... Neue Treibstoffkrise vergrößert das Leiden – Wie man den Krieg im Jemen beenden kann – Die Lobby der Emirate in den USA – Briten und USA unterstützen saudische Nationalgarde – Südjemen: Saudis besetzen Aden, Abkommen zwischen Hadi-Regierung und Separatisten angeblich fertig, oder doch nicht? – und mehr
Oct. 17, 2019: Death, Bloodshed, and Misery in Yemen – Yemen’s Healthcare System on the Brink of Collapse – 92% of babies in Yemen are underweight at birth – New fuel crisis deepens suffering – How to End the War in Yemen – The Emirati Lobby in the US – Britain, US support Saudi National Guard – Southern Yemen: Saudis occupy Aden, deal between Hadi government and separatists said to be complete, or not? – 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
cp2 Allgemein / General
cp2a Allgemein: Saudische Blockade / General: Saudi blockade
cp3 Humanitäre Lage / Humanitarian situation
cp4 Flüchtlinge / Refugees
cp5 Nordjemen und Huthis / Northern Yemen and Houthis
cp6 Separatisten und Hadi-Regierung im Südjemen / Separatists and Hadi government in Southern Yemen
cp7 UNO und Friedensgespräche / UN and peace talks
cp8 Saudi-Arabien / Saudi Arabia
cp9 USA
cp9a USA-Iran Krise: Wachsende Spannungen am Golf / US-Iran crisis: Mounting tensions at the Gulf
cp10 Großbritannien / Great Britain
cp11 Deutschland / Germany
cp12 Andere Länder / Other countries
cp12b Sudan
cp13a Waffenhandel / Arms Trade
cp13b Mercenaries / Söldner
cp13c 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
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 P)
Film: Elisabeth Kendall Half Hour Interview on Swedish TV (June 2019)
Everything you wanted to know about the Yemen war (and how to solve it) but were too shy to ask...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhNDWBwlw7Q
Snippet: https://twitter.com/Dr_E_Kendall/status/1183770884496117760
cp1 Am wichtigsten / Most important
Südjemen: cp6 / Southern Yemen: cp6
(** B H K P)
Death, Bloodshed, and Misery in Yemen
“Strike with creativity!” proclaims Raytheon.
Writing about his visit to the world’s largest weapons bazaar, held in London in October, journalist Arron Merat describes reading the slogan emblazoned above Raytheon’s stall: “Strike With Creativity.” Raytheon manufactures Paveway laser-guided bombs—produced in factories in the United States and the United Kingdom—fragments of which have been found in the wreckage of schools, hospitals, and markets across Yemen.
How, I wonder, can a weapons manufacturer that causes such death, bloodshed, and misery lay claim to creativity?
For people in the United States to understand why Yemenis would join together to resist the Saudis requires a deepening awareness of how financial institutions, in attempting to gain control of valuable resources, have pushed farmers and villagers across Yemen into debt and desperation. Isa Blumi writes about this sordid history in his 2018 book, Destroying Yemen: What Chaos in Arabia Tells Us about the World.
Blumi details how Yemen’s society, largely independent and agrarian, became a guinea pig for International Monetary Fund (IMF) “development projects” which, based on strikingly colonialist theories of modernization, crushed grassroots institutions, and amounted to “cost-effective ways of prying Yemen’s wealth out of its peoples’ hands.”
Local development associations, for example, were formed during the 1970s to help people cooperatively determine what crops they would grow and how they would use the profits. But U.S. Agency for International Development “experts” pressured these groups to instead produce “cash crops strictly meant for export.”
“After all,” Blumi writes, “with the right kind of cash crop and the use of American labor-saving technology, pesticides and fertilizers included, Yemen’s villagers were no longer needed in the fields. Alternatively, they could work in cities in sweatshops producing clothes for a global market . . . or the soon booming oil and gas projects.”
Blumi’s book documents the fiercely stubborn creativity with which, decade by decade, Yemenis kept surprising the West, exploring and pursuing countermeasures to resist its exploitative control, and risking the West’s destructive anger.
When farmers desperate for cash went to work in Saudi Arabia, for instance, “they consistently sent remittances home to families that saved the cash and invested in local projects, using local bank transfers.” Imams and village leaders encouraged people to resist imperialist “modernization” projects, knowing that the West's preferred “modern” role for them was as wage slaves with no hope of developing a better future.
The “Huthi” movement began when Husayn al-Huthi, an opponent of Yemen’s dictatorial (and Western-allied) Saleh regime, tried to defend the water and land rights of locals in the Sa’adah province in northwestern Yemen. Sharing what was then a porous and informal border with the KSA, they often found themselves in disputes with Saudi border patrols. They also resisted ‘structural adjustment’ demands by the International Monetary Fund to privatize some of Yemen’s best farming and grazing land. When the dictator Saleh made criminal concessions to the KSA, al-Huthi and his followers persisted with protests. Each new confrontation won over thousands of people, eventually spreading beyond Sa’adah.
Blumi cites numerous instances in which Yemen’s economic assets were pillaged, with Saleh’s approval, by “well-heeled global financial interests.” – by Kathy Kelly
https://progressive.org/dispatches/death-bloodshed-and-misery-in-yemen-191015/ = https://dissidentvoice.org/2019/10/death-misery-and-bloodshed-in-yemen/
(** B H)
International Federation of Red Cross And Red Crescent Societies: Yemen’s Healthcare System on the Brink of Collapse
Yemen’s Healthcare System on the Brink of Collapse
According to doctor Anisha who has worked in the clinic for 17 years, Luai’s story is sadly familiar.
“Five years ago, we did not see many cases of malnutrition”, she says.
“But now there are cases in all health clinics around the country. I am worried because it affects their ability to learn in school. We only see the mild cases in this clinic.”
Doctor Anisha also sees many malnourished pregnant women which can lead to complications like low birth weight and premature births.
According to UN OCHA 3,2 million women and children in Yemen are acutely malnourished – the number of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition has increased by 90% in the last three years.
And it is not only malnutrition the children suffer from.
“We see that diseases like measles, diphtheria and chicken pox have returned. They were not present before the conflict,” says doctor Anisha.
She used to vaccinate the children, but the clinic can no longer provide this vital service. The vaccinations need to be stored in a cold place, but because of the lack of electricity and fuel, this is no longer an option.
It is the same story with the X-ray machine which has not been working since the beginning of the conflict. And the ultrasound scanner has been silent for the last year, since the clinic cannot afford to pay salary to an ultrasound doctor who can operate it.
Doctor Anisha is the only doctor to help the approximately 40 patients who come to the clinic every day.
“We need more doctors and nurses in the clinic,” she says, adding:
“And we need medicine to treat patients with hypertension and diabetes. We can check their blood pressure and blood sugar, but we cannot give them medicine. Medicine is the most important.”
The clinic has a laboratory, but currently they cannot carry out liver, kidney and cholesterol tests because of lack of equipment. Today it is free for the patients to get tests done in the laboratory, but in the future, the clinic might be forced to demand payment.
It is not going to be easy for the patients.
“Our patients are poor,” says doctor Anisha.
Stay and risk your own life
Many doctors and nurses have fled from the conflict in Yemen. But not Doctor Anisha.
“The future is horrible. If you stay here, you are killing yourself. But I stay and do my best. I cannot leave my patients here. I would feel bad, if they came and asked for me, and I wasn’t there.”
“We help people the best we can.”
According to UN OCHA an estimated 19.7 million people in Yemen lack access to basic healthcare.
But only 51% of the health facilities are functioning.
The Yemen Red Crescent Society currently runs 24 health facilities around the country.
https://media.ifrc.org/ifrc/2019/10/15/yemens-healthcare-system-brink-collapse/
(** B H K)
UNICEF: 92% of babies in Yemen are underweight at birth
Almost all babies in Yemen are born underweight, according to data on childhood nutrition released today by UNICEF. The figures of 92 per cent for children born in Yemen are a stark contrast to the worldwide figures of 29 per cent over the same period between 2010-2018.
According to the UN body, globally, one in three children under the age of five are undernourished or overweight.
“If children eat poorly, they live poorly,” said UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore, adding: “We are losing ground in the fight for healthy diets.”
For Yemen’s pre-schoolers the figures for stunting are especially severe, with 46 per cent affected based on data collected between 2013-2018, compared with 22 per cent globally over the same period.
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20191015-unicef-92-of-babies-in-yemen-are-underweight-at-birth/
(** B H K P)
Norwegian Refugee Council: New fuel crisis deepens suffering for hungry Yemenis
Fuel shortages in Yemen are threatening thousands of lives. Drivers are queuing for two to three days to fill up, and the knock-on effects are being felt throughout the country, with food, water and other necessities in short supply. We call on the government of Yemen to end restrictions on the import of fuel.
“When the war escalated, fuel quickly disappeared from the market and prices started to soar in a dramatic way.”
Unable to afford cooking gas
“The income I made was hardly enough to buy food and other basic commodities, but we just about managed to survive,” she explains. “But with a new fuel crisis since late September, nowadays I can’t work at all. Cooking gas has disappeared from the markets and I can’t afford the prices on the black market.
“The prices of flour, sugar, cooking oil have all increased over the last few weeks, and the main reason is that we are experiencing a fuel shortage. Life is worsening, and I can’t afford to work or buy food.”
Malayeen used to have customers in neighbourhoods that were a long distance away, but she was forced to stop selling to them as it became difficult to pay for fuel to transport the sweets. Nowadays she can’t afford to buy diesel or gas to cook with because prices have risen exorbitantly.
A three-day queue for fuel
In Sana’a, the price of fuel for Yemeni citizens has risen to YER 800/litre compared to YER 365/litre on the official market in Sana’a, and the price of diesel to YER 1,000/litre compared to YER 375/litre on the official market.
On the black market, fuel prices have soared even further, reaching over YER 20,000/20 litres, almost three times the official price. Fuel stations are completely closed or have limited operating hours, creating queues several kilometres long and wait times of two to three days.
The impact of this increase is being felt by vulnerable Yemenis already suffering from prolonged conflict. The UN estimates that 10 million hungry Yemenis who are already one step away from famine will soon not be able to buy food in the markets.
Government restrictions causing shortages
Since mid-September 2019, northern Yemen has been experiencing acute fuel and gas shortages as a result of new regulations on commercial fuel imports imposed by the government of Yemen.
This is leading to delays in approving ships to offload fuel and gas at the Red Sea port of Hodeidah. Yemen imports the vast majority – around 90 per cent – of its food, fuel and commercial supplies, and these delays are making a bad humanitarian situation even worse.
Service cuts threaten thousands of lives
Fuel is needed not just for cars but also for water pumps, hospital generators and to transport goods around the country. In some parts of the country, the water supply in urban centres has been forced to stop completely for up to two weeks. Poor sanitation and a lack of safe water is increasing the risk of deadly diseases such as cholera, which has already claimed close to 1,000 lives this year.
The impact on hundreds of thousands of families is already being felt. People barely surviving now will find it much harder to do so unless adequate levels of commercial imports – including fuel – are able to enter the country continuously through all ports.
Fuel restrictions must be lifted
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is extremely concerned about the impact of the fuel crisis on Yemeni civilians. Humanitarian operations are also being affected by the fuel shortages. Aid organisations are being prevented from providing life-saving assistance, with support for malnourished children suspended, and food and water distributions reduced.
We are calling on the government of Yemen to remove all restrictions affecting the import of commercial fuel.
Malayeen concludes: “Beautiful days have gone and the fuel crisis is causing the mother of all suffering. I hope that war stops, and I can return home and resume my normal life.
https://www.nrc.no/news/2019/october/new-fuel-crisis-deepens-suffering-for-hungry-yemenis/ = https://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/new-fuel-crisis-deepens-suffering-hungry-yemenis
“We lost our main breadwinner but if prices go back to normal levels, as they were before the war, we can overcome the current suffering.”
(** B K P)
How to End the War in Yemen
Since the September attack on Saudi oil facilities, Riyadh and the Houthis have taken a step back from all-out war. All parties, including the United States, should seize this rare opportunity to resolve the conflict.
With all of U.S. President Donald Trump’s troubles at home and abroad, his administration could use a win. There is low-hanging fruit in Yemen, and the ripple effects of success there could go far beyond the impoverished and war-torn country. Houthi rebels (who prefer to be called Ansar Allah) have made an offer of de-escalation that, if built on quickly, could help extract the United States from the bloody and unwinnable war that has created the world’s worst humanitarian disaster. It would reduce threats to Saudi Arabia and its oil infrastructure at a time of rising tensions with Iran. And it would open a door to wider de-escalation inside Yemen and possibly across the region.
On Sept. 20, the Houthis—who control northwestern Yemen and have been at war with a variety of Yemeni groups backed by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates since 2015—announced a unilateral suspension of strikes on Saudi Arabia. In return, they asked for a halt to Saudi airstrikes and a lifting of restrictions on access to northern Yemen.
Somewhat surprisingly, the Saudi response to Houthi overtures has been mostly positive. They have not suspended airstrikes but have reportedly reduced them in some areas. They have facilitated the entry of a number of fuel shipments into Houthi-controlled territory, albeit not enough to address the ongoing fuel crisis. The Houthis unilaterally released almost 300 prisoners, including three Saudis. Both sides have exchanged unusually positive public signals indicating interest in de-escalation, and they have reportedly reopened back-channel discussions.
For Riyadh, ending the war in Yemen likely acquired new urgency in the wake of the Saudi Aramco attacks, which brought home the stakes of a hot war with Iran while piercing a gaping hole in the U.S. security umbrella. At a minimum, the Yemen war is a costly and dangerous distraction that keeps the Saudis focused south when attention could be directed elsewhere.
It tests and uncovers the kingdom’s military vulnerabilities and potentially allows Iran plausible deniability through the Houthis to launch attacks. And there are no easy military options for turning the tide against the Houthis. After the United Nations prevented an attack on the Houthi-held port city of Hodeida in December 2018, Saudi Arabia’s main coalition partner, the UAE, redeployed its forces and now sees little point in continuing the effectively stalemated war in the north.
This opportunity should be embraced, particularly by the United States, which has been complicit in Riyadh’s war and could now encourage its Saudi allies to reach an understanding with the Houthis that includes significant reductions in cross-border attacks.
If successful, this could serve as a foundation for a U.N.-brokered cease-fire agreement between Yemeni antagonists—including the Houthis, the Yemeni government, and Emirati-backed southern separatists, among others—and the resumption of intra-Yemeni negotiations to end the civil war. But the offer will not be on the table indefinitely.
De-escalation overtures are fragile and easily reversible. Failure to reach a mutual agreement that addresses airstrikes and fuel access will almost certainly prompt the Houthis to renege on their offer, with attacks resuming and perhaps intensifying – by April Longley Alley
https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/10/15/yemen-houthis-saudi-arabia-end-war/
(** B P)
The Emirati Lobby: How the UAE Wins in Washington
Executive Summary
How then has the UAE maintained its privileged status? In short, the UAE has a vast and immensely influential lobbying and public relations campaign in America that has allowed the monarchy to exert considerable sway over U.S. policy, while keeping the UAE’s indiscretions largely hidden. In this report we attempt to tell the story of that influence operation.
The Foreign Influence Transparency Initiative (FITI), a program of the Center for International Policy, analyzed every Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) Supplemental Statement filed in 2018 by organizations working on behalf of clients in the United Arab Emirates. From this analysis we found:
20 different firms served as registered foreign agents in the U.S. for clients in the UAE; • Over $20 million in payments from UAE clients to these firms; • 3,168 reported political activities done on behalf of the UAE by those firms; • UAE foreign agents contacted more than 200 Congressional offices, 18 think tanks, and most mainstream media outlets; • Considerable interactions between UAE foreign agents and think tanks funded by the UAE; • Nearly $600,000 in campaign contributions from these firms and their registered foreign agents;
All of this has contributed to the Emirati lobby’s success in shaping U.S. foreign policy. Members of Congress working with Emirati foreign agents continue to fight for U.S. military support to the UAE, Middle East experts—some at think tanks which the UAE has donated millions to—echo the UAE lobby’s talking points, and UAE foreign agents have effectively shaped media narratives by working closely with journalists and reporters at nearly every mainstream media outlet.
Introduction
Following Khashoggi’s murder, several lobbying, public relations firms, and think tanks ended their relationship with the Saudis. Congress passed multiple resolutions to punish the Saudis. And, generally, the Saudis were seen as something of a pariah in D.C. Yet, Saudi Arabia’s close ally, the United Arab Emirates, continues to be seen as a stalwart U.S. ally by most in the nation’s capital. While the Emiratis had nothing to do with Khashoggi’s murder they’ve worked hand-in-hand with the Saudis in the devastating war in Yemen—including funding a targeted assassination program there—that has become the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. And, the UAE, just like Saudi Arabia, has an abhorrent human rights record—arbitrarily detaining and disappearing its own citizens and unlawfully imprisoning Western academics. Most recently, the UAE launched a crackdown on social media to silence and punish dissidents.
