Dies ist die Fortsetzung von Jemenkrieg-Mosaik 635, Teil 1 / This is the sequel of Yemen War Mosaic 635, part 1:
https://www.freitag.de/autoren/dklose/jemenkrieg-mosaik-635-yemen-war-mosaic-635
Schwerpunkte / Key aspects
Kursiv: Siehe Teil 1 / In Italics: Look in part 1
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: Spannungen am Golf / US-Iran crisis: Tensions at the Gulf
cp10 Großbritannien / Great Britain
cp11 Deutschland / Germany
cp12 Andere Länder / Other countries
cp13 Mercenaries / Söldner
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
cp5 Nordjemen und Huthis / Northern Yemen and Houthis
(A P)
Women’s Beauty Salons Raided by Yemen's Houthis
The government of the Houthi coup in Yemen has adopted twenty precautionary measures that it claims are meant to fight COVID-19 such as the closure of beauty salons for women.
This procedure reminds Yemenis of what the leader of the coup had previously stated that women’s Islamic robes were a reason behind the delay in their "divine victory."
Local sources in Sanaa told Asharq Al-Awsat that Sultan Zabin, a Houthi official, ordered dozens of armed men to carry out the new repressive campaign after the militias issued decrees banning beauty salons and tailors for women’s clothing.
According to the sources, the owners of salons in Sanaa said that armed Houthis raided their shops alongside female security personnel from the Zaynabiyyat group and asked them to shut down under the threat of arrest.
https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/2195151/women%E2%80%99s-beauty-salons-raided-yemens-houthis
My comment: By a Saudi news site.
(A K pH)
Sprecher der Streitkräfte: Das sechste Jahr der Standhaftigkeit wird schmerzhafter für Aggressionsländer sein
Der Sprecher der Streitkräfte, Brigadegeneral Yahya Saree, bestätigte, dass die Streitkräfte in der Lage sind, bestimmte Operationen durchzuführen, die der Wirtschaft der Aggression schweren Schaden zufügen, nachdem die Vorkehrungen von der Festlegung der Ziele bis zur Bereitschaft zur Umsetzung abgeschlossen wurden.
Er warnte die Länder vor Aggressionen und ihren Werkzeugen, dass das sechste Jahr der Standhaftigkeit des Jemen schwieriger und schmerzhafter sein würde als in den Vorjahren..
Brigadegeneral Saree enthüllte heute in einer Pressekonferenz die Verluste an menschlichen und materiellen Verluste der Aggressionslander während fünf Jahren der Standhaftigkeit ... und überprüfte einige Zahlen und Informationen trotz des großen Unterschieds in Anzahl und Ausrüstung zwischen Jemen und seinen Feinden.
https://www.saba.ye/de/news3091852.htm
(A K pH)
Sixth year of resilience will be even more painful for countries of aggression: Yemeni army spokesman
The spokesman for the armed forces, Brig. Gen. Yahya Sarie, confirmed that the armed forces have full capacity to carry out qualitative operations that severely damage the economy of aggression after completing arrangements from targeting to ready for implementation. He warned the countries of aggression and their tools that the sixth year of Yemeni steadfastness will be harsher and more painful than in previous years.
In a press briefing today on Monday, Brigadier Sarie revealed the losses of human and material aggression during five years of resilience. They reviewed some numbers and information despite the huge difference in number and equipment between Yemen and its enemies.
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3091846.htm
https://www.uprising.today/full-report-of-yemeni-military-operations-in-2019/
and detailed https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=11873
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=11874
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=11875
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=11877
(* A P)
Houthi official says his group due free group of prisoners, fearing Coronavirus
An official in the Houthi group (Ansar Allah) said that his group would release a number of young prisoners in a "unilateral initiative" for fear of the spread of the Corona epidemic in Yemen.
"We launched an initiative to release prisoners from both sides under the current circumstances, and this call was preceded by previous calls from Ansar Allah that the prisoner’s humanitarian file should be removed from the stalled peace and negotiations," said the official of the legal department of the Houthi Prisoners Affairs Committee, Ahmed Abu Hamraa.
The Houthi official accused the Arab coalition led by Saudi Arabia of not fulfilling what was stated in the previous agreements, the last of which was last February, by launching 1420 prisoners from both sides, unless the coalition responded to it, according to the Russian agency "Sputnik".
He added, "Today, we will launch a unilateral initiative to release a number of young prisoners, but there are fears we have of the possibility of our prisoners being infected by the coalition with this epidemic, although we have not recorded any case so far at home."
https://debriefer.net/en/news-15863.html
(* A P)
How Houthis don't miss out on fishing in troubled Yemeni waters
"But Houthis, using the corona infection fears, were holding back hundreds of passengers in Radaa (an internal border checkpoint in central Yemen) to allegedly verify they are corona-free and that we were not fighting with the government against them." "After three days spent waiting and sleeping in uncomfortable conditions around the checkpoint, I heard people murmuring there was a way out of the detention. (Houthi) armed tribesmen demand 1000 Saudi Riyals (equivalent to $266) to allow you pass through the checkpoint on a motorbike," says Anwar whose last name given above is not real for the sake of "anonymity."
