatar-eyes-full-NATO-membership-Defense-minister

Comment: This is a Milo Minderbender class mindfuck.

https://twitter.com/BaFana3/status/1004421553990270979

cp13a Mercenaries / Söldner

(? B K)

Yémen, une guerre sous-traitée

Since 2015, soldiers and mercenaries of a number of countries are engaged in the war on #Yemen. In case of war crimes, will they be prosecuted by the ICC?]

Des soldats et mercenaires de multiples origines sont discrètement engagés dans la guerre civile qui ravage le Yémen depuis 2015. En cas de crimes de guerre, seront-ils poursuivis par la CPI? (subscribers only)

https://lecourrier.ch/2018/06/07/yemen-une-guerre-sous-traitee/

cp13b Wirtschaft / Economy

(* B E H)

In war-torn Yemen, farmer works towards her dream of growing roses

Ahlam al-Alaya, a Yemeni farmer, has been cultivating the herbal stimulant khat since she was a child. But as her country remains in the grip of a humanitarian crisis, al-Alaya is trying to instead grow fruits, vegetables - and maybe even roses - that require less water.

Al-Alaya borrowed some money and rented a piece of land in a nearby village for 100,000 riyals annually.

"I started with planting tomato seeds three months ago. One day, I will cultivate strawberry and Damask roses," says al-Alaya, who also planted radish, peppers and cabbage.

Meanwhile, she has also resumed her education, after having to leave school early in life.

She will soon be able to obtain her high school degree through distance learning. Afterwards, she hopes to study agricultural engineering at university.

"Now I have become a big asset in my village. I have built reputation based on love of work and have been able to get everyone's respect."

Al-Alaya said that in recent months, many people, including the village residents and agriculture students, have visited her greenhouse farmland.

"I am a few months away from achieving my dream. The future is smiling on me," she adds with confidence.

http://www.dpa-international.com/topic/topic/war-torn-yemen-farmer-works-towards-dream-growing-roses-180607-99-625926

cp15 Propaganda

(B K P)

America Has a Chance to Finish the War in Yemen

While Iranian and North Korean diplomatic maneuvering distracts the world, the Trump Administration is in serious talks with Gulf Arab officials about widening the war in Yemen.

On one side are Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and several other Arab states. On the other are Iran, its largest proxy militia.

Inaction is not an option. Houthis have threatened shipping that passes by Hodeidah, including vast supplies of food and fuel bound for America's NATO allies in Europe via the Suez Canal.

There are understandable worries about joining a war that could drag on as the Iraq war did.

But there are strong reasons for the President to accede to the pleas of his allies. First, striking a decisive blow against Iran’s proxy army in Yemen will make it easier to roll back its nuclear weapons program by taxing the regime’s imperial overreach and forcing it to address the needs of its own, struggling economy. Doing so will also weaken Iran’s hand in Syria and Lebanon, where it is waging further proxy wars and supporting Hezbollah, which has killed more Americans than any other terror group besides al Qaeda.

As the United States is already fueling and arming allied warplanes, adding American surveillance is an increase of degree, but not of kind. The effects, by contrast, could be game-changing. Without a seaport, Iran will have to supply its troops by ground and air, where they will be vulnerable to allied aircraft. The volume of cargo that can be moved by plane or truck is significantly less than what container ships can offer. Thus there is a real possibility that taking Hodeidah could end the war.

In appraising the determination of its allies in Yemen, the United States should weigh in the remarkable contributions of the UAE, both to this embattled nation and to the security of the broader region.

As the Trump Administration examines its options, it should bear in mind the bigger picture. Iran strives to dominate the Arab world and covets the Islamic holy sites of Mecca and Medina. Its war in Syria and forces in Lebanon have enabled it to assert itself in the Levant to an unprecedented degree. Iran’s backing of the Sunni Islamist Muslim Brotherhood gives it a foothold in Egypt as well as Jordan. It has funded uprisings in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia – by Ahmed Charai, Moroccan publisher. He is on the board of directors for the Atlantic Council, an international counselor of the Center for a Strategic and International Studies, and a member of the Advisory Board of The Center for the National Interest in Washington.

http://nationalinterest.org/feature/america-has-chance-finish-the-war-yemen-26152

My comment: A really awful propaganda article. The US should interfere in Yemen even more and take part in the Hodeidah assault – for defeating an Iran which just exists in propaganda paranoia. Here on the author with list of his articles at FPRI: https://www.fpri.org/contributor/ahmed-charai/

(A P)

Emirati press announce fake Oxford centre

UAE state media release doctored images of 'Future Design Center' which doesn't exist

At the start of May, the Dubai Government Media Office issued a press release regarding the opening of the “Mohammed bin Rashid Center [sic] for Future Research” at Oxford University.