How then has the UAE maintained its privileged status? In short, the UAE has a vast and immensely influential lobbying and public relations campaign in America, that has allowed the monarchy to exert considerable sway over U.S. policy while keeping the UAE’s indiscretions largely hidden. While both the UAE’s Ambassador in the U.S., Yousef al Otaiba, and the Crown Prince of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, Mohammed bin Zayed,13 are well known for the enormous sway they hold over U.S. policymakers, it’s much less understood how the influence operation of the lobbying and public relations firms on the Emiratis’ payroll pave the way for these power brokers.
In this report we attempt to tell the story of that influence operation. To do so, the Foreign Influence Transparency Initiative (FITI), a program of the Center for International Policy, analyzed every Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) Supplemental Statement filed by organizations working on behalf of clients in the United Arab Emirates in 2018. We cataloged every single “political activity” and campaign contribution reported in those documents. From this analysis we document a multi-pronged approach to image management by the UAE’s foreign agents working in the U.S. The work of these foreign agents includes contacting members of Congress in hopes of maintaining U.S. military support, working hand-in-hand with Middle East experts at think tanks which the UAE has donated millions to, and attempting to shape the narrative of the UAE by contacting nearly every mainstream media outlet – by Ben Freeman
https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/3ba8a1_cc7f1fad2f7a497ba5fb159a6756c34a.pdf?index=true
if this link does not work, go https://twitter.com/BenFreemanDC/status/1184122484527894528
and a shorter survey by Aljazeera: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/10/report-outlines-uae-immensely-influential-lobbying-191016141913262.html
(** B K P)
Britisches Geheimprogramm für die saudische Nationalgarde
USA und Großbritannien arbeiten gegen Milliarden mit der saudischen Nationalgarde zusammen, die das saudische Herrscherhaus schützen soll und im Jemenkrieg eingesetzt ist
Vor kurzem wurde klar, wie stark die Verbindungen der britischen Regierung mit der saudischen Monarchie sind. Das geht weit über Waffenlieferungen hinaus. Letztlich wurde Großbritannien mit dem saudischen Geld gekauft, das Königshaus zu schützen, also eine völlig undemokratische Macht - und das mit einem Geheimprogramm, das den britischen Wählern möglichst nicht zur Kenntnis gebracht werden soll.
2018 hatte Boris Johnson, damals noch Außenminister, die Entsendung von einer nicht näher genannten Zahl an britischen Soldaten zur "Information, Beratung und Unterstützung" nach Saudi-Arabien zugegeben, um der Bedrohung durch Huthi-Raketen zu begegnen. Angeblich wollte man Saudi-Arabien so entlasten, so die scheinheilige Begründung, um eher eine politische Lösung zu finden. Die britischen Soldaten konnten offenbar ebenso wenig wie die amerikanischen die Raketen- und Drohnenangriffe abwehren.
Versehentlich wurde über eine Stellenausschreibung bekannt, dass die britische Regierung mit einem Budget von zwei Milliarden britischen Pfund die mehr als 130.000 Mann starke Nationalgarde Saudi-Arabiens - auch Weiße Armee genannt - ausbildet, die nicht nur die herrschende königliche Familie schützen soll, also neben der Armee eine mächtige Privatmiliz darstellt, sondern die auch aktiv im Krieg gegen Jemen beteiligt ist und im Inneren militärisch bei Unruhen eingreifen kann. Matt Kennard und Mark Curtis haben untersucht, was von diesem seit 1978 bestehenden Programm des britischen Verteidigungsministeriums bekannt ist, dem seit 1978 bestehenden Saudi Arabia National Guard Communications Project (Sangcom).
Zweck des Programms soll sein, dass die SANG mit Geldern aus Saudi-Arabien, die ans britische Verteidigungsministerium fließen, mit Kommunikationstechnik ausgestattet wird, wobei das Budget sowie nähere Einzelheiten von der Regierung geheim gehalten werden - vor dem Parlament und der Öffentlichkeit. Nach 40 Jahren wurde durch eine Stellenanzeige - nur für männliche Bewerber - versehentlich erstmals das Budget bekannt. Das Budget von 2 Milliarden soll sich seit 2010 auf einen Zeitraum von 10 Jahren erstrecken und ist deutlich höher als das der vorangehenden Übereinkunft von 125 Millionen. Die Stellenanzeige wurde aus dem Netz genommen, allerdings schrieb der Finanzkontrolleur von Sangcom auf Linkedln, er sei für ein Budget von 1,6 Milliarden Pfund verantwortlich.
Neben Großbritannien wird die SANG auch vom US-Militär ausgebildet und aufgerüstet. Seit 2015 sind SANG-Einheiten am Jemen-Krieg beteiligt, zwei Brigaden wurden 2018 an der Grenze stationiert. Colonel Kevin Lambert, Programmanger des amerikanischen SANG-Modernisierungsprogramms, bei dem es um 16 Milliarden US-Dollar an Waffenkäufen geht, hat bei seinem Amtsantritt letztes Jahr auch offen gesagt, dass er mit seinem Team die Nationalgarde für "Kampfeinsätze an der südlichen Grenze" ausbilde - was Saudi-Arabien wie im Fall von Großbritannien bezahlt: "Die SANG trägt zu Kampfeinsätzen der saudisch geführten Koalition im Jemen-Konflikt bei, die zur regionalen Stabilität beiträgt." Und diese Stabilität durch den Krieg würde wiederum "die militärischen Kapazitäten der USA erhalten und unsere strategische Kampfbereitschaft erhöhen". Es handelt sich also um eine direkte Beihilfe zum Jemen-Krieg.
Das Geheimprogramm Sangcom des britischen Verteidigungsministeriums liefert der Nationalgarde nicht nur Kommunikationstechnik, sondern bildet Nationalgardisten auch im Umgang mit diesen aus, was aber über die reine Technik hinausgehen könnte, wie dies auch bei den Amerikanern der Fall ist. Wegen der Geheimhaltung ist letztlich nicht bekannt, was Sangcom wirklich macht.
Seit 1994 wird Sangcom im Auftrag des Verteidigungsministeriums von der Firma GPT Special Project Management Ltd verwaltet, die jetzt zu Airbus gehört.
Transparency International und Spotlight on Corruption befürchten, dass der britische Generalstaatsanwalt Geoffrey Cox weitere Ermittlungen zu blockieren sucht – von Florian Rötzer
cp1a Am wichtigsten: Seuchen / Most important: Epidemics
(* B H)
Yemen - Conflict (DG ECHO, UN, INGOs) (ECHO Daily Flash of 15 October 2019)
The cumulative number of suspected cholera cases reported in Yemen between October 2016 and August 2019 is 2,036,960, including 3,716 related deaths (fatality rate of 0.18%). The five governorates with the highest attack rate per 10,000 are: Amran (1,602.13), Al Mahwit (1,474.79), Sana’a (1,295.78), Al Bayda (1,027.14) and Dahamar (957.61). The national average attack rate is 713.99 per 10,000. The highest numbers of deaths are reported in the Hajjah (559), Ibb (486), Al Hudaydah (380) and Taizz (304) governorates. Cholera patients are often unable to afford transportation to supported health facilities, which contributes to the spread of disease and to deaths at community level.
https://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/yemen-conflict-dg-echo-un-ingos-echo-daily-flash-15-october-2019
and also https://brica.de/alerts/alert/public/1281440/2036960-suspected-cholera-cases-in-yemen/
cp1b Am wichtigsten: Kampf um Hodeidah / Most important: Hodeidah battle
(A K pS P)
Houthis Again Obstruct Hodeidah Meeting
For the second consecutive time, the Iran-backed Houthi militias in Yemen obstructed on Monday a meeting between the Yemeni warring parties.
Chair of the Redeployment Coordination Committee (RCC) and head of United Nations Mission to Support the Hodeidah Agreement (UNMHA) Abhijit Guha had scheduled the meeting at the frontline in Hodeidah city on October 15.
West coast liberation operations spokesman Waddah al-Dbish told Asharq Al-Awsat that the government was headed to the meeting venue but its route was blocked by tanks and armed Houthi-trained teenagers.
“They blocked the road and said that the Houthi delegation at the RCC gave restrictions not to allow the government team in,” Dbish revealed.
https://almasdaronline.com/articles/172757
(A K pH)
US-Saudi Aggression’s Daily Update for Tuesday, October 15th, 2019
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=9300
(* A H K pH)
Saudi Mercenaries Prevent Convoy of UN’s Aid to Enter Ad-duraimi City
Mercenaries of the US-Saudi aggression On Tuesday prevented a UN food convoy from entering the besieged Ad-duraimi city for the second day, less than a kilometer from the district.
According to our correspondent in Hodeidah, the UN aid convoy, accompanied by the Deputy Head of the World Food Program (WFP), the UNHCR Protection Officer and the WHO Emergency Officer in Hodeidah, the mercenaries of the aggression prevented it from arriving the besieged Ad_Duraimi residents.
For his part, the [Houthi government] Governor of Hodeidah Mohammed Ayyash Qahim shouldered the United Nations for its silence on this crime and the consequent disasters that will affect the besieged Ad-duraimi residents. Qahim said that 'the Mercenaries of the aggression would not have dared to prevent the UN convoy had it not been for the suspicious identification with the forces of aggression."
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=9302
Film: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2542986235745191
(A K pS)
Houthis target joint forces in al-Jabaliya of Hodeidah
http://en.adenpress.news/news/13532
(A K pH)
Hodeidah Local Authority Condemns Prevention Of Aid Access To Al-Durayhimi
The local authority in Hodeidah province on Monday condemned the US-Saudi aggression coalition forces’ prevention of a food and relief aid convoy access to al-Durayhimi city’s inhabitants, who have been besieged for nearly a year.
https://sabanews.net/en/news3076392.htm
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=9287
(A K pH)
Coalition Forces Continue To Escalate Militarily In Hodeidah
https://sabanews.net/en/news3076436.htm
(* A K pH)
UN team monitors implementation of Sweden agreement in Yemen
Just days after his arrival, the newly appointed head of UN peacekeeping forces team, General Abhiedit Joha visited the sites that have been evacuated by Ansarullah fighters in fulfilling to their unilateral initiative to implement their part of last December's Sweden agreement's second phase of redeployment.
Experts say this move was a show of Ansarullah first gesture of goodwill. Ansarullah fighters have withdrawn from the seaports of Hudaydah, Alsalief, and Ras Iesa, overlooking the red sea.
They have moved to the east, five km from the seaports. Many hope the move will encourage the other side to ease the current crisis by sitting back about one km to the south (with film)
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FEROCITY SIEGE ON YEMEN, DURAYHIMI WITH CONTINUED INTERNATIONAL SILENCE
For nearly a year and a half, the city of Durayhimi in Hodeidah governorate has been plagued against its land, human beings, children and women under a siege imposed by the brutal US-Saudi criminal aggression and in full view of the world, which is experiencing a crisis of conscience and a severe lack of real humanity.
At least 7,000 civilians remain trapped in Southern Hodeida’s Durayhimi district by Saudi aggression’s forces. Conditions in Durayhimi are dire, as civilians endure an acute shortage of food and the spread of disease and epidemics.
In June 2018 Saudi-led forces imposed a land and air blockade on the heavily populated area of Durayhimi, which lies about 20 km from the Red Sea port city of Hodeida. Saudi forces left no safe corridors for civilians to flee and then began an indiscriminate campaign of rocket and artillery strikes on the district.
Without humanitarian corridors, local authorities, humanitarian organizations, and ambulance crews have been left unable to evacuate the wounded. The roads leaving al-Durayhimi are rife with danger thanks to the seemingly endless barrage of coalition rocket and artillery attacks, making it difficult to smuggle food and medicine into the district.
cp2 Allgemein / General
(* A K P)
Interactive Map of Yemen War
(* A K)
MILITARY SITUATION IN YEMEN ON OCTOBER 16, 2019 (MAP UPDATE)
https://southfront.org/military-situation-in-yemen-on-october-16-2019-map-update/
MILITARY SITUATION IN YEMEN ON OCTOBER 15, 2019 (MAP UPDATE)
https://southfront.org/military-situation-in-yemen-on-october-15-2019-map-update/
MILITARY SITUATION IN YEMEN ON OCTOBER 14, 2019 (MAP UPDATE)
https://southfront.org/military-situation-in-yemen-on-october-14-2019-map-update/
(* B H K P)
Winning the humanitarian war in Yemen
as increased and caused political and physical damage in Saudi Arabia, so are the land-based incursions on the Saudi-Yemeni border. Meanwhile, a largely underreported environmental and humanitarian war is poised to take over. It will likely increase the frequency of humanitarian influx of Yemenis into Saudi Arabia.
The conflict in Yemen is one of the world’s largest humanitarian catastrophes and is caught up in a cycle of conflict, environmental degradation, water, energy and food insecurity. The water-energy-food insecurity nexus is one of the causes and a continuing result of the current Yemeni conflict. Saudi Arabia is accustomed to playing against known state actors and non-state actors—such as the Iranians or Houthis—and accounting for their actions and interests. However, it is not aware that it is also battling the environment in Yemen, and the consequences of exacerbating the water-energy-food insecurity nexus.
A classic example of a developing country facing climate change, Yemen is also plagued with natural resource scarcity—water, oil, and arable land—coupled with chronic natural resource mismanagement. It has long been flagged as one of the most water-stressed countries for decades; with ominous predictions that Sanaa would be one of the first capitals in the world to be deserted for drought.
Climate migration
While the recent war has created around 3.65 million IDPs, there is an unaccounted internal migration from the south to north, and from rural to urban areas, fueled by the conflict, water, and food insecurity. Analysis of available data shows a correlation between change in active agricultural area (areas under cultivation) between 2014 and 2017 and the rapid displacement tracking with movement of the displaced to the north. With the decrease in proportion of active agricultural areas between 2014 and 2017, there was an increase in movement of displaced Yemenis both within and to other governorates.
Fertile agricultural areas such as the Tihama region in Alhudayda and the governorate of Ibb have suffered significant reduction in the proportion of active agricultural area, while governorates to the north including Dhamar, Sanaa, and even Saadah reported an increase in active agricultural areas in the same period.
The northern migration
With agriculture employing more than 50 percent of the working force, the decline of agricultural activity due to environmental changes in addition to conflict is only pushing the population to migrate internally either in search of new agricultural opportunities, or to join the conflict as fighters. With 90 percent of Yemen classed as arid, semi-arid, or desert, the environmental war in Yemen will force the population to migrate north across the Saudi-Yemeni border.
Yemeni tribes are already present on both sides of the northern border.
While Saudi Arabia came into Yemen very sensitive of the regional Iranian challenge and Houthi threat, its war strategy and foreign policy lacks any awareness of the looming and ongoing environmental and humanitarian war that will affect the overall outcome of the peace in Yemen.
Before it jumps into finding solutions for the war with Iran and the Houthis, it needs to start addressing the environmental and humanitarian war at hand. Cutting oil exports to Yemen, weaponization of water, destruction of food supply chains, hampering of food and agricultural assistance are all counterproductive moves by Saudi Arabia. It will only increase the water-energy-food insecurity nexus and induce the environmental and humanitarian war in Yemen which will perpetuate the conflict – by Hadi Fathallah
https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/menasource/winning-the-humanitarian-war-in-yemen/
My comment: There are many good thoughts here, but spoiled with propaganda: “Saudi Arabia came into Yemen very sensitive of the regional Iranian challenge and Houthi threat”: This is bullshit twice. Neither ““Saudi Arabia came into Yemen very sensitive” (!!!!) nor there had been any “regional Iranian challenge and Houthi threat” in Yemen in 2015. – And for the solution, the author tries to put upside down: “Before it[Saudi Arabia] jumps into finding solutions for the war with Iran and the Houthis, it needs to start addressing the environmental and humanitarian war at hand”; it’s obviously the other way round. To end the Saudi war in Yemen is a simple task, the other task will last decades.
(* B K P)
Situation in Yemen shows US reluctance to end conflict — Russian foreign ministry
The Russian Foreign Ministry said that "so far, everything indicates that the US side is not planning to change its policy in Yemen"
The escalation of the conflict in Yemen makes one question the sincerity of the United States’ statements on the necessity to finish the active phase of the conflict, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Friday.
"Notably, such a negative development is taking place against the backdrop of recent calls of the US administration on all parties to the Yemeni conflict to cease hostilities in a span of one month and begin peace talks with mediation by United Nations Secretary General’s Special Envoy for Yemen Martin Griffiths. Taking into account that Washington is offering direct military support to the coalition units fighting in Yemen, the sincerity of the United States’ statements in favor of the soonest end of the active phase of the Yemeni conflict is called to question," the ministry said.
"So far, everything indicates that the US side is not planning to change its policy in Yemen and the parties to the armed confrontation in that country are still staking on settling the conflict by force," the ministry stressed.