"Coronavirus has not yet come to Yemen. Houthis are never serious in their claims they are worried about the spread of infections since no health workers come to check the passengers in the checkpoint and allow the corona-free to leave," he says. "It is only a matter of exploiting the mass return of miserable workers from Sayoon and Marib to their villages (under Houthi control) due the shortage of work opportunities."
Very few people, especially those who are coming from Saudi Arabia, afforded to pay the Houthis and were let go.
https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-38553
My remark: More on this quarantine, look at cp1a, and Yemen War Mosaic 634, cp1. The circumstances are horrible there: https://twitter.com/BelqeesRights/status/1241816419723030528
https://twitter.com/samwrax/status/1242092775178481668
(* A P)
Yemen Huthis uphold death sentence for Baha'i, community says
A court run by Yemen's Huthi rebels has upheld the death sentence of a Baha'i over his religion in defiance of international appeals, the community said Monday.
Hamed bin Haydara, who has been detained since 2013, was not allowed into Sunday's hearing in the capital Sanaa that rejected his appeal against the sentence imposed more than a year ago, the community said.
The Baha'i International Community in a statement said it was "utterly dismayed at this outrageous verdict" and urged the court to overturn it.
"At a time when the international community is battling a global health crisis, it is incomprehensible that the authorities in Sanaa have upheld a death sentence against an innocent individual solely because of his beliefs instead of focusing on safeguarding the population, including Baha'is," said Diane Ala'i, the community's representative to the United Nations in Geneva.
and also https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-38554
https://twitter.com/FuadRajeh/status/1241729680895598594
and
(* A P)
Yemen: Huthi-run court upholds death sentence against Baha’i prisoner of conscience
A Huthi-run court in Yemen has upheld the death sentence handed down to Hamid Haydara, a prisoner of conscience of Baha’i faith, Amnesty International learned today.
The Court of Appeals in Sana’a yesterday approved the sentence which had been handed down in January 2018, following a protracted and grossly unfair trial that lasted almost five years. Haydara, who was not allowed to attend yesterday’s court hearing, was tried on unfounded allegations of spying, which carries the death penalty.
“This decision, taken in Hamid Haydara’s absence, is only the latest development in what has been a flagrantly-flawed trial and indicates the lengths to which the Huthis are willing to go to consolidate their control,” said Lynn Maalouf, Amnesty International’s Middle East Research Director.
(* A P)
Houthi Authorities Must Rescind Haydara’s Death Sentence and Immediately Release Him
Baha’i Hamid Kamal Haydara at risk of death sentence
Authorities of Ansar Allah (Houthis) must rescind the death sentence issued by the Specialized Criminal Court (SCC) against Hamid Kamal Muhammad Haydara (53 years) and immediately and unconditionally release him, said Mwatana for Human Rights in a statement released today. On Tuesday morning, January 2, 2018, a verdict of death sentence was issued against Haydara; the confiscation of his property and assets; and the closure of the Baha’i forums in Yemen.
Radhya al-Mutawakel, Chairperson of Mwatana for Human Rights Said: “Unjust sentences issued based on the mood of the authorities in force and according to trials that lack the minimum standards and principles of a fair trial, such as the one issued against Hamid Haydara, are merely a tool for suppression and persecution, and Ansar Allah (Houthis) should stop using this tool”.
https://mwatana.org/en/haydaras-death-sentence/
(A P)
Sayyed Al-Houthi: Arrogance states led by the US are primarily responsible of Biological Warfare
Sayyed Abdulmalik Al-Houthi said in a speech on Saturday, on the occasion of the anniversary of Sayyed Hussein Al-Houthi’s martyrdom that the Coronavirus appeared as a new threat in the global arena. He noted that it is possible that America has a hand in spreading the epidemic and taking advantage of it even if it means harming the American society itself.
Sayyed al-Houthi stressed that many of the epidemics and problems are the product of a person’s actions and his/her behaviors as confirmed by the Holy Qur’an. He then continued explaining that this might occur due to the lack of adhering to the right guidance and divine instructions.
He also pointed out that companies owned by the Zionist lobby in America consider the economic interest a justification for doing anything, no matter how harmful. "It is possible that the Zionist lobby spread a pandemic and create a vaccine for treatment in exchange of immense profit," he explained. He continued, “some American companies are known to have had created a pandemic after preparing a vaccine for it to sell it in very large amounts.”
Sayyed Abdulmalik Houthi also mentioned that Yemenis must continue to support the fronts as there are important and strong victories and operations in the arena, and our duty is to continue to confront the aggression.
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3091618.htm
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=11840
https://al-masdaronline.net/national/507
and
(A P)
Sayyid Abdul-Malik al-Houthi speaks on the threat of corona virus spread into Yemen
Leader of the Revolution accuses US and Saudi-led invaders of facilitating possible spread of Covid-19
The Leader of the Revolution, Sayyid Abdul-Malik Badreddin al-Houthi, has stressed that the arrogant countries, led by the US, are primarily responsible for spreading epidemics, diseases and disasters in the world.