But Cherwell can exclusively reveal that the centre does not exist.

Cherwell understands that the centre has not even been formerly proposed to the University, and that the images of its supposed opening were photoshopped.

According to the media release – which was also covered by outlets including The Gulf Today, Zawya, and Gulf News – the centre opened during a ceremony attended by Minister of Cabinet Affairs and the Future, Mohammed Al Gergawi, and the Minister for Artificial Intelligence, Omar bin Sultan Al Olama.

http://cherwell.org/2018/06/08/emirati-press-announce-fake-oxford-centre/

(A P)

Yemeni FM Warns that Iran is Attempting to Establish New Hezbollah in His Country

Yemen’s Foreign Minister, Khalid Al-Yamani, has warned of the formation of a new Hezbollah organization in Yemen, which he said would threaten the security and stability of the region.

Al-Yamani made the comments during a meeting with U.S. Ambassador to Yemen, Matthew H. Tueller, on Thursday in the Saudi capital Riyadh. The Foreign Minister said that the Yemeni government was alarmed by Iran’s “intervention and its absurd agenda” in the Middle East, as well as Tehran’s interference in Yemen’s civil war on behalf of the Houthi rebels.

Speaking at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) think tank in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, the US Treasury under-secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, Sigal Mandelker, condemned Iran’s role in Yemen.

http://www.thetower.org/6337-yemeni-fm-warns-that-iran-is-attempting-to-establish-new-hezbollah-in-his-country/

My comment: The propaganda narrative is further expanded.

(A P)

UAE Foreign Minister Dr. Gargash: "The Houthis have been the main impediment to reaching an agreement but with the pressure we are putting in Hodeidah, and their regression, following the death of Ali Abdullah Saleh. I think we are more and more clear; we are changing the calculus through military pressure in order to bring about a political solution." A "UN-led, Yemeni-driven solution," according to Dr Gargash.

https://www.thenational.ae/world/mena/dr-anwar-gargash-solving-the-qatar-crisis-must-involve-tackling-the-trust-deficit-1.737701

My comment: By the UAE Foreign Minister. The basics which always is forgotten: “"The Houthis have been the main impediment to reaching an agreement“ is bullshit; the real meaning is „"The Houthis have been the main impediment to reaching an agreement fully implementing all our preconditions“.

(A P)

Yemeni Acting Minister of Defense: Arab Coalition for Supporting legitimacy's Efforts Gave National Army Advantage in Achieving Continuous Victories Against Coup Militia

The Advisor to the Supreme Commander of the Yemeni Armed Forces, Acting Defense Minister Lieutenant General Mohammad Ali Al-Maqdashi said that the efforts of the Arab Coalition for Supporting Legitimacy and their participation in military operations alongside the national army and popular resistance in his country had given us the advantage of achieving continuous victories against Iranian Houthi militia.
Al-Maqdashi added in a press statement on the occasion of the third anniversary of the re-establishment and building of the Yemeni National Army, that the Yemeni military establishment is now fully prepared and ready to complete the tasks and meet the aspirations and hopes of the Yemeni people to restore security and stability and build its future and transition to the federal state.

https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=1774368

(A P)

Joint Forces Command of Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen Condemns Houthi's Threats on Lives of Civilians and International Relief Workers

The Joint Forces Command of the Coalition “Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen” Condemns the Threats the Houthi Militia Make on the Lives of Civilians and International Relief Workers. Holds the Militia Accountable for Any Deterioration of the Security and Humanitarian Status in Some Areas.
The Official Spokesman of the Coalition “Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen” Col. Turki Al Malki stated that the Joint Forces Command of the Coalition expresses its concern regarding the statement issued by the ICRC that includes the withdrawal of their employees working in the humanitarian and relief tracks from Yemen.

https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=1774475 and also: https://www.thenational.ae/world/mena/coalition-promises-to-protect-yemen-aid-workers-1.738080

My comment: Nice propaganda. The ICRC retreats because of the killing of a ICRC Lebanese staff member – who had been killed by anti-Houthi militia at Taiz.

cp16 Saudische Luftangriffe / Saudi air raids

(A K pH)

24 Saudi Air Strikes On Several Yemen’s Provinces Within 24 Hours

http://www.newnewss.net/24-saudi-air-strikes-on-several-yemens-provinces-within-24-hours/

(A K pH)

A girl child was killed and three of her family's members including a child and an old woman injured in a Saudi-led air strike in Yemen's Saada province on Wednesday night. Their house in Manbah district was targeted by two missiles. One destroyed i

https://twitter.com/FuadRajeh/status/1004543333929308160

(A K pH)