The ministry noted the increased intensity of hostilities around the Houthi-controlled port of Hodeida which is used to deliver food, medicines and other daily essentials to Yemen. "It is yet another attempt of the coalition to storm and seize the city, which will inevitably entail numerous casualties not only among the warring parties but also among civilians. We have repeatedly warned about catastrophic consequences of such an operation,"
https://tass.com/politics/1030197
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Reduce Regional Tensions By Ending the War on Yemen
Seyed Hossein Mousavian explains why the U.S. and Iran aren’t going to be able to negotiate anytime soon. Instead, he suggests reducing regional tensions by working towards a peace settlement for Yemen.
Mousavian is right that the impasse between the U.S. and Iran cannot be resolved in the near future. The Iranian government cannot deal with Trump, who has already burned them in the past and still refuses to offer sanctions relief now. Trump is never going to rejoin the JCPOA or lift sanctions, and Iran won’t agree to the administration’s excessive demands. Finding a way to bring the war on Yemen to an end is the best thing for Yemen and the wider region. It is far more likely to succeed than any attempt to reach a comprehensive agreement on all of the outstanding issues between Washington and Tehran. It may be dawning on the Saudi government that the war on Yemen is a costly failure that makes them less secure.
There have been many diplomatic false starts over the last four and a half years, but this effort to scale back the conflict is worth encouraging. To that end, Congress needs to keep the pressure on the Saudis and the administration to recognize that continuing the war is wrong and harmful to the interests of both the U.S. and Saudi Arabia – by Daniel Larison
https://www.theamericanconservative.com/larison/reduce-regional-tensions-by-ending-the-war-on-yemen/
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Iran urges diplomacy to lower tensions, but decries tanker incident
Iran on Monday urged regional powers to use diplomacy to reduce tensions including Yemen’s war, but cautioned that an Iranian tanker damaged in the Red Sea last week had been hit by rockets and there would have to be consequences.
Addressing a news conference, President Hassan Rouhani reiterated policy toward the Trump administration, ruling out bilateral talks unless Washington returns to a landmark nuclear deal and lifts crippling U.S. economic sanctions.
Rouhani said diplomacy was the way solve differences.
“Ending the war in Yemen will pave the ground for de-escalation in the region,” Rouhani told a news conference, broadcast live on state TV, adding it could also “eventually lead to de-escalation between Iran and Saudi Arabia”.
“We want peace and calm in the region ... regional crisis can be resolved through diplomacy and co-operation between the regional countries.”
(A P)
Another military commander dissents from coalition ranks: Official
http://en.ypagency.net/137550/
(B P)
Is #Yemen's #education crisis a new proxy battleground? #Saudi-backed gov denounces textbooks printed by #Qatar as sectarian But remember: -Saudi too claims to have printed 500,000+ textbooks for Yemen -#HumanRights Watch @hrw reported sectarianism in Saudi textbooks (9/2017)
https://twitter.com/Dr_E_Kendall/status/1183688591031099392
(* B K P)
Podcast: Investigative Journalists Speak Out
Early September, I spoke with TV & radio presenter, Sam Asi for the Golden Globes' Hollywood Foreign Press Association podcast.
You may listen to the interview here or find the transcript below.
INTERVIEW'S TRANSCRIPT: HFPA in Conversation with Afrah Nasser
I think what affected my profession was the class and coming from working-class where my family put an emphasis on education and that I have to finish my study and my mom especially worked really hard sometimes overtime to earn money and put us in a nicer school. So, I think that was the determining factor and people like me, Ethiopian and Yemeni. We're a huge community, by the way, were called Muwaladeen, which means you're born, or you have some sort of a birth connection to other than Yemen. Unfortunately, because how going around and migrating from one place and escaping famine, both for Yemenis and Ethiopians, so such families are always struggling to find the best education, to not go through unbelievable poverty.
For example, many times when there are attacks happening in Sanaa, I will get the breaking news from my Tweets or people on Facebook and Instagram and so on before I get a notification from BBC, for example. Yemen, quite often, is not breaking news, but through my online community, it is a breaking news. When the war started, when the Saudi-led coalition began their military operation in 2015, I remember that my family called me and asked me what is happening? And they were in Sanaa and I was like, but you are there, you should know. And they're like we have no idea. There is no electricity, no TV, no radio, nothing. It's dark here. We only hear the bombs. And I was able to tell them what was happening even though I'm miles long away. So, I heavily depend on the Internet and I am proud to say that I've used it to the best way that I can, because I wish I am there, of course, to report from the ground, it's much, much better, but this is what's available at this moment.
With all due respect to all these newspapers and news websites, I don't read them anymore. I don't. I'd rather spend my time calling on What's App. My refugee journalist friend in Korea who his family in Taiz are facing famine and Houthi snipers or I'd rather call my cousin in Aden, who couldn't pass the checkpoint, because God knows if it's the transitional counsel... or the Emiratis or the Saudis, so I am prioritizing my people.
Yes, it's nice to read some analysis from international newspapers, but very often I get emails by these writers asking for my insight, which is also another unpaid job for a freelance journalist. So, it's a very tense relationship that I have with international media today because Yemeni is... you need a local connection really to really feel how the feeling is in these cities. So that's what I try to always focus on.
I really believe that women in the North, women in the South, will have a huge role in achieving that peace. So, you have all the statistics about the famine, the cholera, but at the same time, there is a huge resistance from Yemeni women, and it's very admirable. Yemeni women used to have better women's rights than their sisters in UAE and Saudi Arabia. In this war, you can see women's rights and Yemen going really back a generation behind.
http://afrahnasser.blogspot.com/2019/10/podcast-investigative-journalists-speak.html
(B K P)
The West and its Allies Support al Qaeda and ISIS Globally
The real Axis of Evil consists of Washington-led NATO and its allies. The magnitude of the human and environmental catastrophe is unimaginable in scope. Western governments and their agencies send strong delusion to North Americans, who remain largely ignorant to the reality of the catastrophe being committed in their names.
https://ahtribune.com/world/3544-west-support-alqaeda-isis.html
My comment: A might-be too heavy anti-Western look.
cp2a Saudische Blockade / Saudi blockade
Siehe / Look at cp1
(* A H K P)
YPC Discredited News of US-Saudi Aggression Releasing Detained Oil Tankers
The Yemeni Petroleum Company discredited on Tuesday the the news that has been circulating about the release of oil derivatives tankers held at sea, stressing that the US-Saudi aggression is still practicing its arbitrary actions. The YPC pointed out that some media, affiliated to the mercenaries of aggression, is lying about the release of 10 detained oil tankers. "It is a desperate attempt to mislead local and international public opinion,"
The company confirmed that 11 oil ships are still being held at sea by the aggression coalition and their mercenaries for more than 60 days, pointing out that the total quantities loaded on board the detained ships exceed 93,000 tons of gasoline and 170,000 tons of diesel. The company also pointed out that all vital sectors are at risk of stopping the provision of services that directly affect the lives of civilians, blaming the United Nations and the international community for all the catastrophic effects resulting from the determination and intransigence of the aggression coalition in the detention of oil derivatives tankers.
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=9301
and also https://sabanews.net/en/news3076749.htm
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Oil Facilities Director in Hodeidah: No Oil Tankers Have Reached Hodeidah Port
The director of oil facilities in Hodeidah told Almasirah, on Tuesday, that no tankers have arrived at the ports of Hodeidah and have not yet been informed of any information related to this issue. The forces of aggression continue for two months in the detention of oil tankers licensed by the United Nations, which threatens to a near humanitarian disaster.
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=9303
(* A H K P)
Government approves 10 fuel ships to enter Hodeidah port after obstruction by Houthis
The Yemeni government has approved the entry of 10 ships loaded with oil derivatives, which the Houthi militia blocked their entry into the port of Hodeidah and unloaded the derivatives.
The government attributed the suspension of the Houthi coup sought to the 10 ships to first try to thwart efforts to implement the Stockholm Agreement, and secondly to prevent traders from complying with the implementation of government resolution 49 for 2019, which aims to collect tax, customs and other legal revenues and allocate them to the disbursement of Salaries of civilians in areas controlled by Houthi militias.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed in a statement, Monday, that the Yemeni government's initiative to allow ships to enter the port of Hodeidah and unload its cargo comes out of its keenness to accelerate the introduction of fuel shipments to Hodeidah
The Government stressed the need to comply with the previous controls of Government Resolution 75 for 2018, and the obligation of traders with the 10 ships to pay cash for tax, customs and other legal returns in accordance with the Circular of the Economic Commission No. 5 (and under the supply portfolio issued by the Technical Office) to the Branch of the Central Bank of Yemen in Hodeidah and provide confirmed notices for this.
https://almasdaronline.com/articles/172756
My comment: The Hadi government tries to turn upside down and put blame on the Houthis. It’s really astonishing how the Hadi government had been given any influence on this matter, now trying to a) make money with this, b) to impose its “legitimacy” and “governmental” authority on the Houthi-held part of Yemen.
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UN Group of Experts confirms terrible consequences of war in Yemen
Saudi-led war and total siege having devastating effects on Yemeni population
“Given that about 80% of all Yemen’s imports flow through the ports of Hodeidah and Salif, around two thirds of Yemen’s population live in areas directly served by Sana’a airport, the continued closure of ports places an enormous burden on the availability of food in the market. It dramatically increases the risk of widespread famine in Yemen,” it added.
The report confirmed that the closure actually exacerbated the crisis dramatically, noting that restrictions on food, fuel and commercial revenues have exacerbated food insecurity as well as significantly weakening the Yemeni economy.
Delays and conversion of fuel tanks have had an impact not only on the economy, but also on agriculture and health, as fuel is needed to power hospital generators, pump water to homes and irrigate, the report said.
“While the blockade has been gradually eased, some restrictions in November 2017 remain in place to the time of this report, for example, Hodeidah Port remained closed to shipping containers (except for one case in 2018), ” the report said.
The Group of Experts expressed concern at recent reports that the forces of aggression are blocking access to the city of Ad-Durayhimi in Hodeidah governorate.
https://www.uprising.today/un-group-of-experts-confirms-terrible-consequences-of-war-in-yemen/
My remark: A reminder of the situation; this UN report already had been linked here.
(A B H K P)
AGGRESSION DETAINS NEW OIL DERIVATIVES TANKER OF ENTERING HODEIDAH PORT
The Yemeni Petroleum Company announced on Friday that: “the aggression has seized a new ship not caring about the warnings of the company and various vital sectors and services.”
The official source in the company explained that “the number of oil derivatives tankers that are detained by the coalition to this day has increased to 10 tankers. The coalition has prevented their entry into the port of Hodeidah for the 57th day without any justification.”
The official source in the company said: “the continued detention of oil derivatives tankers is genocide and causes a humanitarian catastrophe in light of the shameful silence of the United Nations.
(A K P)
[Sanaa gov.] Hodeidah Governor Condemns International Position Regarding Oil Tankers Detention and Siege
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=9288
cp3 Humanitäre Lage / Humanitarian situation
Siehe / Look at cp1
(* B H)
Film: The War in Yemen: Yemen students endure lack of facilities
The UN says at least 2 million children are currently deprived of an education because of the war in Yemen. Part of the reason is the lack of school buildings, but as Shoaib Hasan explains, not everybody is letting that get in their way.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrPyBhDZ8z4 = https://www.trtworld.com/video/featured/the-war-in-yemen-yemen-students-endure-lack-of-facilities/5da6cb046e2a1a00111d0801
(A H P)
ICRC discusses impacts of war in Yemen
President of the International Committee for Red Cross (ICRC) Peter Maurer arrived in Yemen on Wednesday, coming from Riyadh. The visit of the ICRC's president will focus on the devastating impacts of the war in Yemen.
Maurer is expected to meet representatives of the pro-Iran Houthi coupist militia in Sana'a and the authorities in Aden to discuss the ICRC role in applying the prisoner swap deal, the delivery of humanitarian assistances in the fields of health, water and relief, and ICRC future plans.
http://en.adenpress.news/news/13543
(B E H)
With the support of the United Nations. Ten women work for a project to sell electricity produced from solar energy in "Abs" in Hajjah governorate
The United Nations development programme (UNDP) has announced its support for 10 Yemeni women in the countryside of "abbs" in the province of Hajjah, in order to run a project to sell solar electricity in "Abbs" area of the northwestern province of Hajjah.
The joint program to strengthen the resilience of rural Yemen has supported 10 women entrepreneurs in creating a private solar-powered electricity grid, the program said on its website.
The $37,000 grant will provide a clean source of energy at a cost 80 percent less than diesel-generated power, the program said.
The project would enable rural women to start their businesses.
The solar power project consists of 36 solar panels, 16 batteries and 2 reflectors.
https://almasdaronline.com/articles/172812
(* B H)
Film: Millions in Yemen live an extremely difficult life
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aFeEVUwcac
(* B H)
Distressing pics show malnourished kids in Yemen as it’s revealed there are 820 million people starving people in the world while 790 million battle obesity
SCORES of babies and children in poor countries like Yemen, and all over the world are facing a daily battle with hunger.
New figures from the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations show that shockingly, over 820 million people worldwide are going hungry - while in stark contrast 790 people battle obesity. (photos)
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/10142820/distressing-pics-malnourished-children-yemen-obesity/
(B H)
Film: First centre for the development of displaced Yemeni women launched in Al-Shaab city camp
The Tuba Development Foundation this morning launched the Center for Displaced Women as the first center for the development of displaced Yemeni women to the camp of the city of Al-Shaab in the temporary capital Aden in southern Yemen, the center will also provide training courses in the fields of sewing, incense making, handicrafts, hair dressing and teaching, allowing them to enter in the future the labour market in order to enable them to support their families.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5FByHQMltY
(B H)
Film: To all of the social activists, journalists, human rights' and #transparency supporters To each and everyone watching this video, Please help us reducing the suffering of #Yemen people, applying transparency and improving NGOs’ performance. THANKS
https://twitter.com/fedaaadeen1/status/1183798264849719296
(B H)
World Food Programme, Logistics Cluster: Yemen Monthly Overview September 2019
https://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/yemen-monthly-overview-september-2019
(B H)
World Food Programme, Logistics Cluster: Yemen: Passengers Transport Overview - Djibouti - Aden - Djibouti, September 2019
(B H)
UN Development Programme: Yemen Emergency Crisis Response Project (YECRP) - Fast Fact Sheet - March 2019
USAID contribution to Yemen Emergency Crisis Response project
UNDP has partnered with the Social Fund for Development (SFD) to implement the US$ 11,200,000 USAID-funded Yemen Emergency Crisis Response Project (YECRP) to create employment opportunities, restore delivery of key health and education services, and revive the agriculture sector, thereby building the resilience of vulnerable local households and communities amidst Yemen ongoing crisis.
My comment: Cooperating with USAID is Dancing with the Devil.
(* B H)
Yemen: faces from the front lines of a humanitarian emergency
Despite the severe protection crisis, these are some faces of Yemen embodying resilience and hope as they rebuild their lives in the wake of this forgotten tragedy. (photos)
https://www.unhcr.ca/news/yemen-faces-from-front-lines-humanitarian-emergency/
(B H)
Film: Yemen Emergency Crisis Response Project YECRP March 2019 updates
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCd-_DbZdVE
(B H)
Film: Results of Yemen Emergency Crisis Response Project YECRP March 2019
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlj2IC5_3FI
(B H)
Film: WB&UNDP supporting most vulnerable communities in #Yemen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cmc5vGinYQo
cp4 Flüchtlinge / Refugees
(B H)
International Organization for Migration: Flow monitoring points - Migrant Arrivals and Yemeni Returns from Saudi Arabia in September 2019
(A H)
International Organization for Migration: Rapid Displacement Tracking (RDT) DTM-Yemen - Reporting Period: October 06 - 12, 2019
From the beginning of the year until 12th October 61,378 Households or 368,268 Individuals displaced.
Between 6th and 12th October, prominent displacements were seen in Ibb (169 HH) mostly to As Sabrah (54 HH), Al Mashannah (49 HH) and Al Dhihar (36 HH), Al Dhale’e (91 HH) mostly to Al Husha (68 HH), Taizz (89 HH) mostly to Al Wazi’iyah (23 HH) district.
Most displacement resulted due to increased fighting in Al Dhale’e (236 HH) mostly from Qa’atabah (199 HH) district, Al Hudaydah (114 HH) mostly from Al Hali (23 HH) district, Taizz (85 HH) mostly from Mawiyah (14 HH) district.
http://www.globaldtm.info/yemen-rapid-displacement-tracking-report-01-jan-12-oct-2019/ = https://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/rapid-displacement-tracking-rdt-dtm-yemen-reporting-period-october-06-12-2019
Rapid Displacement Tracking (RDT) DTM-Yemen - Reporting Period: September 29 ‐ October 05, 2019
From the beginning of the year until 05th October 60,877 Households or 365,262 Individuals displaced.