This came in his televised speech aired by Al-Masirah TV Channel on Saturday, on the occasion of the annual anniversary of the martyrdom of Sayyid Hussein Badreddin al-Houthi, the founder of Ansarullah and the originator of the Yemeni Revolution.
and
(A P)
Global arrogance, led by US, attempting to dominate Muslim world: Houthi
The leader of Yemen’s Houthi Ansarullah movement has warned against fiendish plots by arrogant powers, particularly the United States, to dominate the Muslim world, saying dictators in a number of Islamic states have deprived their nations of sources of power and plundered natural wealth.
“Hussein Badreddin al-Houthi, who was assassinated by forces loyal to slain former Yemeni dictator Ali Abdullah Saleh back in 2004, was a heroic figure and held anti-arrogance positions,” Abdul-Malik al-Houthi said in a televised speech broadcast live from the capital Sana’a on Saturday afternoon.
“Dictators in some Islamic countries, including Yemen, have deprived their peoples of sources of power and looted their wealth. That accounts for their weakness in the face of US attacks and offensives.”
The Ansarullah chief then criticized certain Muslim states for inaction toward the White House policies and Israeli plots
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2020/03/21/621327/Yemen-Houthi-Muslims
and film, in Arabic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iai73wErKfI = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyaqDJvq9cM
snippets: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SC8Ad126vvc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4HxbHEB1go
cp6 Südjemen und Hadi-Regierung / Southern Yemen and Hadi-government
(A K P)
Militias attempt to arrest Hadi’s Deputy Interior Minister in Aden
Heavy clashes follow failed arrest attempt
Fierce clashes have broken out between Saudi-led coalition rival militias in Yemen’s southern port city of Aden, leaving several gunmen dead and others wounded , sources said on Tuesday .
According to the sources, the clashes erupted between the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) militias and militants of Fadhl Baesh at the Central Bank entrance in Crater district, resulting in the destruction of two military vehicles.
The clashes came after an STC attempt to arrest the Deputy Interior Minister in the Saudi-backed Hadi government, Mohammed Musaed.
https://www.uprising.today/militias-attempt-to-arrest-hadis-deputy-interior-minister-in-aden/
(A T)
The coordinator of Emirati Red Crescent gets killed in Aden the capital with one of his companions.
The coordinator of the Emirates Red Crescent, Ahmed Fouad and his companion Mohamed Tariq were killed on Tuesday in the capital Aden.
Citizens found the two dead bodies north of Aden the capital, where they were taken to the Al-Sadaka Hospital.
(A K P)
[Separatist leader] Al-Jadi: Legitimacy has become symbol of military, political, and moral failure
https://en.smanews.org/al-jadi-legitimacy-has-become-symbol-of-military-political-and-moral-failure
(A K P)
#Shabwa .. Gunmen of Lakab suppress peaceful demonstration of soldiers demanded release of their salaries
(* A K P)
Film: Chaos and violence escalated between the mercenaries of Saudi Arabia and the Emirates in Aden and the Yemeni governorates under the control of the aggression countries
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44DmKp9DA2Y = https://twitter.com/narrabyee/status/1242410121726169088
My remark: It’s Yemeni forces fighting each other (UAE-backed eparatists and Saudi-backed Islah Party and Hadi government).
(A K P)
Southern Yemeni separatists gearing up for war against Islah in Abyan
Southern Transitional Council set to attack Ikhwan forces
The UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) has on Monday started preparations to confront the Saudi-supported Islah Party militants in the Abyan province, sources said.
The sources affirmed that the STC militias pledged to fight and expel the Islah militants from the three districts of Modaih, al-Wadia and Lawdar.
On the other hand, a commander of the Islah militias arrived on Monday in Abyan province, according to a military official.
The commander, Mahran al-Qubati, arrived with military reinforcements in Shaqra city.
The source declared that Islah militants are ready to confront the STC militiamen and to storm Aden province.
https://www.uprising.today/southern-yemeni-separatists-gearing-up-for-war-against-islah-in-abyan/
and
(A K P)
Military reinforcements of the Brotherhood’s militias arrive in # Shaqr in Abyan
Brotherhood’s terrorist militia affiliated with the legitimate government, pushed on Friday military reinforcements to Shokra and Al-Arqoub in Abyan governorate.
Local sources confirmed that a military force affiliated with the terrorist Brotherhood militia had beenseen on Mudiyya Street, coming from Shabwa and heading towards Shokra and Arqoub.
https://en.smanews.org/military-reinforcements-of-the-brotherhoods-militias-arrive-in-shaqr-in-abyan
My remark: This by a pro-separatist news site. Islah Party is labeled “terrorist” here.