Saudi-led airstrikes destroy popular market in Hodeidah

US-backed Saudi-led aggression aircrafts waged on Thursday an indiscriminate bombing, targeting markets and farms in several districts of Hodeidah province, a military official told Saba.
Earlier the day, the coalition aircrafts waged 10 raids on a popular market in Bura district, northern the province, which led to a huge destruction in shops, burning of goods, destroying citizens' cars and killing several of livestock in the market.
Residents said the warplanes attack came before the launch of the weekly livestock sale, which is held on Thursday of each week in the targeted market.
The coalition aircrafts also carried out five raids on farms in al-Durihemi district, two others on al-Jaba area in al-Hali distict, which led to injuring several civilians.
Also six air raids targeted separate areas of al-Tuhaita district, southern Hodeidah, while four others hit Bait al-Faqih district and two hit al-Luhaya district in north of Hodeida.

http://www.sabanews.net/en/news498445.htm

photos: https://twitter.com/HussainBukhaiti/status/1004860067978543104

https://twitter.com/AhmadAlgohbary/status/1004831459184660480

https://twitter.com/SamWalton/status/1004757617472888834

https://twitter.com/WeenAlEnfigar/status/1004804133331832832

film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7xaF-FkSSc

(* A K pH)

More Saudi coalition air raids recorded on:

June 8:

http://www.sabanews.net/en/news498547.htm Marib p.

http://www.sabanews.net/en/news498548.htm Jawf p.

http://www.sabanews.net/en/news498549.htm Taiz p.

June 6:

http://www.sabanews.net/en/news498372.htm Hajjah p., civilian home

http://www.sabanews.net/en/news498368.htm Hodeidah p., farms

http://www.sabanews.net/en/news498366.htm Hodeidah p.

(A K)

NRC demands investigation of Sana’a air strike near NRC facility

“Shortly before 9:30 pm on 5 June, Saudi-led Coalition aircraft bombed the Hadda district in Sana’a, injuring seven civilians, including four children. The attack damaged several houses, including an NRC guesthouse with the organisation’s staff.

We are calling on the Saudi-led Coalition to investigate and provide a full and public account of the attack. Like this attack shows, using powerful weapons in populated areas puts civilians at risk and the coalition should refrain from doing so.

The force of the blast damaged the NRC guesthouse, located less than 100 metres from the impact site, cracking the walls and blowing in windows. NRC has provided all relevant parties to the conflict, including the Saudi-led Coalition, with details and coordinates on our operations in order to ensure the safety of our staff.

https://www.nrc.no/news/2018/june/nrc-demands-investigation-of-sanaa-air-strike-near-nrc-facility/

Remark: The raid was recorded in YPR 419, cp16.

(* A B K pS)

JIAT in Yemen Denies International Organizations Allegations on Targeting Civilians

Joint Incident Assessment Team (JIAT) in Yemen refuted nine allegations the group had received from international organizations claiming coalition forces bombed buildings, schools and civilian sites, stating that all these allegations were absolutely untrue.

JIAT Spokesman, Mansour al-Mansour, said the team received nine cases with two allegations from Human Rights Watch (HRW) and seven from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and that evidence proved that all these allegations were untrue.

The first case was based on a report issued by HRW in April 2015 claiming that a coalition aircraft dropped two bombs on the Ministry of Education in Amran. The first bomb hit a three-family building and the second damaged part of the building. After evaluating all evidence, on Saturday, April 11, coalition forces carried out an air mission on the city of Amran at Camp 310.

Mansour pointed out that the ministry compound was not damaged and the team found that there were no traces of aerial bombardment on this house. The Team validated that the Coalition did not target the house and all measures taken were compatible with international humanitarian law.

The spokesman noted that the third case reported in the annual report of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights indicated that coalition forces carried out an air strike on a civilian vehicle in Taiz on May 17, 2017, killing 16 civilians, including two women and children.
"After investigating the incident, the Yemeni national and the resistance were asked to provide an air support to target a Houthi truck carrying weapons and ammunition in al-Wazaaya in an isolated area," he explained.
The fourth case was also reported by UN High Commissioner claiming the coalition forces conducting air strikes on al-Khamis area in Arhab, Sanaa, killing five civilians. According to the allegation, the first air strike hit the school and the second hit a mosque 50 meters away from the school, and an hour later a third strike targeted a civilian vehicle.
Investigations confirmed that coalition forces did not carry out any air missions in Arhab.

https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/1293051/jiat-yemen-denies-international-organizations-allegations-targeting-civilians

Remark: let’s look at the 3. Case listed here: http://www.france24.com/en/20170517-suspected-saudi-led-raid-kills-23-yemen-civilians-rebels=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/suspected-saudi-led-raid-kills-dozens-yemeni-civilians-759971617 and photos https://www.facebook.com/SaudiArabia.war.crimes.against.Yemen/posts/1678005075828813 and https://twitter.com/HussainBukhaiti/status/864920260746543106

and

(* A B K pS)