Between 29th September and 05th October, prominent displacements were seen in Marib (235 HH) mostly from Marib City (82 HH), Sirwah (57 HH) and Marib (52 HH), Taizz (182 HH) mostly from As Silw (34 HH), Al Mawasit (25 HH) and Maqbanah (21 HH) districts, Al Dhale’e (92 HH) mostly from Ad Dhale’e (70 HH) district.
Most displacement resulted due to increased fighting in Aden (127 HH) mostly in Ash Shaikh Outhman (36 HH) and Al Mansura (33 HH) districts, Al Dhale’e (114 HH) mostly from Ad Dhale’e (77 HH) district, Al Hudaydah (108 HH) mostly in At Tuhayat (50 HH) district and Taizz (88 HH) mostly from Maqbanah (22 HH).
http://www.globaldtm.info/yemen-rapid-displacement-tracking-report-01-jan-06-oct-2019/ = https://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/rapid-displacement-tracking-rdt-dtm-yemen-reporting-period-september-29-october-05-2019
cp5 Nordjemen und Huthis / Northern Yemen and Houthis
(A P)
Houthis on Wednesday gave Trump & Obama a month to appear in a Yemeni court & face charges of killing ex-chief of Houthi supreme political council, Al-Samad.
https://twitter.com/FuadRajeh/status/1184445268600733697
(* A P)
Houthis Intend to Deport Baha’is, Confiscate Their Properties
Yemeni Activist and spokesperson of the Baha’i in Sanaa Abdullah Yahya Al Olify has revealed that Iran-backed Houthis intend to deport followers of the religious sect known as Bahaism and confiscate their properties.
Al Olify reiterated that the so-called Prosecution Department of Houthis recommended that Baha’is be deported as well as confiscating their properties .
He also said that the Houthi-run Prosecution Department also demanded the confiscation of Hamid Haydara’s properties, a prominent leader of the faith who is sentenced to death by the Houthis’ criminal court in Sanaa and is still held in prison since 2014.
52-year-old Mr. Haydara was charged with apostasy, espionage and collaborating with foreign entities, but the trial overlooked evident that he endured severe torture while in Houthis’ prisons.
https://republicanyemen.net/archives/21474
(A P)
SPC’s Member Calls For Liberating Economy From Dependence On Abroad
Member of the Supreme Political Council (SPC) Mohammed al-Nuaimi on Tuesday called for the development of economic resources in accordance with the national vision strategy in order to reduce the import bill and the economic dependence on the outside.
https://sabanews.net/en/news3076753.htm
(A P)
[Houthi gov.] Yemeni Envoy Meets Latin American Counterparts in Tehran
The Yemeni ambassador to Tehran attended a joint meeting with Latin American ambassadors in the Iranian capital, hosted by the Islamic Republic’s foreign ministry.
At the meeting, Iranian Foreign Minister’s Senior Assistant for Special Political Affairs Ali-Asghar Khaji touched upon the Islamic Republic of Iran’s stance in support of a political solution to preserve Yemen’s territorial integrity, independence and unity, and a four-point plan for the political resolution of the crisis.
Khaji also described Stockholm agreements as an important step in Yemen’s political process and regretted the other party’s disruptions in its implementation.
https://ifpnews.com/yemeni-envoy-meets-latin-american-counterparts-in-tehran
and
(A P)
Yemeni Ambassador to Iran Invites Latin America Ambassadors
The Yemeni ambassador to Iran called on Latin America ambassadors, accredited to the Islamic Republic of Iran, to take positive positions in international forums to support the relief aid, and work to inform the member states of the Human Rights Council on the nature of the humanitarian situation in Yemen.
During a meeting, Ambassador Al-Dailami discussed with the Ambassadors of Nicaragua, Venezuela, Bolivia, Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay the latest developments in the humanitarian and political situation in Yemen in light of the current developments.
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=9298
(A P)
Al-Houthi militia attacks funeral hall in Dhamar and arrests more than 90 citizens
At 4:00 p.m. Monday, Houthi militias attacked in the city of Dhamar, a "funeral hall" in the center of the city, and arrested some 90 citizens, including the families of the deceased, and transferred them to the Al-Wehdah station east of the city.
Witnesses said dozens of Houthi gunmen attacked a funeral for the members of the Al-Harrouj tribe, Maifa’at Ans, in the al-Jamali hall in the center of the city, and arrested about 90 citizens from different villages, including all the families of the deceased who were present at the funeral.
The people of the Harrouj tribe held a funeral in the town of Dhamar for their cousin Mohammed Alawi al-Harrouji, who died last Thursday of a terminal illness in Marib, sources said.
The sources said that the deceased "Mohammed Alawi al-Harrouji "" had been kidnapped by the Houthis in the city of Dhamar in 2016/10 and remained in their detention for nearly two years, and then was released interchangeably in mid-2018, after being severely tortured, after which he suffered many diseases that caused his suffering He travelled to Jordan for treatment, then returned to Marib and then died.
https://almasdaronline.com/articles/172755
(A K P)
The Association of Abductees' Mothers appealed to the ICRC and the UN to support the families of the victims to receive the crops of their sons, who were targeted by the Saudi-coalition and are held in a college-turned-detention center in Dhamar.
https://twitter.com/BelqeesRights/status/1184141884807139334
(A P)
3 detainees in al-Thawra prison in Sana'a have started a hunger strike, protesting the unhealthy conditions and demanding to be released. The detainees, Nayef al-Marousi, Mazen al-Mahamadi and Badr al-Mulaiki, have been held for the past four years without a charge against them.
https://twitter.com/BelqeesRights/status/1184080731812708354
(A P)
PRESIDENT OF YEMEN EMPHASIZES IMPORTANCE OF RECONCILIATION TEAM’S ROLE
President of the Supreme Political Council Mahdi al-Mashat emphasized the important role of the comprehensive national reconciliation and political solution team in helping to get Yemen out of the state of conflict caused by the aggression countries.
(A P)
Congress party leader killed by Houthi gunman in Hajjah province
https://almasdaronline.com/articles/172710
(* A P)
Association of Mothers of Abductees: Houthis transferred 400 abductees to military zone exposed to air strikes
The Association of Mothers of Abductees said Monday that the Armed Houthi militia transferred 400 abductees from inside the central prison to a military area exposed to air strikes.
"We have been informed in the Association of Mothers of the Abductees on Monday morning that the Armed Group of Al-Houthi has dressed 400 abductees inside the central prison in Sana'a in the air force uniform and transferred them to the Central Security Camp in the Area of Al-Sabeen," the association said in a press release distributed to the media.
The Association noted that the Houthis had informed the abductees inside the central prison that they would be released.
The group carry the responsibilities of the lives of the abductees after being transferred to a military zone that had previously been hit by coalition air strikes.
https://almasdaronline.com/articles/172731
https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-33704
and
(* A P)
Up north in the Houthi-controlled capital, the rebel group transferred 400 abductees from the central prison in Sanaa to the Central Security Camp, according to rights group, the Association of Mothers of Abductees.
The prisoners, who left in uniforms, were allegedly told they would be released from the institute before being taken to the camp.
The move concerned the rights group which noted the camp is subjected to occasional raids by the Saudi-led coalition battling Houthis in the country, according to Yemen Monitor.
"The transfer puts the life of the abductees at risk," the group said.
“We have previously lost dozens of of our abducted children detained at the facility,” it added, urging the Red Cross, UN and rights organisations to intervene in the case.
Figures show more than 16,000 journalists, academics, politicians and activists have been abducted and detained by the Houthis in more than 480 rebel-controlled prisons.
A report by Rights Radar entitled Yemen: Victims Behind Bars said the number of people abducted and detained by the Houthis "is estimated at 16,804 detainees".
More than 200 children are also said to be detained by the Houthis as international human rights organisations continue to accuse the rebel group of recruiting child soldiers across the country.
cp6 Südjemen und Hadi-Regierung / Southern Yemen and Hadi-government
(** A K P)
Jeddah Agreement. The final draft has not yet been written, and the delegation of legitimacy is meeting with the President today
Yemeni sources said that the parties to the indirect consultations held over the past weeks in Jeddah, did not reach a final version of a draft agreement sponsored by the kingdom, which could end the two-year conflict in the southern provinces liberated from Iranian-backed Houthi militias.
The sources added to "Al-Masdar Online" that the legitimate and southern transitional, during the past two days, reached consensus on Saudi proposals on partnership in the government and local authority, but the provisions related to security and military affairs in Aden and neighboring provinces, have not been decided. definitively in a compatible format from all parties.
A government source told Al-Masdar Online that representatives of legitimacy in Jeddah consultations gave the Saudi side notes on the proposed items and will meet Wednesday evening with President Hadi to discuss the details of the preliminary draft of the Jeddah agreement to be signed with the rebels of the Transitional Council.
At dawn on Wednesday, the delegation of the Transitional Council headed by Zubeidi arrived in the Saudi capital Riyadh, while government representatives arrived late yesterday.
Several sources spoke of UAE proposals and amendments to the final draft of the Jeddah agreement, and "Al-Masdar Source" could not verify this from sources in the pro-Abu Dhabi Transitional Council.
With regard to the leaked draft of the Jeddah agreement, a media source familiar with the Jeddah consultations confirmed that several proposals were put forward by the Saudi side to the government and the Transitional Council, and that what is being circulated is a preliminary version of the proposals submitted by Saudi Arabia, and has introduced amendments and other axes, and radical changes in some items.
According to the source who spoke to "Al-Masdar Online", who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak the media, that the draft was amended and redrafted more than 15 times, and that drafts and other proposals submitted by the UAE were put forward in the consultations and were excluded with the taking of some items that the Saudi side sees they may be accepted by both parties.
According to the source, the final draft has not yet been written, and both parties have handed over amendments and observations on some of their items, with a final version to be reached on Wednesday evening.
https://almasdaronline.com/articles/172849
(** A K P)
Government Spokesperson refutes defining time for signing agreement with”Transitional Council”
Government Spokesperson Rajeh Badi refuted news on defining a date for signing an agreement with the so-called “the Transitional Council.”
Badi confirmed that no date has been defined yet for signing the agreement describing what has been reported by media a “nonsense.”
He also refuted news on draft agreement, confirming that such news are mere suspected leaks.
He renewed government’s confirmation on maintaining all national principles, pointing to President Hadi’s speech he delivered on the 56th Anniversary of 14th of October Revolution in which he confirmed ending rebellion against the state’s institutions and including all military units under legality.
While he valued Saudi efforts for regaining order in Aden, he called all media outlets to be reliable and take information from its sources.
and also https://almasdaronline.com/articles/172842
(** A K P)
‘Jeddah Agreement’ on Yemen Soon, New Government in Sight
An announcement on a final agreement in indirect talks between the Yemeni government and the Southern Transitional Council (STC) under the auspices of Saudi Arabia is expected on Thursday, Yemeni political sources told Asharq Al-Awsat.
The talks in the Saudi Red Sea city of Jeddah are aimed at putting an end to the differences between the two sides.
The sources said that the signing of the agreement between representatives of the legitimacy and the STC is expected to be attended by the UN special envoy for Yemen, Martin Griffiths, and ambassadors of states sponsoring the political process in Yemen.
They said that the final draft, named the “Jeddah Agreement,” has been able to settle the differences between the legitimate government and the STC amid guarantees on the implementation of the agreement under the monitoring of a joint committee led by Riyadh.
Asharq Al-Awsat learned from informed sources that the final draft includes a deal on the formation of a new government and a special committee, with a membership equally divided between the STC and the Arab Coalition, in order to monitor the performance of the cabinet and supervise it.
The agreement also stipulates stopping the work of all attaches operating in Yemen’s embassies and restructuring diplomatic jobs and undersecretaries working in government ministries.
According to the same sources, the two sides have also agreed that all state revenues shall be deposited at the Central Bank in Aden.
The legitimate government and STC representatives meeting in Jeddah also discussed the reshaping of the security situation, and considered the STC a legitimate force in the south of the country and as a side representing the south of Yemen in any peace negotiations, the sources said.
and also https://almasdaronline.com/articles/172807 (pro-Hadi gov.)
http://en.adenpress.news/news/13541 (pro-separatists)
and
(* A K P)
Yemeni government, separatists seen inking deal to end Aden standoff this week
Yemen’s Saudi-backed government and southern separatists are expected on Thursday to announce a deal to end a power struggle in the southern port of Aden that fractured an Arab coalition battling the Iran-aligned Houthi group, officials said.
Two officials in Hadi’s government told Reuters the pact to end the Aden standoff would be signed in Riyadh on Thursday.
STC leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi, who has been involved in the month-long talks in the Red Sea city of Jeddah, headed to Riyadh on Wednesday, according to a post on his Twitter account.
The deal calls for a government reshuffle to include STC, which seeks self-rule in the south, and the restructuring of armed forces under Saudi supervision, they said.
and
(* A K P)
The STC-government talks move to Riyadh with agreement anticipated soon
Talks between the Southern Transitional Council and the Yemeni government have entered their final stages with delegates arriving in Riyadh on Wednesday to hammer out the last details, an official from the Aden based group told The National.
Nazar Haiytham, the spokesperson of the STC, declined to go into detail of the remaining sticking points in the indirect talks with the government. But, another official close to the delegation said that an agreement could be ready to sing as early as Thursday and the talks had moved from Jeddah to Riyadh in anticipation of this.
“The Saudi sponsored dialogue between the STC and the Yemeni government has come to the end and the two parties are supposed to sign an agreement Thursday to end the power conflict and re-shape the relation between them to combat the Houthi rebels,” the official said.
“The Southern Transitional Council has reached a deal with the Yemeni government to re-unite efforts in the battle to combat the Houthi rebellion, the agreement reached between the two parties will enable the STC to take part in governing the liberated provinces in South Yemen and participate in a new cabinet supposed to be formed after signing the agreement”
My comment: This does not sound loke a first step to more peace in Yemen, but just a try to reunite against the Houthis and to intensify warfare against them.
And
(A P)
In Jeddah: Its Official 'The STC Represents the South'
The formal recognition of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) as representative of the South is at the top of Jeddah Agreement, said the member of the STC Presidency, Lutfi Shatara on his official Twitter account.
Shatara explained that "The STC became a kay party in signing the Saudi-mediated agreement to stabilize security and administrative conditions and monitor/supervise implementation until the war is over and final settlement negotiations begin."
Shatara concluded his tweet by saying "Lest we forget, the Initiative of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) brokered in Riyadh on November 2011."
http://en.adenpress.news/news/13536
and
(* A P)
Formation of Southern National Salvation Council announced
Influential leaders and tribal figures band together to oppose South Yemeni separatism
Informed sources said that there are preparations for a number of components and social and tribal figures of the south, to announce a broad southern council that includes all the spectrum of society in the coming days in Mahrah.
Sheikh Ali al-Harizi said on Monday: “The Southern National Salvation Council is complete and its publicity ceremony will take place on October 18th.
Al-Harizi confirmed that Mahrah province will host the council’s publicity ceremony, noting that the council’s leadership will continue the steps to complete the organizational structure of the council.
He explained that the aim of the coalition is to absorb all the southern components that believe in dialogue and work for a unified Yemen with justice and democracy.
Al-Harizi said that expelling foreign forces and addressing their chaotic projects is one of the council’s top priorities, stressing that the council will move at the international and regional level to tell the world that the Transitional Council in Aden does not represent the south, but are just militias run by the UAE.
Al-Harizi and a number of faction leaders and southern figures held a meeting in the Omani capital Muscat in presence of the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, to discuss the southern issue in light of recent developments that have hit a number of southern provinces.
The meeting included the most prominent southern leaders besides Al-Harizi – former Security director of Mahrah, and many other social and tribal figures.
https://www.uprising.today/formation-of-southern-national-salvation-council-announced/
(A K P)
Taiz.. UAE withdraws military equipment from 35th Armored Brigade and Abu Al-Abbas Brigades
On Wednesday, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) withdrew modern equipment and vehicles it had provided to the 35th Armored Brigade and the Salafist Brigades, which are formally affiliated with the same brigade, which is deployed in southern Taiz province.
A military source told "Al-Masdar Online" that the UAE withdrew four modern armored vehicles from the 35th Armored Brigade four days ago, and today it withdrew three armored vehicles from the Abu Abbas Brigades. According to the source, the UAE only withdrew modern armored vehicles and kept an old one.
https://almasdaronline.com/articles/172839
(* A K P)
Saudi, Sudanese Troops Arrive in Aden Area After Yemen Denies Deal With Separatists
Saudi and Sudanese troops, tanks and other military hardware rolled into the southern Yemeni province of Aden on Wednesday, a local government source said.
The deployment of troops allied with the Yemeni government comes a day after it denied that a deal would soon be inked with separatists that would allow the cabinet to retake its interim seat in Aden.