And
(A K P)
[Separatist leader] Lamlas: We work with Coalition for plan to break Houthi expansion while legitimate forces hold military maneuver in Shokra to invade Aden
And
(A K P)
#Ahwar Security Belt [separatist militia] announces raising combat readiness
The commander of the security belt of Ahwar axis Colonel Mahdi Nasser Hantoush announced raising the maximum combat readiness of the security belt forces in the district of Ahwar, Abyan governorate, in order to address any emergency and stand in the face of all the forces hostile to the south on the ground and a human being and to defend its security and stability.
https://en.smanews.org/ahwar-security-belt-announces-raising-combat-readiness
and
(A K P)
Al Jaber: The drills by legitimacy forces are not acceptable
Saudi Ambassador Mohammed Al-Jaber wrote: “It is not acceptable that there are forces affiliated with the legitimacy conducting military drills in Shokra and their military leaders are talking about the zero hour in light of the Riyadh Agreement aimed at returning the government to Aden, unifying the lines and achieving security and development, while Marib, Al-Jawf, and Al-Dhalea are under constant attack from the Iranian-backed Houthi militia.
https://en.smanews.org/al-jaber-the-drills-by-legitimacy-forces-are-not-acceptable
(A K P)
After Al-Subaihi’s threats to invade Aden the capital.. Ben Brik responds
Abdullah al-Subaihi, commander of the [Hadi gov. army] 39th Armored Brigade, threatened to invade the capital Aden, after arriving in Shokra of Abyan governorate.
Al-Subaihi said that we are waiting for the zero hour to invade Aden and liberate it from the law breakers as he said.
In the same wording, the vice president of the Southern Transitional Council, Hani ben Brik, responded to Al-Subaihi’s threats by saying:
“Away from diplomacy and its language: We say to you, Welcome to your family and people in Aden, a strong and honored southern citizen, and we have said it, may Allah forgive of what happened before. But if you come as invader, then we will bury you in it.
https://en.smanews.org/after-al-subaihis-threats-to-invade-aden-the-capital-ben-brik-responds
(A K P)
[Pro-separatist] Gulf analysts criticize the blackmail of Yemeni legitimacy and its threats to invade the south
Senior Gulf political analysts criticized the allegations practiced by the Yemeni legitimacy forces in Shokra of Abyan governorate and in Al-Dhalea.
The Saudi political analyst Khaled Al-Zaatar warned against the provocations of legitimacy for the people of the south, stressing that the patience of the south begins to run out.
(A P)
Marib GPC chief: Marib is the shield of Yemen and we have no greater interest than defeating the Houthis
Sheikh Abdulwahid Al-Qebli made the comments as the Houthis appear to preparing to invade Marib governorate
https://al-masdaronline.net/national/513
(A P)
Association of Families of Assassination Victims demands prosecution of captured suspects
Association of Families of Assassination victims in Aden, demanded on Monday relevant stakeholders to complete legal procedures for prosecution of captured suspects on murder crimes.
The association demanded also pursue of other suspects who remain at large.
It appealed to international human rights organization to stand with the victims’ families to bring suspects for international prosecution should the local one failed.
https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-38574
(A P)
Socotra residents protest against continued Emirati flights amidst Covid-19 pandemic
Risk of corona virus spreading to Yemen increased by irresponsible Emirati actions
Activists and citizens in Socotra have condemned the continued flights to Socotra airport amid the corona epidemic spread
According to citizens and activists, Emirates flights are transporting passengers from countries where the corona epidemic is spreading, including the UAE, to Socotra, ignoring the local authority’s decision to suspend flights.
Warning against turning the island into a new focus of the global epidemic, they called on Hadi’s government and the provincial leadership to crack down on these Emirati actions.
Ahmed Balhaf external communications official at the Mahrah protest sit-in committee, said on Saturday that soldiers
(A P)
Al-Zubaidi addresses the nation over coronavirus
President of the Southern Transitional Council and Supreme Commander of the Southern Armed Forces, Aidroos Qassem al-Zubaidi instructed the concerned authorities to take all necessary measures to confront the the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and to form an emergency committee.
In a televised address to the Southerners on coronavirus, al-Zubaidi urged to tighten the security measures in coordination with the Arab Coalition forces in order to protect maritime borders and prevent illegal immigration from the African Horn.
Al-Zubaidi urged all the Southerners to stay home with a view to containing any outbreak of COVID-19 in the country.
http://en.adenpress.news/news/19688
My comment: The separatist leader playing president. Actually, they are ruling Aden, not the Hadi government, and they behave like a government and police:
(A P)
The transition secretariat in its periodic meeting stands before the service war and the concerns of # Corona
and
(A H P)
UAE-backed Yemeni forces close service and commercial facilities in Aden
Yemeni forces backed by the UAE decided on Monday to close service and commercial facilities as a precautionary measure to counter the spread of the Corona virus in Aden governorate, southern Yemen.
The security belt forces of the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council announced in a statement the closure of wedding halls, hotels, gardens, parks, commercial centers and khat markets from Monday for a period of two weeks.
The statement warned those violating these decisions to take legal measures without specifying what they are.