KSA’s incident assessment team announced findings of 9 investigations in Yemen strikes

He said the JIAT had studied recent incidents during military operations in Yemen, including the wedding incident in the Bani Qais area in Hajjah province, on the basis of statements made by international organizations and public media.

http://www.arabnews.com/node/1317731/saudi-arabia

My comment: The Saudi coalition investigating their own air raids – that’s like the killer and prosecutor is the same person. This Joint Incident Assessment Team (JIAT) is a bad joke. Its only task is whitewashing coalition war crimes; up to now, they did nothing else. It is remarkable that Western politics takes this team seriously – well, because the West needs this whitewashing to continue the arms sales to Saudi Arabia.

cp17 Kriegsereignisse / Theater of War

(A K pH)

Yemenis target Saudi positions with ballistic missiles

Missile units of the Yemeni army and volunteer forces from Popular Committees have reported firing domestically-built ballistic missiles that targeted Saudi Arabia’s military positions in Najran and Khamis Mushait.

http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2018/06/08/564356/Yemen-ballistic-missiles

and

(A K pS)

Kingdom confirms two missiles fired toward Saudi territory on Friday

Saudi Arabia said two missiles were fired toward the Kingdom’s territory on Friday.

The ballistic missiles, fired by the Iran-back Houthi militia, were detected by the Saudi air force at 18:45.

One was confirmed to have failed and landed inside Saada Province in Yemeni territory and the other in an unpopulated desert area, the spokesman for the coalition Col. Turki Al-Malki said.

He said the two missiles were heading toward the Saudi city of Najran and were launched in a deliberate way to target civilian population centers.

http://www.arabnews.com/node/1318306/saudi-arabia

My comment: the last paragraph quoted here is C+P propaganda.

(A K)

Army: 20 Houthis killed in eastern Yemen

At least 20 Houthi fighters have been killed fighting the Yemeni army in the Serwah Directorate in the eastern Marib province, the army said in a statement today.

“Fierce fighting erupted Thursday after a group of rebels attempted to infiltrate army positions in southern Serwah,” the statement quoted an unnamed military source as saying.

“The fighting left at least 20 Houthis dead and a number of others injured,” the source added.

Army artillery, the source said, had targeted Houthi sites and concentrations throughout southern Serwah, leading to heavy casualties and material losses among the ranks of the rebel group.

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180608-army-20-houthis-killed-in-eastern-yemen/

(A K pS)

The #Houthis have bombed the house of Sheikh Saleh Salem al-Tayabi in al-Tayab area of Thee Na'em district of al-Bayda province. It is worth-mentioning that this is the fifth house to be bombed by Houthis in this area alone. (photo)

https://twitter.com/RepYemenEnglish/status/1004473779882463232

cp18 Sonstiges / Other

(* B P)

Qatar Quietly Helping Yemenite Jews Reach Israel?

A Lebanese source says that a group of Jews from Yemen are on their way to Israel – via Qatar.

A Jerusalem source says that a group of of about 60 Jews from Yemen have arrived in Israel from Doha on a Qatari airline.

The operation was carried out under the auspices of the State of Israel and is intended to extract the remaining 400 Jews from Yemen.

The group arrived at Ben Gurion International Airport, according to “informed Israeli sources” quoted by Manar.com, the website of an Arabic-language newspaper produced in Jerusalem's Sheikh Jarrah (Shimon HaTzaddik) neighborhood and headed by managing editor Ismail Ajwa.

Very little information has been available about the fate of Yemenite Jews over the past year as the country is torn apart in the battle between government troops, tribal factions and terrorist groups such as Al Qaeda.

The Israeli source quoted by the newspaper added that preparations are being made to continue transporting the few remaining Jews from Yemen to Israel in within the coming months.

According to a report published earlier this month in The Yemen Post, just 60 Jews have left Yemen since 2010, complaining of harassment and discrimination.

The non-governmental Yemeni Sawa'a Organization for Anti-Discrimination estimated this week that about 300 Jews are still living in the Riyada area, and 100 in the capital of Sanaa. In a statement on its Facebook page, the group called a recent decision by the Yemeni government to cut financial aid and other services for Jews in Sana'a "unfortunate and unacceptable." The Jews have been forced to live in a guarded compound in the capital since they were driven from their homes by the Islamist Al Qaeda terrorists in 2007.

Israeli Cabinet ministers and Knesset members, including a number from the Sephardic hareidi-religious Shas party, have been heavily involved in supervising the project to rescue the Yemenite Jews, along with other institutions.

https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/164406

Vorige / Previous:

https://www.freitag.de/autoren/dklose/jemenkrieg-mosaik-419-yemen-war-mosaic-419

Jemenkrieg-Mosaik 1-419 / Yemen War Mosaic 1-419:

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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