The reinforcements have been stationed west of the key port city between the Aden airport and a military camp of the Saudi-led Arab coalition, with more troops expected to move into Al Anad Air Base north of Aden after it was vacated by UAE forces last week.
My comment: Deal or no deal????
(A K P)
[Houthi government’s exiled] GOVERNOR OF ADEN: OLD INVADERS RETURN TO YEMEN WITH THE SAVIOR GOWN
Governor of Aden, Tariq Mustafa Salam said: “it is the international struggle for waterways that made the old invaders return to Yemen to control its wealth.”
“The citizens in the southern provinces are aware that the Gulfs who came to Yemen in the savior’s gown are greedy and invaders,”
https://www.yemenpress.org/yemen/governor-of-aden-old-invaders-return-to-yemen-with-the-savior-gown/
(A P)
VP, al-Bohsoni discuss latest developments in Hadhramout
Vice President Lt. Gen. Ali Mohsen Saleh met on Wednesday with the Governor of Hadramaut, Commander of the Second Military Region, Maj. Gen. Faraj Al-Bohsoni to review the latest developments on the security and services level in Hadhramout.
http://en.26sepnews.net/2019/10/16/vp-al-bohsoni-discuss-latest-developments-in-hadhramout/
My comment: In the last time, this governor’s loyalty to the Hadi government had been quite dubious.
(A P)
A number of government ministers arrive at Sieyun airport
A number of ministers in the legitimate government arrived at Sieyun International Airport in Hadhramout province, a source inside the airport said.
https://almasdaronline.com/articles/172758
(A P)
STC delegation resumes Saudi-mediated talks in Riyadh
The delegation of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) arrived in the Saudi capital Riyadh in the early hours of Wednesday, to resume the dialogue with the Yemeni government, called for by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The STC delegation is headed by the president of the Council, Aidroos Al-Zubaidi
http://en.adenpress.news/news/13534
(A P)
Key Southern Yemeni academic denounces Hadi’s “hypocritical” speech on 1963 Aden Revolution
Abdul Rahman al-Wali accuses Saudi-backed exiled government of hostility towards the south
Southern Yemeni academic Abdul Rahman al-Wali has described a speech delivered by the exiled former president Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi on the occasion of the anniversary of the October 14 South Yemeni Revolution of 1963, as a “speech of War” against the Southern Transitional Council (STC).
He noted the absurdity of the so-called “legitimate government” of Hadi’s speech, as his regime has killed scores of people in Shabwah, in “a clear indication of their bad intentions.”
(A P)
President Al-Zubaidi Addresses the Nation on the 56th Anniversary of 14th October Revolution
President Aidarous Kassem Al-Zubaidi of the Southern Transitional Council, supreme commander of the Southern Armed Forces, addressed the nation on the 56th anniversary of 14th October revolution. The following the president’s speech:
Sons and Grandsons of Leaders of October Revolution: Today, we remember, in pride, the sacrifices of our ancestors who led this great revolution that sparkled from the high mountains of Rudfan 56 years ago and long lists of martyrs and injured sacrificed their soles and blood to free us from the British colonization that occupied our sacred lands for 129 years.
Our free citizens: The glory of October revolution is clear in teaching us to resist foreign invaders and being persistent to expel them. this happened only four years after the revolution. This spirit is still alive as it appeared again in July 2007 and in 2015 when the southern people, with generous support of the Arab Coalition led by Saudi Arabia and UAE, erupted against the northern occupation to our lands.
My comment: Separatist leader labeled as “president” and miming this role.
(A P)
Ben Farid: Al-Ahmar is a Major Threat if He Remains in Power
Ahmed Omar Ben Farid, a prominent leader of STC, considered Ali Mohsen Al-Ahmar as a major threat if he remains in power.
The general’s history, as the true leader of Muslim Brotherhood, asserts that he creates all crises since the union till today. By remaining in power, Al-Ahmar can play a very dangerous role”.
https://en.smanews.org/ben-farid-al-ahmar-is-a-major-threat-if-he-remains-in-power
(A P)
Al-Kaf: The Southern Cause is Unnegotiable and Uncompromisable
Adnan Al-Kaf, member of STC presidency, indicated that the southern cause is a national liberation cause and struggle of the southern people for long years. He added that this cause is part of the southern consciousness as it is unnegotiable and uncompromisable.
https://en.smanews.org/al-kaf-the-southern-cause-is-unnegotiable-and-uncompromisable
and more of this newest separatist propaganda:
(A P)
Realistic view of the South can guarantee region's stability
Member of the Presidency of the Southern Transitional Council, Lutfi Shatara said that the region will not stabilize if its countries along with the international community do not take a more pragmatic approach to the situation in the South.
Shatara in a tweet added "Southerners with bare hands and limited resources managed to impose their cause since 1994 War, Saleh's power failed to prevent them from imposing it at that time."
http://en.adenpress.news/news/13527
and
(A P)
Southern Flag Raising Campaign Continues (Photos)
http://en.adenpress.news/news/13530
My comment: Making great noise. Things are not looking so well for the separatists:
(** A K P)
Saudis take control of Yemen's Aden to end stand-off between allies
Saudi Arabian forces have taken over control of Yemen’s southern port of Aden as part of efforts to end a power struggle between the Saudi-backed Yemeni government and southern separatists, four sources familiar with the matter said.
Last week the United Arab Emirates, Riyadh’s main partner in a Saudi-led coalition battling Yemen’s Houthi group, started withdrawing troops from Aden, seemingly to pave the way for a deal to end the local standoff.
Saudi Arabia has in the past week deployed more forces to replace Emirati troops at Aden airport and military bases in the city, two Yemeni officials told Reuters.
An official handover to a Saudi commander took place last week under which he would oversee security in the city and its suburbs, two other sources familiar with the matter said.
Saudi Arabia has been hosting indirect talks for a month between Hadi’s government and separatist leaders. Sources had said the two sides were close to agreeing a Saudi proposal to give the STC seats in the cabinet and place separatist forces under government command.
Hadi’s government has asked the UAE to stop arming and training separatist forces while the UAE has said Hadi’s government is ineffective and distrusts Islamists with whom he is allied.
Saudi Arabia may have decided to unify the forces behind Hadi before responding to an offer by the Houthis to stop aiming missiles and drones at Saudi Arabia if the coalition halts air strikes on Yemen.
and also https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/saudi-takes-control-aden-end-standoff-between-allies
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20191014-saudis-take-control-of-yemens-aden-port/
and
(* A K P)
Yemeni officials: Saudi troops take control Aden in deal
Yemeni officials say Saudi Arabian troops have taken control of the airport and ports in the interim capital Aden from separatists backed by the United Arab Emirates.
They say the move is part of a settlement between President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi and the Southern Transitional Council, which controls Aden.
They say the separatists in southern Shabwa Province also handed over arms to the Saudi-led coalition, paving the way for Hadi’s government to fully control Shabwa and other southern provinces.
https://apnews.com/715ee2cd25634f3283512e771d8c4357
(* A K P)
UAE hands Saudi positions in south Yemen to ease tensions
The UAE Monday handed over to Saudi forces key positions in Yemen's southern city of Aden in a bid to defuse tensions between separatists and the government, a security official said.
The United Arab Emirates has trained and supported forces of the separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC), which seeks an independent southern Yemen, despite being a key pillar in a Saudi-led military coalition backing the government against Iran-aligned Huthi rebels.
Yemen's internationally recognised government and the STC have been holding indirect negotiations in Saudi Arabia aimed at reaching a power-sharing agreement, after clashes that erupted earlier this year.
The STC security force said the UAE "has withdrawn" from Al-Anad airbase, Yemen's largest located north of Aden, the southern city's international airport and a port "and handed them over to Saudi troops".
The pullback is apparently aimed at facilitating the deal being thrashed out between the government and the separatists.
https://www.france24.com/en/20191014-uae-hands-saudi-positions-in-south-yemen-to-ease-tensions
and
(* A K P)
UAE relinquishes power to Saudi Arabia in south Yemen following 'successful negotiations'
The UAE on Monday handed key positions in Yemen's southern city of Aden to Saudi forces in a bid to defuse tensions between separatists and the government, a security official said.
The UAE has trained and supported forces of the separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC), which seeks an independent southern Yemen, despite being a key pillar in a Saudi-led military coalition backing the government against Iran-aligned Houthi rebels.
The STC security force said the UAE "has withdrawn" from Al-Anad airbase, Yemen's largest located north of Aden, the southern city's international airport and a port "and handed them over to Saudi troops".
Yemen's internationally-recognised government and the STC have been holding indirect negotiations in Saudi Arabia aimed at reaching a power-sharing agreement, after clashes that erupted earlier this year.
The pull-back is apparently aimed at facilitating the deal being thrashed out between the government and the separatists.
The development on Monday came after Yemeni witnesses last week said more Emirati troops have been pulled out of Yemen's southern port city of Aden.
An Emirati convoy boarded a military ship at Buraiqa oil terminal near the Aden refinery, two officials told Reuters, while four refinery employees said they witnessed a large convoy of military vehicles and three buses carrying approximately 200 troops towards the terminal.
and
(* A K P)
Saudis to temporarily take control of Aden in agreement with STC
The Saudi control is temporary
The Saudi control will last while a neutral force with militias from the various parties is set up to police and defend the port. When this happens the Saudis ad well as the UAE forces plan to withdraw.
Southern Transitional Council to have representation in the Saudi-backed government
Under the deal the separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC) are to get some additional representation in the Saudi-backed government of Mansur Hadi. Because of the security situation Hadi remains in exile in Saudi Arabia. The exact terms of the agreement have yet to be announced.
and
(A K P)
Saudi commander reportedly takes over security supervision in Aden
An official handover to a Saudi commander took place last week under which he would oversee security in the city and its suburbs, two other sources familiar with the matter said.
https://almasdaronline.com/articles/172752
and
(* A K P)
Saudi military units stationed at Aden airport and oil port after UAE troops leave
Saudi military units were stationed at Aden International Airport yesterday evening shortly after Emirati forces left the international airport east of the southern city of Aden, a military source told Al-Masdar Online.
The source said that Saudi military units did not know the number of forces took over former positions of the UAE forces at Aden International Airport and the port of Oil after the departure of the UAE forces, which had evacuated their positions at al-Anad military base located in Lahj province north of Aden, earlier in the last week.
https://almasdaronline.com/articles/172766
and also https://www.uprising.today/saudi-forces-take-over-aden-airport/
(* A K P)
Saudi forces deploy in Aden
Military sources have revealed on Monday that Saudi troops have started deploying and strengthening their grip on vital areas in the city of Aden, southern Yemen.
The sources said that the Saudi forces strengthened their presence in Maasheq Palace, the Central Bank and on Aden International Airport.
The Saudi forces deployed in a number of camps, brigades and government facilities located in the provinces of Aden and Lahj, after the withdrawal of the UAE forces, according to sources loyal to Islah Party.
https://www.uprising.today/saudi-forces-deploy-in-aden/
(* B K)
Human rights firm In Shabwa documents 25 violations in recent events, including the killing of 7 civilians
“Dhameer” Foundation for Rights and Freedoms in Shabwa province today issued its report for the third quarter of this year, which stood in front of the events and developments witnessed in the province last August.
The foundation said it had monitored seven cases of civilian deaths as a result of clashes in The City of Ataq between government forces, elite forces and the UAE-backed Transitional Council at the end of August, and 18 arrests of journalists.
The Foundation also documented 6 cases of deaths and injuries caused by the explosion of mines planted by the Houthi group in the District of Na'taa, including the death of a woman and the injury of three children.
The foundation condemned the violence and counter-violence in the city
https://almasdaronline.com/articles/172803
(B E P)
Islah Party stealing Yemeni oil wealth
Company of Islah leader Mohsen al-Ahmar stealing petroleum from Ma'rib province
Activists in Ma’rib province have reported the looting of oil from the Safer sector, carried out by a private company belonging to General Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar and other leaders of the Al-Islah party (the Yemeni branch of Muslim brotherhood Brotherhood).
On Tuesday, human rights activist Hamza Abdullah al-Muradi published information that Petro Energy Yemen, owned by General Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar, transports tens of thousands of liters of gasoline a week without paying for it or for the taxes due.”
“The general’s company, which specializes in renting cars and heavy equipment, gets unlimited quantities of gasoline free of charge because it belongs to the Islah party, while they sell it on stations at inflated prices, and invest that money in Istanbul, Turkey,”
https://www.uprising.today/islah-party-stealing-yemeni-oil-wealth/
(A E P)
A source at Safer Company: Allowing the unloading of oil tankers in Shabwah after the intervention of the Minister Al-Oud
A source at the Oil Company Safer, said on Wednesday, that the oil tankers began unloading their cargo at the unloading site in the area of "Ayad" in the province of "Shabwa", after the intervention of the Minister of Oil Aos Al-Oud.
https://almasdaronline.com/articles/172840
and
(A E P)
Source: Austrian OMV prevents the unloading of a shipment of Safer oil at pumping site through the pipline in the area of "Ayad" in Shabwa
https://almasdaronline.com/articles/172836
(A T)
Gunmen intercept a "Safer" oil shipment and burn one of the tankers northeast of Marib
Tribal gunmen on Wednesday intercepted crude oil tankers flying from the "Safer" fields in Marib to the export port of Shabwa province, a military source said.
The source told Al-Masdar online, that tribal gunmen from "Al-Damashqa" intercepted the crude oil tankers after they passed the area of "Ruwek" northeast of Marib province, and started shooting at them.
The gunmen managed to burn one of the tankers, while the rest of the tankers continued on their way, while another source at Safer said another tanker was damaged.
https://almasdaronline.com/articles/172809
and
(A T)
Two soldiers injured in clashes with gunmen who attacked an oil shipment in Marib in the east of the country
https://almasdaronline.com/articles/172813
(B K P)
Yemeni human rights organisation holds UN responsible for lack of response to Saudi sexual assaults
A Yemeni human rights center has said on Tuesday that it held the international community, the Security Council and the UN Human Rights Commission Council fully responsible for the assaults and violations committed by Saudi/UAE-led coalition and its troops against women in Yemen.
The Humanity Eye Center for Rights and Development referred to the fact that the coalition mercenaries on Wednesday stormed a house of a citizen named Abdullah Ali Barh Rami in
(* A K P)
Separatists launch attack on Saudi-backed forces in Shabwah
The UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC)’s militia has on Sunday launched a fierce attack on Ataq Airport and military positions of forces of Hadi loyalists and Islah Party militants in Shabwah province, southeast of Yemen.
STC militias used high-explosive rocket-propelled grenades in the attack on the Ataq airport, in conjunction with another attack with thermal rockets on a military barracks of Hadi’s forces in Radhom district in the province, according to sources.
https://www.uprising.today/separatists-launch-attack-on-saudi-backed-forces-in-shabwah/
(A K P)
Two soldiers injured in attack by "Transitional" [separatist] gunmen in the western city of Nessab - Shabwa
https://almasdaronline.com/articles/172717
(A K P)
Islah forces open fire on protesters in Shabwa
The Islah party-linked troops [supporters of president Hadi] violently repressed a peaceful protest organised by the inhabitants of Nisab city of Shabwa governorate on Monday.
The demonstration demanded the ouster of the northern forces [separatist labeling of president Hadi’s army] and the return of Shabwa Elite Forces [separatist militia].
http://en.adenpress.news/news/13520
(A P)
Socotra chieftains renew support to state headed by Hadi
In a meeting with the governor Ramzi Mahroos the social dignitaries said they stand by President Hadi to establish security and develop the archipelago, south of the Arabian Peninsula.
http://en.26sepnews.net/2019/10/16/socotra-chieftains-renew-support-to-state-headed-by-hadi/
(A P)
Socotra . Two foreigners from the UAE who tried to enter the archipelago without a visa were detained
https://almasdaronline.com/articles/172754
(A P)
UAE militants block govt-held Taiz from passports, issue them to Houthis in absentia
The UAE-backed militants controlling Yemen's temporary capital Aden are denying the government-held Taiz from blank passport books to while issuing and shipping readymade passports for absent Houthis in the rebels-held Sana'a, various sources reported the two acts separately.
Mokhtar al-Noobi a commander in the UAE-run Security Belt militia announced on Sunday his militants had just "seized 10,000 passport books bound for Taiz" and boasted the image..
The blank passports were meant for the Passports and Immigration Department of Taiz. Their capture triggered tensions with the Giants Brigades, a military unit, deployed near Taiz and guards the borders of the south against Houthis.
Meanwhile the militias controlling Aden continue to process passports applications, issue, and send passports to people in Sana'a without the attendance of the persons involved. Several times including in September 2019, the militias processed and issued passports to Houthi leaders by correspondence and delivered them to their homes in Sana'a, contrary even to the ostensible animosity between the two rebel factions in the north and south of the country.