The forces of the security belt closed last Monday Aden International Airport and stopped flights to and from the airport "due to the Coronavirus and the lack of precautionary measures and adequate equipment to prevent its spread.".
https://debriefer.net/en/news-15872.html
Films: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHAOkg11LoI
https://twitter.com/samwrax/status/1242203128633720839
and
(A P)
[Separatist] Security belt forces in Aden the capital seize vehicle with “13 foreigners” tries to enter the capital
(A K P)
The [separatist] 9th Brigade Thunderbolt declares readiness and combat readiness from the western gate of the capital Aden
My comment: The separatists make clear that they will fight for staying the rulers of Aden. The “Riyadh agreement” is dead. And again:
(A K P)
Commander of 4th Brigade Hazm in #Sabiha: Our forces are in full combat readiness to defend the south and #Aden
(A P)
Sooki: The South is still offering martyrs to restore a fully sovereign state
“We will continue to be partners with destiny with the Arab coalition in achieving the goals of Arab national security and securing and protecting international navigation,”
https://en.smanews.org/sooki-the-south-is-still-offering-martyrs-to-restore-a-fully-sovereign-state
My comment: Separatist propaganda. And more:
(A P)
Al-Batati: The southern forces won for the Arab project and dropped the depletion masks
(A P)
Official document reveals corruption operations and waste of money passed by governor of Shabwa bin Adiyu
The National Anti-Corruption Commission in Shabwa has revealed corruption and waste of public money and passing of projects carried out by the governor of Shabwa governorate, Mohammad Salih bin Adiyu, in ways that violate the law during the recent period.
My comment: Separatists again are blaming the Hadi government for corruption – this government obviously is one of the most corrupt ones Yemen ever had.
(A P)
Saudisches Entwicklungs- und Wiederaufbauprogramm für den Jemen startet Kampagne "Beautiful Aden"
Das Saudische Entwicklungs- und Wiederaufbauprogramm für den Jemen (SDRPY) hat in der vorübergehenden Hauptstadt Aden eine Kampagne zur Reinigung, Verschönerung und Umweltsanierung gestartet.
https://www.presseportal.de/pm/132628/4554018 = https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/saudisches-entwicklungs-und-wiederaufbauprogramm-fur-den-jemen-startet-kampagne-beautiful-aden--879698616.html
Mein Kommentar: LOL.
(A P)
SDRPY launches ‘Beautiful Aden’ campaign
The 3-month initiative includes cleaning, afforestation and road rehabilitation
In the temporary capital of Aden, the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY) has launched a cleaning, beautification and environmental sanitation campaign, using heavy equipment donated by the program, to collect and remove up to 9,000 cubic meters of accumulated waste from streets and public areas.
This campaign will last for three months and will also include planting new greenery, erasing graffiti and repairing streetlights throughout the city.
http://saudigazette.com.sa/article/591125/SAUDI-ARABIA/SDRPY-launches-Beautiful-Aden-campaign
(A K P)
Film (in Arabic): Experts blame security tension in Aden on failure to implement Riyadh agreement
Military experts attributed the tension and security conflicts in the interim capital Aden between the Transitional Council on one hand and the legitimate Yemeni government on the other to the failure to implement the terms of the Riyadh agreement between the Transitional Council and the legitimate government signed in Riyadh on November 5 last year, experts added that this agreement is the only lifeboat for both sides of the conflict in Aden, stressing that everyone must stop the escalation and respect the terms of the Riyadh agreement and abide by it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6CFB7u1Kro
(* A K P)
Saudi-backed Islah militants invade Aden
Ikhwani forces attack positions of separatist Southern Transitional Council
Gunmen loyal to al-Islah party militias have full control of the Crater district in the southern port city of Aden, military sources said on Saturday.
The sources confirmed that seven UAE-backed militias were killed and others injured, following attacks by al-Nawba gunmen on the STC’s points surrounding Ma’ashiq Palace.
The sources added that the fighting expanded towards Mansoura and Khor Makser districts, stating that a state of military alert was imposed at the entrances to the city of Aden, in conjunction with the al-Islah militants advancing.
Moreover, the sources said that the STC militias of the Thunderbolt Brigade, led by Fawaz al-Safi, attacked an Islah located in Crater district, in a bid to arrest its leader Imam al-Nawba.
According to political sources, the leadership of the Saudi forces present in Aden have on Friday sent a telegram to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, stating that the STC is not to abide by the terms of the Riyadh Agreement
https://www.uprising.today/saudi-backed-islah-militants-invade-aden/
(A P)
PM: Efforts need to be joined to maintain Marib as a model for stability, economic recovery
(A K P)
Abyan: Hundreds rally in solidarity with STC in al-Mahfed
Hundreds of people staged a demonstration on Sunday in al-Mahfed district of Abyan governorate, to display their support for the leadership of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) and the southern armed forces.
http://en.adenpress.news/news/19684
(* A K P)
Saudi forces close eastern Yemeni port with claims of upcoming Al-Qaeda attack
Yemeni protest movement accuses Saudi-led invaders of using claim of fighting Al-Qaeda as ruse to continue occupation
Ahmed Balhaf, a leader in the Mahrah protest movement, has revealed that Al-Qaeda operatives are present in the province’s directorates in eastern Yemen.
Balhaf confirmed in a tweet on Friday that the Saudi occupation forces have closed the port of Nishtun under the claim that they fear Al-Qaeda will carry out terrorist operations against the port.
Balhaf added that these justifications are “propaganda and pretext for the continued occupation of the port.”
“A Saudi intelligence team has filmed a documentary that shows alleged footage of Saudi Arabia fighting terrorist forces in Mahrah,” Balhaf said.
It is widely believed that Saudi claims of fighting Al-Qaeda in eastern Yemen are mainly a propaganda stunt used to justify the continued occupation of eastern and southern Yemen.
and
(A K P)
Saudi Arabia Plants Al-Qaeda Operatives in Al-Maharah, in Yemen
The leader in Al-Maharah's sit-in, Ahmed Belhaf, revealed the fact that Al-Qaeda operatives were present in the governorate directorates located in eastern Yemen. Belhaf confirmed on Friday, in Twitter, that "the Saudi occupation forces closed the port to activists, justifying that al-Qaeda will carry out terrorist operations in the port."
Belhaf added that these justifications are a pretext and excuses for the continued occupation of the port. He also revealed that "a Saudi intelligence team is conducting the filming of clips and scenes of a documentary film, which shows that Saudi Arabia is fighting what is called terrorism in Al-Mahrah."
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=11842
(* B K P)
Warnings of an imminent military battle in Aden and Abyan
The head of the Supreme Council for the Southern Revolutionary Movement, Fuad Rashid, warned on Saturday of "the descent of the Yemeni south into an internal war with legitimacy, in light of the deteriorating conditions in Aden."
"The deteriorating security situation in Aden raises a lot of concern after the mutual military build-up in Aden and Abyan, with what threatens that the situation is moving towards slipping into the outbreak of a futile military battle," Rashid said.
He pointed out that the occurrence of a new military battle "will be plagued by fire with everyone and its fuel will be the youth of the South, no matter how this or that party tries to give religious, national or political justifications for such rejected military actions."
Rashid pointed out that "the uncontrolled security situation in Aden has reached its highest levels, and the latest of which was the battle that wiped out the citizens in the city of Crater Thursday 19 March."
Rashid said that the Crater battle "continued until the early hours of Friday dawn and used semi-official military crews, and it became clear after that that it was a matter of my family."
He added, "This incident was preceded by the assassination of the soldier Abu Nasser Al-Haddi and the liquidation of the two young men, Ahmed Fouad and Mohammed Tariq, who were kidnapped in broad daylight, and then they returned two dead bodies after torture was inflicted on them, in addition to the exchange of fire with light and medium weapons in different parts of the capital, Aden. ".
Rashid attributed the insecurity to the security situation in the temporary Yemeni capital, Aden, to the "improper combination of the military units created after the liberation of Aden in 2015."
Rashid accused the Arab coalition and the legitimate Yemeni government of contributing more to tampering with the composition of the newly created military units.
Noting that "purely regional military formations have been established away from any military standards establishing a southern national army and security, but what has been established is clearly visible that it lays seeds for the future south-south conflict."
The President of the Supreme Council of the Southern Revolutionary Movement called on the coalition to help in "correcting the security situation away from exploiting the political aspect of the southern issue as a formal cover for other goals."
https://debriefer.net/en/news-15834.html
(* A K P)
Roundup: Southern forces deployed again in Yemen amid soaring tension
Forces loyal to the Southern Transitional Council (STC) were deployed again on Sunday in Yemen's southern province of Abyan following two months of withdrawal, a government official said.
"The STC's military units were deployed again in some areas in the neighboring province of Abyan amid military extensive military preparations," a local pro-government official told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
The STC's military units were withdrawn from key areas and villages in Abyan in January in accordance with the Saudi-brokered peace deal signed with Yemen's government.
The Yemeni government source blamed the Aden-based STC for dispatching heavy forces to the neighboring southern province of Abyan and attempting to escalate the situation again.
On the other side, an official of the STC justified the deployment of their forces in Abyan as a legitimate move to protect the strategic southern provinces of any military invasion coming from the country's northern part.
"The Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated Islah party forces officially joined the Houthi group and both factions attempt to militarily invade our liberated southern towns," the official said on condition of anonymity.
http://www.china.org.cn/world/Off_the_Wire/2020-03/23/content_75850109.htm
(* A K P)
Yemeni gov't, STC deploy military reinforcements in Abyan
The Yemeni internationally-recognized government and Emirati-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) have sent military reinforcements in the southern governorate of Abyan in the last two days.
Government additional troops arrived in Shoqra district of Abyan from the neighboring governorate of Shabwa, local sources said Saturday.
"These reinforcements included tens of troops and a number of armored vehicles, armed pickups, movable mortars and ambulances."
The STC has also deployed further forces from Aden port city to Abyan, including military gears, armed pickups, armored vehicles and hundreds of personnel, the sources added.
This mobilization comes as the STC "forces are preparing for the victory and salvation battle," according to STC media.
The official government Foreign Minister accused the STC of "persisting armed rebellion against the State through interfering in government institutions' work, continually mobilizing new forces and erecting new military barriers and checkpoints.
https://debriefer.net/en/news-15824.html
(* A K P)
Clashes erupt between Saudi and UAE in Aden
Violent clashes have erupted between allies of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the temporary Yemeni capital of Aden in the south of the country, Anadolu Agency reported on Friday.