Taiz local authorities say these Aden-based militias have since the beginning of the war been supplying the internationally condemned Houthis rebels with arms while denying the government forces any arms.
https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-33703
My comment: From an Islah party news site. A Separatist-Houthi alliance is a narrative of separatists’ conspiracy theory. – How the eparatists had told this stoery two days earlier:
(A P)
The Security Forces in Aden foiled an attempt at smuggling 10,000 passports to Taiz
The discovery came at a time when the Ministry of Interior refused to issue new passports to thousands of southern soldiers who were injured in the war, who needed to travel abroad for treatment.
While the injured soldiers are suffering from their wounds the legitimate governments' representatives continued to show no mercy towards its soldiers and have been trading with the passports and the soldiers’ lives.
http://en.adenpress.news/news/13513
(A T)
Explosion kills two in Taiz
At least two people were killed and another injured by an explosive device blast as a passengers car was passing in Maqbana district in Taiz province, southwest Yemen.
https://www.uprising.today/explosion-kills-two-in-taiz/
cp7 UNO und Friedensgespräche / UN and peace talks
Siehe / Look at cp1
(A K P)
Head of ICRC arrives in Yemen to oversee prisoner exchange
Stockholm Agreement prisoner exchange not yet carried out
The president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Peter Maurer, has arrived in Sana’a on Wednesday from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
A Yemeni political source in Sana’a told Sputnik News that the chairman of the Red Cross will during his visit meet with the head of the Supreme Political Council, Mahdi Al-Mashat, Prime Minister Abdul Aziz bin Habtoor and other Yemeni leaders, in order to discuss the implementation of the prisoner exchange agreement signed in Stockholm.
https://www.uprising.today/head-of-icrc-arrives-in-yemen-to-oversee-prisoner-exchange/
(A K P)
Iran und Deutschland fordern Ende der Militärinvasionen im Jemen und in Syrien
Der iranische Parlamentspräsident Ali Laridschani und die deutsche Bundestagsvizepräsidentin Claudia Roth haben ein Ende der Militärinvasionen im Jemen und in Syrien gefordert.
und auch https://de.irna.ir/news/83519776/Iran-und-Deutschland-fordern-Ende-des-Militarismus-in-Jemen
(A K P)
Iran, Germany Urge Turkey, Saudi to End Wars on Syria, Yemen
Senior Iranian and German parliamentarians have called for an end to militarism in Syria and Yemen, stressing the need for a political settlement of the conflicts wreaking havoc on the two war-torn Arab states.
Iran’s Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani held talks with Vice President of the German Parliament (Bundestag) Claudia Roth on the sidelines of the 141st assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Belgrade on Tuesday.
Larijani renewed the call for an end the military campaign against Yemen and said if Saudi Arabia embraces a political solution, “Iran will mediate in the Yemen issue.”
Also during Tuesday’s meeting, Claudia expressed concern regarding the tragic humanitarian situation in Yemen.
The German Bundestag vice president also welcomed Pakistan’s recent initiative to mediate between Riyadh and Tehran aimed at decreasing regional tensions.
https://ifpnews.com/iran-germany-urge-turkey-saudi-to-end-wars-on-syria-yemen
(* B K P)
Yemen’s Multiplying Conflicts
A Huthi suspension of hostilities in Yemen and an apparently positive Saudi Arabian response offer a chance to avoid regional conflagration. In this excerpt from our Watch List 2019 - Third Update for European policymakers, Crisis Group urges the EU to encourage inclusive dialogue between the warring factions, which can lead to intra-Yemeni negotiations.
As 2020 approaches, Yemen confronts two acute security challenges: avoiding further entanglement in the wider regional conflict between the U.S., Saudi Arabia and Iran, and preventing a war within a war among anti-Huthi forces.
While the conflict could turn into a true proxy war or trigger a wider regional confrontation, there is still a chance to avoid such outcomes. Signs are tentative but promising.
As Yemen’s war intersects with and fuels regional tensions, it is also becoming more internally complex and harder to resolve.
International actors, including the EU, need to move quickly to turn the fragile de-escalation between Saudi Arabia and the Huthis into an agreement that ultimately yields a ceasefire and restarts UN-led negotiations among Yemeni political groups to end the war. Continued diplomatic support is also needed to reconcile opposing forces within the anti-Huthi camp. A deal between the government of President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi and separatist southern forces, in particular, would offer an opportunity to update the UN peace process for Yemen and make negotiations more inclusive.
Recommendations for the EU and its member states include:
https://www.crisisgroup.org/middle-east-north-africa/gulf-and-arabian-peninsula/yemen/yemens-multiplying-conflicts = https://d2071andvip0wj.cloudfront.net/Yemen.pdf
(A K P)
Women activists call for lifting Houthi years-long siege on Taiz
Women activists in the city of Taiz have called for lifting the years-long Houthi siege on their central Yemeni city.
https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-33735
(A K P)
Film: Hadi's government awaits Houthi response to the proposal of opening roads to Taiz
The head of the negotiating committee of the government Abed Rabbo Hadi, Abdul Karim Cheban, said that a dialogue with the Houthis is still going on to open the entrances to the city of Taiz in western Yemen, pointing out that the government sent a proposal to open three outlets and has not yet been answered, calling on the United Nations to press the Houthis to open the outlets of Taiz and end the human suffering of the people of the province as a result of the closure of all major ports north and east of the city.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Govs3WCZ38
cp8 Saudi-Arabien / Saudi Arabia
Siehe / Look at cp1
(B E P)
IMF's Bad News on World Outlook Is More Grim for Saudi Economy
Even in a year that’s shaping up as a disappointment for the global economy, Saudi Arabia will stand out.
The International Monetary Fund, which just lowered its 2019 global growth forecast for a fifth straight time, is turning far more downbeat on Saudi Arabia’s prospects, cutting its outlook for this year to just above zero. Among the biggest economies, only Italy will fare worse, it said.
(A P)
Film: Well, they tried... During his visit to Saudi Arabia, Putin was greeted by a very familiar tune. Though judging by his facial expressions, he couldn’t quite remember where he had heard it before. Check out the Russian anthem ‘Saudi remix’ as compared to the original version
https://twitter.com/RT_com/status/1183792079622701056
Next time, the king should ask Trump to send the US military music. Of course Trump will agree as long as Saudi Arabia will pay.
https://twitter.com/HussamSanabani/status/1183879713095372800
(* A E K)
One Month After Worst Oil-Supply Halt, Aramco Says All Clear
A month later, it’s as if the attack never happened.
Saudi Aramco says it’s currently pumping 9.9 million barrels a day, the same as before the Sept. 14 attacks at Abqaiq, the world’s biggest oil-processing facility, and the field at Khurais.
Shiny, freshly painted spherical tanks that separate oil from natural gas and water are back at work at Abqaiq, company officials told reporters touring the damaged sites on Saturday. On an earlier visit to Abqaiq one week after the assaults, gaping holes showed where projectiles had punctured the same tanks. More repairs await; several crude stabilization towers are still charred and encased in scaffolding.
“It was very important for the Saudis to restore their position as the world’s reliable supplier,” said Richard Mallinson
(* B P)
Saudi Arabia tourism: So what is there to see?
Saudi Arabia's recent decision to fling open its doors to foreign tourists has sent a mild ripple of excitement running through the travel industry. A vast and hitherto largely closed country is now there to be experienced.
So what exactly is there to see in Saudi Arabia? Why go at all, in fact? It's hardly a budget destination like South East Asia, it's blazingly hot for eight months of the year, there is no political freedom, no free speech, no alcohol allowed, very little mingling of the sexes and - like several other countries in the Middle East - it has a much-criticised human rights record.
Well the first thing to note is that Saudi Arabia is far more diverse in landscape and scenery than you might imagine.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-50013068
My comment: Really want to get there?
cp9 USA
Siehe / Look at cp1
(* B K P)
American ‘Freedom Man’ is Made of Straw
Bret Stephens' foolish caricature of America only nurses our delusions about 'the good' we've done in the world.
Is a penchant for moral posturing part of a newspaper columnist’s job description?Sometimes it seems so. But if there were a prize for self-indulgent journalistic garment renting, Bret Stephens of The New York Times would certainly retire the trophy.
President Trump’s treatment of the Kurds qualifies as both indecent and immoral. Sadly, it’s also very much in keeping with Freedom Man’s habit of deserting “friends” no longer deemed useful. Whenever this occurs, newspaper columnists rush into print decrying the irreparable damage done to American credibility. Such fears always turn out to be overblown, as they will in this instance.
Yet the issue that cries out for attention is not the danger to which Freedom Man has exposed the Kurds or the damage to American credibility. It’s Freedom Man himself that deserves a fresh look.
If he ever existed, he has long since become a menace, both to America and to others. Indulging the delusions of journalists like Bret Stephens makes it that much more difficult for Americans to see themselves as they actually are and their country as it actually is. In the meantime, the havoc that Freedom Man commits in our name will continue – by Andrew Bacevich
https://www.theamericanconservative.com/articles/american-freedom-man-is-made-of-straw/
My remark: For Brett Stephens: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bret_Stephens
and
(B K P)
U.S. Support for the War on Yemen Is a Regional Catastrophe
Why were U.S. forces in Syria to begin with? Because they were sent there illegally to fight a group that had emerged out of the aftermath of the Iraq war, another illegal war that the Bret Stephenses of the world supported and defended for many years. Had the U.S. refrained from invading Iraq, there would never have been an ISIS in the first place. If the U.S. had chosen to stay out of Syria five years ago, none of this would be happening now. Trump has handled everything horribly, and his foreign policy is a nightmare, but that should not let other interventionists off the hook for putting the U.S. in this position in the first place.
That makes Stephens’ cloying rhetoric about “Freedom Man” all the more obnoxious. We are not perceived as “Freedom Man” by the inhabitants of the countries our government sanctions and bombs, and there is no reason we would be. Yemenis see the U.S. as enablers and supporters of the atrocities committed against them, and they have every reason to think that. Stephens isn’t concerned about any of that, because he doesn’t even pretend that Yemeni lives matter – by Daniel Larison
(* B K P)
In Yemen, What’s 60,000 Dead Bodies Between Friends?
American elites, whatever their intentions, display a consistent disregard for the basic sanctity of human life when other interests are at stake.
Nowhere is this more evident in 2019 than in Yemen.
For the past several years, since the beginning of a civil conflict that has escalated into a regional war, Yemen has become the site of the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.
The conflict is typically portrayed as a proxy war between Houthi rebel forces, backed by Iran, and the deposed Hadi regime, backed by Saudi Arabia and a sometimes-shifting coalition of Gulf states. Experts say it’s more complicated than that, with unstable regional alliances intermingling with divergent interests among the coalition allies.
From the perspective of U.S. foreign policy, those nuances don’t matter.
Since 2014, America’s backing of the Saudis in Yemen, including as their chief arms provider, directly implicates us in the ongoing atrocities there.
There’s no realistic chance that the savagery in Yemen will abate under the Trump administration, which has continued to support Saudi actions (and has continued to kill civilians elsewhere in drone strikes).
The real question is, will the next administration have any desire to chart a new course?
When push comes to shove, most Americans just don’t care about foreign policy, until it ends up as blowback in the form of a catastrophe on American soil. So we can expect little focus on it during the 2020 campaign, except insofar as Trump’s impulsivity undermines American diplomacy.
Still, it’s worth asking whether Democratic presidential contenders can wean their party’s own penchant for destructive indifference in Yemen and elsewhere. Perhaps fealty to the simple principle to first do no harm would be a good place to start.
https://indyweek.com/news/voices/yemen-60000-dead-bodies-between-friends/
(* A K P)
Ex-Obama administration officials push Democrats in Congress to defund war in Yemen
A collection of former high-ranking Obama administration national security officials who pushed a policy that led the United States to support Saudi Arabia in the war in Yemen are now pleading with leaders in Congress to defund that effort.
Former national security adviser Susan Rice, former US Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power and former deputy national security adviser Ben Rhodes are among a group of signatories on a letter to Democratic leaders, obtained by CNN, that argues that the policy they were instrumental in implementing could lead to much bigger problems in future.
"The ongoing conflict between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthis threatens fresh U.S. military action in the region," they write. "President Trump recently signaled that the United States is 'locked and loaded' for possible intervention at the behest of Saudi Arabia, deployed U.S. troops to the Saudi kingdom, and escalated military tensions with Iran. In addition to making a war with Iran more likely, the conflict in Yemen is also imperiling tens of millions of the most vulnerable people on earth through disease, starvation and violence."
https://us.cnn.com/2019/10/15/politics/democrats-congress-yemen-war/index.html
and
(A K P)
Sanders, Khanna Welcome Call by Senior Obama Officials to Defund Illegal Yemen War
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and U.S. Representative Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) welcomed an extraordinary new effort by senior Obama Administration officials, constitutional scholars, Yemeni activists, progressive leaders, celebrities, and philanthropists to urge Congress to defund unauthorized U.S. military activities in Yemen.
cp9a USA-Iran Krise: Wachsende Spannungen am Golf / US-Iran crisis: Mounting tensions at the Gulf
(A P)
Riyadh meeting
IN Riyadh, on the second leg of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s ‘facilitation’ trip to Iran and Saudi Arabia, it is not known how the rulers of the kingdom reacted to the Pakistani offer of bringing together the cross-Gulf rivals.
Mr Khan met the Saudi king and crown prince and reportedly ‘advised’ them to peacefully resolve regional issues.
The Foreign Office was quiet on the response from the Saudi royals, while as per a bland statement in the Saudi press, the two sides “discussed ... the latest developments at the regional and international arenas”.
This is, of course, not much to go by, and only those who were privy to the huddle can better comment on how this country’s efforts to reduce tensions between two major Muslim states were perceived in Riyadh.
Earlier, Mr Khan received a comparatively more positive response to his offer in Tehran, with the Iranians stressing that a resolution of the Yemen issue could pave the way for better relations with Saudi Arabia.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1511309/riyadh-meeting
(* B P)
Erneuter Cyber-Angriff gegen Iran nach Ölanlagen-Attacke
Die USA haben laut Insidern erneut einen Cyber-Angriff auf den Iran gestartet. Der Schritt sei Ende September nach den Attacken auf Ölanlagen des US-Verbündeten Saudi-Arabien erfolgt, sagten zwei Vertreter der US-Regierung der Nachrichtenagentur Reuters. Der Cyber-Angriff habe darauf abgezielt, den Iran an der Verbreitung von "Propaganda" zu hindern. Demnach soll versucht worden sein, die Hardware iranischer Systeme anzugreifen. Das US-Verteidigungsministerium wollte sich nicht äußern.
https://www.diepresse.com/5707192/erneuter-cyber-angriff-gegen-iran-nach-olanlagen-attacke
(* B P)
U.S. carried out secret cyber strike on Iran in wake of Saudi oil attack: officials
The United States carried out a secret cyber operation against Iran in the wake of the Sept. 14 attacks on Saudi Arabia’s oil facilities, which Washington and Riyadh blame on Tehran, two U.S. officials have told Reuters.
The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the operation took place in late September and took aim at Tehran’s ability to spread “propaganda.”
One of the officials said the strike affected physical hardware, but did not provide further details.
The attack highlights how President Donald Trump’s administration has been trying to counter what it sees as Iranian aggression without spiraling into a broader conflict.
Asked about Reuters reporting on Wednesday, Iran’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mohammad Javad Azari-Jahromi said: “They must have dreamt it,” Fars news agency reported.
The U.S. strike appears more limited than other such operations against Iran this year after the downing of an American drone in June and an alleged attack by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards on oil tankers in the Gulf in May.
and by Press TV Iran: https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2019/10/16/608791/US-cyber-attack-Iran-Aramco
(A P)
Kingdom reiterates importance of comprehensive international agreement to ensure that Iran is prevented from acquiring nuclear weapons
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reiterated that there are deficiencies in the Iranian nuclear agreement and stressed the importance of a comprehensive international agreement to ensure that Iran is prevented from acquiring nuclear weapons in any way.
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=1982953
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=1982954
My comment: The Iran Nuclear Agreement had achieved all this, the problem had been that neither Trump nor the Saudis were not satisfied with it because they wanted to press Iran on more. Now the Saudis – reaching for atomic power themselves – simply should be quiet on this matter.
(A P)
US sanctions on Iran economic terrorism, crime against humanity: Rouhani
President Hassan Rouhani has once again denounced the United States for unleashing a campaign of eonomic terrorism against the Iranian nation, saying Washington has committed “a crime against humanity” by imposing sanctions on food and medical supplies.
Rouhani said it is a “shame” for the US to withdraw from a UN-backed 2015 multilateral nuclear agreement and re-impose tough economic sanctions against Iran.
“This disgrace becomes more notable when [we consider the fact that] the agreement has been endorsed by UN Security Council, [which means] the US has violated international regulations," said Rouhani, adding, it is “even a bigger shame” for the US not to exempt food and medicine from its bans.