Eyewitnesses informed Anadolu Agency that different weapons were used in the clashes which erupted after an attempt by the Storm Brigades, affiliate with the Southern Transitional Council which is backed by the UAE, to break into Camp 20 which is backed by Saudi Arabia.
According to eyewitnesses, the troops of Camp 20 defended their base and damaged the military equipment used by the Storm Brigades.
The clashes stopped for several hours, but the eyewitnesses notified Anadolu Agency that they were renewed and continued until the time the report was written.
Camp 20 forces are stationed in the city of Crater in the middle of Aden and led by Imam Al-Nobi, who was once one of the prominent allies of the UAE.
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200321-clashes-erupt-between-saudi-and-uae-in-aden/
and also https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-38532
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2020/03/22/621356/Yemen-Aden-UAE-separatist-Saudi-Arabia
(A K P)
[Separatist militia] Security Belt Thwarts Smuggling of AK-47 Magazines to Aden
http://en.adenpress.news/news/19682
(A T)
ERC aid workers murder in Aden gross loss: Emirati official
The killing of two Emirati Red Crescent (ERC) workers in Aden is a blatant violation of human rights, and a gross crime against humanity messengers, ERC secretary-general said Saturday.
The assassinated workers were two "of the most skillful ERC staff in Yemen,"
https://debriefer.net/en/news-15833.html
(A P)
[Separatist] STC Organizes Art Exhibition on Mother’s Day
http://en.adenpress.news/news/19676
cp7 UNO und Friedensgespräche / UN and peace talks
(A P)
Jemens Ansarullah begrüßt UN-Forderung nach weltweitem Waffenstillstand
Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, Vorsitzender des Obersten Revolutionskomitees des Jemen, sagte am Montag in einem Tweet, dass Sanaa den Aufruf des UN-Chefs begrüßt und die Einstellung der Angriffe der USA, Großbritanniens, Saudi-Arabiens und der Vereinigten Arabischen Emirate sowie ihrer Verbündeten gegen den Jemen unterstützt.
Die Bewegung, sagte er, strebe auch die Aufhebung einer Luft- und Seeblockade an, die das saudische Regime und seine Koalitionsverbündeten seit Anfang 2015 gegen den Jemen verhängt hätten, um dadurch die Verabschiedung vorbeugender Maßnahmen gegen den Ausbruch des Coronavirus zu erleichtern.
(A P)
Yemen’s Ansarullah welcomes UN call for global ceasefire to tackle coronavirus pandemic
Yemen’s Houthi Ansarullah movement has welcomed a call by United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres for a ceasefire in all conflicts worldwide amid a global fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, the chairman of the Supreme Revolutionary Committee of Yemen, said in a tweet on Monday that Sana’a welcomes the UN chief’s call and supports a halt in attacks by the US, Britain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and their allies against Yemen.
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2020/03/24/621486/Yemen-Ansarullah-UN-Coronavirus
and also https://debriefer.net/en/news-15892.html
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3091883.htm
(A P)
Außenminister [in Sanaa] lobt die Einladung des UN-Chefs zum weltweiten Waffenstillstand
https://www.saba.ye/de/news3091899.htm
cp8 Saudi-Arabien / Saudi Arabia
(A P)
Male Citizen who Filmed Empty Shelves Arrested for Giving False Report
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2051011
(A P)
SAUDI ARABIA: G20: HUNDREDS OF CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS PLEDGE TO AVOID SAUDI ARABIA-LED PROCESS
More than 220 civil society organizations from around the world have voiced their concerns over the G20 civil society engagement process hosted by and in Saudi Arabia in 2020. The organizations have pledged not to participate in this year’s process, known as the Civil 20 or ‘C20’, the dedicated stream of meetings for civil society within the G20.
https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/mde23/2021/2020/en/
(A H P)
Saudischer Kleriker: „Corona ist Hinweis auf das Jüngste Gericht“
https://www.mena-watch.com/saudischer-kleriker-corona-ist-hinweis-auf-das-juengste-gericht/
(A H P)
Saudi imposes curfew to curb coronavirus spread
Official statement: https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2050402
(A H)
Saudi coronavirus cases pass 500
cp9 USA
Siehe / Look at cp9a
(* A K P)
US, UAE stage joint war games amid coronavirus pandemic
Defying a deadly coronavirus pandemic, thousands of American and Emirati forces have taken part in joint drills simulating the capture of a “model city” in a sprawling Abu Dhabi military base.
The final day of the “Native Fury” exercise was held at al-Hamra Military Base in the United Arab Emirates’ capital on Monday, the Associated Press reported. This was the 20th edition of so-called “training” drills that have been taking place since 2008 on a biannual basis.
As many as 4,000 US troops were assigned to deploy armored vehicles and other equipment from nearby Kuwait and the island of Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean to the base for the purpose of the drills.
During the exercise, the joint forces raided a mock city set up at the base that comprises multi-story buildings, standalone houses, hotels, an airport control tower, an oil refinery, and a central mosque.