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2019/10/15/608717/Iran-President-Rouhani-US-sanctions-health-sector
(A P)
Iranian President: UAE delegations and officials visited Iran recently and our relations are moving towards the best
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said that Emirati delegations and officials have recently visited Tehran, and that Iran-UAE relations are now better and moving toward further improvement.
"Relations have improved between Iran and the UAE and officials from the two countries have exchanged visits," the Iranian president said at a press conference in Tehran.
https://almasdaronline.com/articles/172753
(A P)
UAE security advisor reported visiting Iran
Visit likely part of attempts to defuse Gulf crisis
The British website Middle East Eye revealed that Tahnoun bin Zayed , National Security Advisor of the United Arab Emirates was in Tehran a few days ago.
The website claimed that bin Zayed was in Iran on a secret mission aimed at defusing the Gulf crisis.
https://www.uprising.today/uae-security-advisor-reported-visiting-iran/
(A P)
Zarif: 'One or more governments' behind attack on Iranian oil tanker
Foreign Minister Javad Zarif says the attack on an Iranian oil tanker in the Red Sea on Friday was a “complicated action” in which “one or more governments” were involved.
“According to information received, the attack on the Iranian tanker has been carried out by one or more governments. Of course, investigations are underway, but as long as we have not reached definitive conclusions, we will not accuse any government,” Zarif said.
Zarif said Tuesday, “The attack on the Iranian tanker was a sophisticated, state-sponsored action.”
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2019/10/15/608727/Iran-oil-tanker-attack-Red-Sea-Saudi-Arabia-Zarif
(* A P)
Rouhani: Video shows Iranian tanker in Red Sea struck by rockets
Iranian president discusses regional tensions in a wide-ranging news conference.
During the news conference, which was broadcast on Iranian state television, Rouhani said that footage of the alleged attack existed - even though it has not yet been released.
Rouhani added that a government was behind the hit and warned that there would be consequences.
"It wasn't an act by terrorists, by an individual, a group. It was done by a government," Rouhani said. "It was a hostile and treacherous act."
Images previously released by the tanker's owner, the National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC), showed two holes above the waterline on the ship's starboard side. They are dated Sunday.
(* A K P)
IRAN RELEASES NEW PHOTOS OF TANKER ATTACKED OFF SAUDI COAST
One of the photos, which were released on Monday, shows two gaping holes in the hull of the tanker Sabiti, owned by the National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC).
Other photos show the crew aboard the vessel as well as close-up views of the holes. (photos)
https://www.yemenpress.org/world/iran-releases-new-photos-of-tanker-attacked-off-saudi-coast/
(B K P)
Putin im O-Ton zum Konflikt zwischen Saudi-Arabien und dem Iran
Putin: Ich habe schon gesagt, dass wir mit Saudi-Arabien und den Arabischen Emiraten eine beispiellos herzliche Partnerschaft und sogar freundschaftliche Beziehungen entwickelt haben. Aber Russland befreundet sich nie mit jemandem gegen jemand anderen. Wir bauen bilaterale Beziehungen auf, die auf positiven Trends in unseren Kontakten basieren, anstatt eine Allianz im Kampf gegen jemanden zu bilden, das ist die erste These.
Zweitens denke ich, und ich glaube, dass es von Ihnen, Ihren Zuhörern und Ihrem Publikum verstanden wird: Russland und der Iran sind Nachbarn, diesen Faktor können wir nicht ignorieren.
Drittens ist der Iran eine große regionale Macht, eine alte Nation mit einer alten Kultur. Und wenn wir gute Beziehungen zu jemandem aufbauen wollen, und ich gehe davon aus, dass alle Länder der Region gute Beziehungen zueinander haben wollen, dann strebt niemand nach Konfrontation und, Gott bewahre, nach Zusammenstößen. Ich weiß, dass das in Saudi-Arabien niemand will und auch in den Emiraten will das niemand. Aber wenn wir eine positive Agenda wollen, müssen wir die legitimen Interessen unserer Partner anerkennen.
https://www.anti-spiegel.ru/2019/putin-im-o-ton-zum-konflikt-zwischen-saudi-arabien-und-dem-iran/
(* B K P)
$ 100,000 TO THE COMING US OFFICERS AND $ 25,000 TO SOLDIERS BY SAUDI ARABIA
The Iranian military expert in the Middle East affairs, Dr. Hakam Amhaz, revealed that the American military reinforcements coming to the Arabic region will not change anything in the equations for several reasons, most notably, that the three thousand forces sent by US will not constitute anything in the area of resistance axis, which extends millions of kilometers.
He pointed out that US sources talked that the salary of one soldier of that force starts from 25 thousand dollars per month, and there are some officers their salary exceed 100 thousand dollars, this is unlike the US administration and military capabilities that will work in this framework.
” simply , the American numbers of soldiers are not enough to protect the “regime” of Bahrain, and for the defense equipment accompanying the soldiers have fallen in front of the Yemeni combat tools of ballistic missiles and drones, and these American reinforcements are nothing more than a moral message from the allies of the United States in The region, led by Saudi Arabia, it is also a message for profit-taking by Washington, rather than the fact that the Americans does not protect anyone, but trades and deals according to their interests.
cp10 Großbritannien / Great Britain
Siehe / Look at cp1
cp11 Deutschland / Germany
Siehe / Look at cp13a
(* A B K P)
Deutsche Waffen werden weiterhin an Konfliktparteien im Jemen geliefert
Deutsche Waffen werden nicht nur von Saudi-Arabien im Jemen eingesetzt. Deswegen fordern 56 NGOs, an keine der Konfliktparteien mehr Waffen zu liefern.
Vor wenigen Wochen erst entschied sich die Bundesregierung wegen des seit vier Jahren andauernden Krieges im Jemen, den Exportstopp von Waffen und anderen Rüstungsgütern an Saudi-Arabien um ein weiteres halbes Jahr zu verlängern. Im Jemen-Konflikt sei alles daranzusetzen „eine diplomatische Lösung zu finden“, auch wenn das im Augenblick sehr schwierig aussehe, sagte Angela Merkel. Schwierig sieht es im Jemen aber nicht nur wegen der besonders hohen Zahl von Konfliktparteien aus, sondern auch, weil diese nach wie vor mit Waffen unter anderem aus Deutschland beliefert werden.
Angesichts dieses katastrophalen Ausmaßes erscheint die Entscheidung der Bundesregierung, keine Waffen mehr an Saudi-Arabien zu liefern, sinnvoll und begrüßenswert – und ist doch nicht weitreichend genug, meinen zumindest zahlreiche humanitäre Hilfs- und Menschenrechtsorganisationen. In einem offenen Brief an die Bundesregierung forderten nun 56 von ihnen einen umfassenden Rüstungsexportstopp nicht nur für Saudi-Arabien, sondern auch an alle weiteren Mitglieder der Militärkoalition.
Es sei „zweifelhaft“, dass das von der Bundesregierung erneuerte Moratorium auch Waffenlieferungen an die VAE und die anderen Mitglieder der Koalition umfasse, so Bryk. Obwohl bereits im Koalitionsvertrag von 2015 vereinbart wurde, keine Waffen mehr an im Jemenkrieg unmittelbar beteiligte Staaten zu exportieren, dauern diese bis heute an – und das trotz des offiziellen Exportstopps.
Allein für Saudi-Arabien und die VAE habe die Bundesregierung zwischen 2015 und 2018 Rüstungsexporte im Wert von mehr als zwei Milliarden Euro genehmigt, heißt es in dem offenen Brief
cp12 Andere Länder / Other countries
(* B K P)
Kriegsmaterialexporte nehmen zu
In den ersten neun Monaten des laufenden Jahres haben Schweizer Unternehmen Kriegsmaterial im Wert von fast einer halben Milliarde Franken exportiert. Das sind rund 200 Millionen Franken mehr als in der Vorjahresperiode.
An Saudi-Arabien haben Schweizer Unternehmen in den ersten neun Monaten Waffen im Wert von 1,2 Millionen Franken exportiert. Die Vereinigten Arabischen Emirate erhielten Waffen im Wert von 1 Million Franken, Bahrain im Wert von 5,5 Millionen Franken.
Im Fall von Saudi-Arabien war die Praxis 2009 verschärft worden. Nur noch Ersatzteile, Munition und Feuerwaffen zu privaten Zwecken durften exportiert werden. Ab 2016 wurden ausserdem Gesuche abgelehnt, bei denen ein erhöhtes Risiko für eine Verwendung im Jemen-Krieg bestand.
In der Folge wurden nur noch der Export von Ersatzteilen und Munition zu Flugabwehrsystemen bewilligt. Vor einem Jahr entschied der Bundesrat, auch das nicht mehr zuzulassen. Der Entscheid stand im Zusammenhang mit der Ermordung des saudischen Journalisten Jamal Kashoggi.
Im Juli des laufenden Jahres kam der Bundesrat jedoch darauf zurück. Für die Blockade fehle die rechtliche Grundlage, teilte das Wirtschaftsdepartement mit.
https://www.luzernerzeitung.ch/newsticker/schweiz/kriegsmaterialexporte-nehmen-zu-ld.1160102 = https://www.tagesanzeiger.ch/schweiz/standard/Schweizer-Kriegsmaterialexporte-nehmen-deutlich-zu-/story/24194927 = https://www.bernerzeitung.ch/schweiz/standard/schweiz-exportiert-mehr-kriegsmaterial/story/24194927
(* B K P)
Europe’s ambiguity in the Middle East
Yet only a week before these states suspended weapons to Turkey, Germany signed a new deal to sell military equipment to the UAE, despite increasing awareness about Abu Dhabi’s regional policy actions. Meanwhile, France, another critic of Operation Peace Spring has upheld and even defended its considerable weapons sales to the UAE, despite concerns raised about their usage in the Yemen war.
Although the UAE has a major hand in what the UN calls the “world’s worst humanitarian crisis”, European states have only offered vague 'concerns' over the conflict there. Directly addressing the UAE’s role in the war through action is a far cry.
The UAE's lobbying efforts have seen it deploy its considerable wealth to fund think tanks and academic institutions to push its narrative in the West, using 'expert opinion' to influence policymakers globally.
Mohammad bin Zayed, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has operated in a particularly shrewd manner covertly pursuing his regional ambitions without taking any of the limelight for it. The UAE portrays itself as having a “pro-peace” and charitable agenda in the countries it intervenes in. It has showcased its humanitarian efforts to the European Parliament, which leading European ministers have applauded - but in reality, it has countered revolutionary movements that have sought to bring democracy to the Middle East.
Recently, the UAE managed to avoid heightened criticism over the Yemen war by staging a “withdrawal” by removing some of its troops from the country. This was a mirage to protect its image as not only did its forces still retain a presence, it retained its support for southern secessionist militias.
Meanwhile, it has tried to formulate an image of being a peacemaker, increasingly reaching out to Iran. While this helps protect its own security, as Abu Dhabi would likely be immediately affected if tensions in the Persian Gulf erupted, it also helps the UAE appear a more credible regional actor.
While European states have blindly tolerated the UAE’s pro-stability narratives, sometimes for their own interests, they need to dig deeper past this mirage and address the impact of Abu Dhabi’s policies – by Jonathan Fenton Harvey
https://www.trtworld.com/opinion/europe-s-ambiguity-in-the-middle-east-30594
My comment: There is no reason to whitewash the Turkish aggression in Syria, when (correctly) pointing to the UAE and Europe’s ambiguity.
(A P)
Mohamed bin Zayed empfängt den russischen Präsidenten
Seine Hoheit Scheich Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Kronprinz von Abu Dhabi und stellvertretender Oberbefehlshaber der Streitkräfte der Vereinigten Arabischen Emirate, empfing am Dienstag den russischen Präsidenten Wladimir Putin, der sich zu einem Staatsbesuch befindet zum Land.
http://www.wam.ae/de/details/1395302794890
(A P)
Mohamed bin Zayed und Wladimir Putin führen offizielle Gespräche
http://www.wam.ae/de/details/1395302795002
(A P)
Mohamed bin Zayed, Vladimir Putin witness signing of agreements
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and President Vladimir Putin of Russia have witnessed the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding between the UAE and Russia.
http://www.wam.ae/en/details/1395302794876
(A P)
Was Zar Putin beim saudischen König macht
Russland füllt die vom erratischen US-Präsidenten Trump gelassene Lücke
Am Dienstag traf Putin erneut in Riad ein, und die Medien beider Länder überschlagen sich, was die wirtschaftliche und politische Bedeutung der Visite anbelangt. Völlig wertfrei ist festzustellen, dass Putin im Gegensatz zu seinem US-Amtskollegen Donald Trump Nahostpolitik macht.
An die 30 Memoranden und Abkommen sollen während eines russisch-saudischen Wirtschaftsforums unterschrieben werden, viele davon im Energiebereich, die Rede ist von Investitionen von zwei Milliarden Dollar. Sein erstes Auslandsbüro überhaupt hat der russische Investmentfonds RDIF soeben in Riad eröffnet. Seit 2015 arbeiten die beiden Staaten eng bei der Ölpreisgestaltung zusammen, das soll weiter so bleiben.
Besonders spannend wird es aber dort, wo die abwesenden USA politische Lücken hinterlassen. Trotz offiziell blendender Beziehungen macht sich ja sowohl auf saudischer als auch auf US-Seite Frustration über den Partner breit – da ist Platz für Russland.
Und dann ist da der Riesenkomplex der iranisch-saudischen Beziehungen, in denen sich Russland als Vermittler anbietet.
https://www.derstandard.de/story/2000109922908/was-zar-putin-beim-saudischen-koenig-macht
(A P)
Saudi visit shows Putin's deepening Middle East influence
President Vladimir Putin signaled Moscow’s growing Middle East clout on Monday by visiting Saudi Arabia for the first time in over a decade, buoyed by Russian military gains in Syria, strong ties with Riyadh’s regional rivals and energy cooperation.
The Russian president, accompanied by his energy minister and head of Russia’s wealth fund, met King Salman at his palace along with de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, with whom Putin says he has friendly relations.
Deepening ties have seen non-OPEC Russia, once regarded as a rival in oil markets, join OPEC kingpin Saudi Arabia in forming an alliance known as OPEC+.
(A P)
Russian investors eyeing Saudi Aramco listing - wealth fund chief
A number of Russian investors are interested in a planned initial public offering of Saudi Arabian state-owned oil company Saudi Aramco, Kirill Dmitriev, the chief executive officer of Russian sovereign wealth fund RDIF, told reporters on Sunday.
(A P)
Saudi crown prince holds official talks with Russia's Putin - SPA
They also discussed the developments in Syria and Yemen, and “the importance of combating extremism and terrorism and working to dry up its sources”, SPA reported.
(A P)
Russia ready to work with U.S. to build Saudi nuclear power plant: Rosatom
Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom would be ready to cooperate with partners from the United States, Europe and Asia to build a nuclear power plant in Saudi Arabia, Rosatom’s CEO Alexey Likhachev said on Monday.
My comment: Now the Russians too begin doing this bullshit.
cp12b Sudan
(* A K P)
Sudanese Chief of Staff: We are staying in Yemen to support legitimate government and ready to train Yemeni army
Sudan has declared its readiness to train and rehabilitate Yemeni army personnel and to cooperate on the security and military side.
In his meeting with Yemen's military attaché in Sudan, Major General Ahmed al-Sha'na'a, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Sudanese Armed Forces, Osman Mohammed al-Hussein, said that his country will maintain its military presence in Yemen, to support the legitimate government in all its efforts to achieve the interests of the Yemeni people in Building a modern state and achieving peace, security and stability.
According to the Official News Agency of Yemen (Saba), the Sudanese chief of staff confirmed his country's readiness to support Yemen in the security aspect and provide all kinds of support to the Yemeni armed forces through training and rehabilitation at all levels.
https://almasdaronline.com/articles/172730
cp13a Waffenhandel / Arms trade
(* A K P)
Gemeinsame Regeln für Rüstungsexporte
Bei ihrem Treffen in Toulouse haben sich Emmanuel Macron und Angela Merkel auf eine gemeinsame Linie bei Rüstungsexporten geeinigt. Zuletzt war Deutschland wegen Alleingängen von Frankreich kritisiert worden.
Vereinbart worden seien Regeln für Gemeinschaftsprojekte im Verteidigungsbereich und sogenannte De-Minimis-Regeln, erklärte Merkel. Dabei gehe es um Grenzschwellen für Bauteile, die Firmen eines Landes für ein Gemeinschaftsprojekt mehrerer EU-Länder liefern. In diesem Fall sollen Exportgenehmigungen erleichtert werden, um Gemeinschaftsentwicklungen im Rüstungsbereich nicht zu gefährden. Bis zu welcher Größe nun Bauteile geliefert werden dürfen, wurde zunächst nicht bekannt. Am Rande des Treffens war von 20 Prozent die Rede. Das würde bedeuten, dass Berlin den Export französischer Rüstungsgüter, die weniger als 20 Prozent Bauteile aus Deutschland haben, nicht behindern werde.
https://www.dw.com/de/gemeinsame-regeln-f%C3%BCr-r%C3%BCstungsexporte/a-50860608
Mein Kommentar: Schande für Deutschland.
(* A K P)
Germany, France reach arms export deal
A binding agreement removes a major hurdle for the development and export of Franco-German weapons systems. It also paves the way for the development of new tanks, fighter jets and drones.
Germany and France agreed Wednesday on common rules for weapons and defense exports.
French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel hammered out the "legally binding agreement" at a joint ministerial meeting in the French city of Toulouse.
Under the deal reached Wednesday, Germany would only have a say in the French export of joint military systems if its contributions were over a certain threshold.
Diplomatic sources told Reuters and dpa news agencies that a 20% threshold of components would require export consent from the country where the component was manufactured.
Macron hailed what he said was a "major agreement," while Merkel said the arms export compromise would provide predictability and reliability.
https://www.dw.com/en/germany-france-reach-arms-export-deal/a-50862381
My comment: Shame.
cp13b Mercenaries / Söldner
(A K P)
Mohammed al-Houthi comments on Sudanese mercenaries, Lebanon wildfires
Member of the Supreme Political Council Mohammed Ali al-Houthi has on Tuesday revealed the fate of one of Sudanese army brigades participating in the invading coalition against Yemen, as well as commenting on the wildfires in Lebanon as “evidence for treason by some Arab regimes.”
Al-Houthi addressed the families of Sudanese recruits, reminding them that the Saudis do not respect their Sudanese units and merely use them as cannon fodder.
“Do the families of those who were recruited in the fourth Hazm brigade of Sudanese know the fate of their sons? Did they get information transparency?”
https://www.uprising.today/mohammed-al-houthi-comments-on-sudanese-mercenaries-lebanon-wildfires/
cp13c Wirtschaft / Economy
(A E P)
Yemen's Safer oil company resumes pumping to Arabian Sea terminal - official
Yemen’s Safer oil company resumed pumping oil from its fields in Shabwa in southern Yemen to a terminal on the Arabian sea for export abroad, a company official told Reuters on Wednesday.
Safer, owned by the internationally recognised government of Yemen, is currently pumping at a rate of 5,000 barrels per day and expects to ramp up pipeline throughput to 15,000 barrels per day, the official said.
Safer’s official said the company will use tankers to ship the crude from Iyad field (Block 4) to the Arabian Sea pipeline in Shabwa to avoid the Ras Issa terminal.
and also https://almasdaronline.com/articles/172808
cp14 Terrorismus / Terrorism
(* A T)
Al Qaeda General Command threatened to attack U.S. troops and "every single vital strategic interest" in the Arabian Peninsula in response to the deployment of U.S. forces to Saudi Arabia. The threat came on the second page of a media release praising an al Shabaab attack.
https://twitter.com/MaherFarrukh/status/1184484999652921345
(A T)
Video Shows AQAP, Islah Celebrating Victory in Shabwa
A new video released by al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) has revealed the active involvement of the terrorist organization along with Islah forces, Yemen's Muslim Brotherhood military wing, in the attack against the southern governorate of Shabwa.
The video showed terrorist elements waving al Qaeda's black flag and using disgraceful language about the Arab Coalition.
An AQAP member is seen on camera saying that their entry into the camp of Shabwa Elite Forces in Ataq is a message to the United Arab Emirates.
The video that went viral on the web, is yet another proof of the direct support provided to the terrorist organizations by Islah party, observers said.
http://en.adenpress.news/news/13535
(A T)
#ISIS in #Yemen released a new video this evening. Only half a minute long. Grainy images claim to show ISIS in al-Bayda' sniping #AQAP in Sha'b Jalajil on 8 Oct & machine gunning Houthis in al-Zahra on 13 Oct
https://twitter.com/Dr_E_Kendall/status/1183864960646090757
(A T)
Militant #jihad in #Yemen over past week: #AQAP released new #nashid (Tues), sniped 1 ISIS (Sat), fired mortars & artillery at ISIS positions (Sun), all in Upper Qayfa #ISIS sniped 1 Houthi (Wed), released photos (Wed) of its Oct 6th artillery attack on 3 AQAP positions in Qayfa
https://twitter.com/Dr_E_Kendall/status/1183719502271393794
cp15 Propaganda
(A P)
Houthis exploiting Yemen’s disabled citizens
The Iran-aligned Houthi militia has been exploiting disabled Yemeni citizens, especially when it comes to rallying up public support to their project, a report has revealed.
The same reports said that disabled Yemenis face growing challenges as far as the attainment of their basic needs are concerned.
This is especially true with Yemen’s infrastructure and roads being severely damaged because of the war staged by the Houthi militia on Yemeni citizens, the reports said.
http://www.theportal-center.com/2019/10/houthis-exploiting-yemens-disabled-citizens/
My comment: This is propaganda. Why are not told what a “report” this should be. The Houthis are blamed for the war and its destructions. The only Google hit (in English) of “Abu Auzal” is here.
(A P)
It didn't take long: Saudi dictatorship trolls (organized?) came out swinging after I posted my @FreedomForward job post (https://twitter.com/SunjeevBery/status/1184538734496272384…). Telltale signs: - Claiming there is no dictatorship. - Trying to shift focus to Iran's repression (also bad) (image)
https://twitter.com/SunjeevBery/status/1184553761668259841
(A P)
Iran’s Proxies Are More Powerful Than Ever
The Trump administration’s maximum pressure strategy is working—just not in the way that matters most.
Since U.S. President Donald Trump took office, his administration has pursued a so-called maximum pressure strategy designed to alter the course of Iran’s foreign and security policies. The strategy relies heavily on sanctions to change Iranian behavior by complicating its access to external markets and the international financial infrastructure. The overarching objective is to deny Tehran the financial resources required to maintain nuclear and missile programs and a network of proxies including Lebanese Hezbollah, various Shiite militias in Iraq, the Houthis in Yemen, and a growing network of foreign fighters in Syria recruited by Iran from Afghanistan and Pakistan.
It’s impossible to deny that the maximum pressure campaign has damaged Iran. The country’s economy has slowed down significantly, and its oil revenues have plummeted. As the Trump administration sees it, Iran now has fewer resources to devote to its regional agenda. And the less money Iran has at its disposal, according to this line of thinking, the less damage it can inflict directly or via its proxies in the region.
https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/10/16/irans-proxies-hezbollah-houthis-trump-maximum-pressure/
(A P)
[Hadi government] Parliament Speaker: Brothers’ keenness on Yemen’s unity reflects unified destination
Parliament Speaker Sultan al-Barakani has said the remarkable keenness on Yemen’s unity and sovereignty by brother countries-led by Saudi Arabia confirms unified destination with Yemen.
This keenness on Yemen’s unity is appreciated by Yemeni people and makes us- in response- reject anything harming stability of these countries by Iran and its terrorist hands and call the world to reject and denounce acts threatening world security and peace, added al-Barakani in a speech he delivered in the International Parliament Union’s 141st Round.
(A P)
[Hadi government] Defense Minister: Armed Forces will not abandon one grain of the country’s soil
Yemen’s Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al-Mqdashi said the Yemenis backed by their Armed Forces are engaging in the national battle against Houthi militia and Iranian agendas.
Addressing a military graduation ceremony in Marib on Tuesday, he said Yemenis are able to defend the country and finish liberating it from Houthi militants who seized power and cities in a military coup in 2014.
“Armed Forces today are besieging the militia in Hodeidah, and standing at gates of Sana’a and they will not abandon one grain of the country’s soil”, he added.
(A P)
Yemen: Hadi Pledges to Restore Sanaa, End Coup
Yemeni President Abd Rabbu Mansour Hadi has renewed his pledge to restore the capital, Sanaa, end the Houthi coup and establish the federal state of Yemen.
His remarks were made during a celebration marking the October 14th revolution, which ignited in 1967 against British colonialism in the south.
Hadi stressed in the speech broadcast by official government sources that Yemenis will not tolerate schemes aimed at undermining the state, toppling its institutions and confiscating them in favor of dependence on “Tehran’s mullahs.”
The Yemeni President promised to continue struggling until the restoration of the sovereignty and the state, represented by the legitimate government’s institutions.
https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/1946826/yemen-hadi-pledges-restore-sanaa-end-coup
My comment: He speaks as if today would be Oct. 16, 2013.
(A P)
Yemeni Defense Minister Lauds Saudi Support for Yemen
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=1982859
(A P)
Is Iran Considering An Attack On Saudi Arabia?
By all accounts, major general Qasem Soleimani – commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corp (IRGC) crack ‘Quds’ force that is responsible for foreign military and clandestine operations – is a man of the highest intellect. Instrumental in numerous effective campaigns against Iraq, the Islamic State and in Syria, to name but a few, he has also played a key role in advancing Iran’s political power across the Shia crescent of influence stretching from Syria through Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Iran itself, and Yemen. Even if the person effectively in charge of all of Iran’s key military and geopolitical decisions right now was nowhere near as clever as Soleimani, would they not already have worked out that attacking Saudi Arabia’s oil and gas infrastructure has virtually no downside for Iran - but lots of upside - and be thinking ‘what about launching some fresh attacks’?
According to senior Iranian sources spoken to by OilPrice.com last week, this question has been the focus of high-level military discussions in Iran since the aerial attacks on Saudi Arabia’s Abqaiq and Khurais facilities last month.
(A P)
More Saudi coalition „We are benefactors” propaganda
https://www.mofaic.gov.ae/en/mediahub/news/2019/10/15/15-10-2019-uae-education
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=1982750
http://en.adenpress.news/news/13522 and http://www.wam.ae/de/details/1395302794738 (Deutsch)
cp16 Saudische Luftangriffe / Saudi air raids
(* A K pH)
Saudi coalition air raids and shelling day by day
Oct. 15: https://www.facebook.com/lcrdye/photos/pb.551288185021551.-2207520000.1571235117./1442192789264415/
Oct. 14: https://www.facebook.com/lcrdye/photos/pb.551288185021551.-2207520000.1571153530./1441159602701067/
Oct. 13: https://www.facebook.com/lcrdye/photos/pb.551288185021551.-2207520000.1571153530./1441158452701182/
(A K)
Yemen Houthis accuse Saudi-led coalition of military escalation
Yemen's Houthi rebels on Tuesday claimed that the Saudi-led coalition has launched "more than 42 airstrikes" on two northern provinces and escalated border attacks over the past 24 hours, accusing the coalition of pushing toward "military escalation."
http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-10/16/c_138474401.htm
https://sabanews.net/en/news3076747.htm
(A K pH)
Saudi-Led Aggression Fighter Jets Hit Hajjah 11 Times
https://sabanews.net/en/news3076389.htm
(A K pS)
Jets of Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen target Houthi militia in Hajja
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=1982334
and
(A K pS)
Houthis killed during airstrikes in Yemen’s Hajjah
A number of Houthis were killed and others wounded in air strikes carried out by the Arab coalition in Hajjah province, state news agency SPA reported on Monday.
The air strikes targeted the militia’s positions in the east and west of Harad city in Hajjah which resulted in the deaths and wounds of multiple Houthi rebels.
The air strikes also destroyed Houthi elements and vehicles.
https://www.arabnews.com/node/1569096/middle-east
(A K pH)
Three Saudi Aggression Airstrikes Hit Saada
https://sabanews.net/en/news3076387.htm
cp17 Kriegsereignisse / Theater of War
Siehe / Look at cp1b
(A K)
#Yemeni journalist tracks #Saudi airliners unable to land #Jazan where #Yemeni troops captured more Saudi territories. While Saudi capitulation is not eminent, it’s now not farfetched
https://twitter.com/AliAlAhmed_en/status/1184246537448312832
(A K)
Houthis intensify attacks in southern Yemen
Yemen's Houthi rebels intensified their attacks against areas controlled by the pro-government forces in the country's southern part on Tuesday evening, a military official told Xinhua.
The military source said on condition of anonymity that "Houthi fighters launched a series of attacks against different locations in areas controlled by the pro-government forces in the southern province of Dhale."
http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-10/16/c_138474490.htm
(A K pH)
Oct. 15: In Sa'ada, Saudi missiles and artillery shells targeted populated villages in Razih district, damaging civilians' houses and farms.
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=9300
(A K pS)
Suspected Houthi bomb kills two people in Taiz
A bomb suspectedly planted by Houthis killed two people and injured a third in the war-torn province of Taiz in central Yemen. Local sources said, "The bomb suddenly exploded when the car was traveling in Jabal Habashi in the province on Monday killing two passengers,
https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-33705
(A K pS)
[Hadi gov.] Army engineering team removed about 100 landmines and devices in al-Safra'a district, north Sa'ada governorate.
https://twitter.com/BelqeesRights/status/1184202786046656512
(A K pS)
2778 mines cleared since the beginning of October: MASAM
Demining teams in MASAM, the Saudi Project for Mine Clearance in Yemen, have extracted as many as 2778 Houthi-laid landmines since the beginning of October.
Director-General of the Saudi mine clearance project Osama-Al-Kosaibi said their demining teams managed to remove 1708 mines and unexploded ordnance during the second week of October, MSAM Media Office reported.
MASAM also announced it detonated on Saturday a number of 620 mines and unexploded ordnance in the port city of Aden, Yemen’s interim capital.
https://republicanyemen.net/archives/21440
and
(A K pS)
More than 1700 mines removed in Yemen since early October
King Salman's Project " Masam" has removed 1708 mines since early this October, 24 are anti-person mines and 507 anti-tanks, 1043 shells and 134 explosive devices.
The Project has removed 94167 mines since the beginning of its activities in Yemen.
https://www.sabanew.net/viewstory/54674
(A K)
Yemen's Houthis Launch Large-Scale Attack on Gov't Military Positions in Hajjah Province
Clashes between the Houthi rebel movement, also known as Ansar Allah, and the Yemeni government forces resumed on Monday in Yemen’s northwestern province of Hajjah, a local military source stated.
(A K pH)
AGGRESSION CONTINUES TO BOMBARD HODEIDAH, SAADA AND ASIR
A citizen was killed and two displaced children were injured by the mercenaries of the US-Saudi-UAE aggression in Al-Fakher area of Qataba district in Al-Dhala governorate, a security source said.
The source added that the US-Saudi aggression launched two raids on Maran area in the district of Haidan in Saada, while populated villages in Razih border district were hit by Saudi artillery shelling.
The source pointed out that the war of aggression targeted 17 raids on Majazah and Tukyah areas of Asir sector.
https://www.yemenpress.org/yemen/aggression-continues-to-bombard-hodeidah-saada-and-asir/
cp18 Sonstiges / Other
(A P)
Samah Subay, Manger of legal support unit @MwatanaEn were chosen to be on the BBC list of 100 inspiring and influential women from around the world for 2019. Congratulations to Samah and to the whole team in Mwatana
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-50042279
referring to
BBC 100 Women 2019: Who is on the list this year?
Samah is a lawyer who has worked tirelessly in difficult circumstances since the war in Yemen started in 2015. She provides legal support to families whose children have 'disappeared'.
This year her team at Mwatana for Human Rights managed to reunite some of these families, though she continues to advocate for the release and education of many more children still in detention.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-50042279
(A H K P)
Screening Yemeni Film “Assem” Depicting the Scourge of War in Yemen
Assem, a documentary film directed by Jordanian filmmaker Nasreen al-Subaihi that depicts the suffering of Yemenis due to the scourge of war in Yemen, was screened today at Four Seasons Hotel in Amman, Jordan’s capital.
The film won the award for “Best Film for Science and Learning” at West International Film Festival in Brussels in 2019 and was nominated for two other awards: “Best War Story” and “Best Cinematography.”
https://republicanyemen.net/archives/21453
(A P)
[Houthi-linked] BONYAN FOUNDATION EXHIBITS CRIMES OF SAUDI-US AGGRESSION AT THE ROAD OF NAJAF-KARBALA+IMAGES
Bonyan Development Foundation held 8 exhibitions to show the unjust actions happened against Yemeni people on the road between Najaf and Karbala within the Foundation’s activities to expose the crimes and violations of Saudi-American aggression.
The Foundation set up a new version of the exhibitions that show such criminal deeds on the Yemeni people in coincidence with the anniversary of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him).
Millions of people from different countries flock to visit the shrine of Imam Hussein forty days after the anniversary of his martyrdom in Karbala.
Vorige / Previous:
https://www.freitag.de/autoren/dklose/jemenkrieg-mosaik-586-yemen-war-mosaic-586
Jemenkrieg-Mosaik 1-586 / Yemen War Mosaic 1-586:
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/
Liste aller Luftangriffe / and list of all air raids:
http://yemendataproject.org/data/
Untersuchung ausgewählter Luftangriffe durch Bellingcat / Bellingcat investigations of selected aur raids:
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