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2020/03/24/621491/United-States-UAE-Drills-Coronavirus-Iran-Tensions
My comment: Crazy.
(* B K P)
How the Promise of American Jobs Became Entangled in a Faraway War
U.S. defense contractors used the promise of new jobs to persuade the government to approve billions of dollars’ worth of arms sales to foreign allies with little regard for how the American-made bombs, jets and other weapons are used.
The Trump administration has repeatedly cleared the way for lucrative contracts with Saudi Arabia, building on a 2015 decision by the Obama administration to support the Saudi-led war in Yemen — a conflict that’s killed thousands of civilians and led to a dire humanitarian crisis with no end in sight. “We found ourselves locked into this terrible situation, unable to wrap it up, and handing it off to an administration that was going to handle it even worse than we did,” Stephen Pomper, a former special assistant to President Barack Obama, told “The Weekly.”
New York Times investigative reporters Walt Bogdanich and Michael LaForgia wanted to know why the war in Yemen continued despite reports of massive civilian casualties. Their reporting led them to look at the role of American defense contractors, including Raytheon, which makes precision-guided bombs that the Saudis have been using in Yemen. Raytheon, which has close ties to the Trump administration, depends on Saudi Arabia for 5 percent of its annual revenue, and needs U.S. government approval to sell its weapons overseas.
“Everybody in Yemen knows that the bombs causing this suffering are made in the United States,” said Representative Tom Malinowski, Democrat of New Jersey, who served as a senior State Department official during the Obama administration.
“The Weekly” investigates the decision to sell arms to Saudi Arabia even as the war in Yemen intensified, and our reporters ask who benefits from these sales and why they are allowed to continue (with trailer of film, in NYT)
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/20/the-weekly/saudi-arabia-yemen-raytheon.html
https://internewscast.com/how-the-promise-of-american-jobs-became-entangled-in-a-faraway-war/ (text only)
(* B K P)
Coronavirus Means America Is Really Broke. Trump Should Get the Hell Out of Syria.
The U.S. is broke. Before the coronavirus made its malign appearance, Washington was set to run trillion-dollar annual deficits this year and as far as we can see beyond. Now revenues will fall and expenses rise this year, at least, as a result of the sharply contracting economy. And Congress is preparing to pass a $1 trillion “stimulus” package on top.
Yet America’s endless wars continue in the Middle East. If the U.S. stopped tomorrow it would end up spending an estimated $6.4 trillion on conflicts which by and large ended disastrously: Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria, and Yemen. Every day the Trump administration continues to pour good money after bad.
Why?
Washington’s promiscuous war-making is discretionary: the Mideast has lost its strategic significance. No one threatens to conquer the oil upon which the West depends. No one threatens the survival of Israel, a regional superpower. What justification is there for Americans to continue attempting to socially engineer one of the world’s most fractious, unstable regions?
It is not enough to say no to any new geopolitical crusades, such as war with Iran, which would be a regional catastrophe. The U.S. should pull out of existing conflicts. Ending support for Saudi Arabia’s depredations in Yemen should be easy. So should be exiting Iraq as anger grows against Washington for trading blows with pro-Iranian militias on Iraqi soil.
Most important is leaving Syria. American officials have spent nine years attempting to shape that conflict’s outcome, so far without success. The administration should withdraw U.S. forces, leaving the region’s powers to sort out that country’s future.
Washington’s involvement never made any sense – by Doug Bandow
(** B P)
As Iran Reels, Trump Aides Clash Over Escalating Military Showdown
President Trump was getting ready to declare the coronavirus a “national emergency,” but inside the White House last Thursday, a tense debate erupted among the president and his top advisers on a far different subject: whether the United States should escalate military action against Iran, a longtime American rival that has been devastated by the epidemic.
One group, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Robert C. O’Brien, the national security adviser, urged a tough response to rocket attacks that had killed two American troops at a base north of Baghdad, arguing that tough action while Iran’s leaders were battling the coronavirus ravaging the country could finally push them into direct negotiations.
But Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper and Gen. Mark A. Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, pushed back.
The military’s position prevailed, at least for the time being.
American officials say there is little appetite among the president and some of his top advisers for a dangerous escalation with Iran, and leaders in Tehran are now consumed trying to tamp down the coronavirus pandemic
This escalation has left the United States with various undesirable options, according to American and Iraqi officials. Choosing not to respond might only invite more attacks. A moderate response — such as hitting militia weapons depots and headquarters but limiting the death toll — is only likely to bring more criticism from Iraq’s government.
That divide was on display during several top-level meetings on March 12, hours before Mr. Trump authorized the strikes.
Later that day, the debate that played out in front of the president involved Mr. Pompeo and others arguing that limited airstrikes were more likely to perpetuate a cycle of violence than to break it. The secretary of state, backed by the new acting director of national intelligence, Richard Grenell, argued that a more direct strike on Iran — such as hitting its naval vessels — could take the country by surprise and push its leaders to the negotiating table.
One primary goal of the Trump administration’s “maximum pressure” campaign of economic sanctions is to so cripple Iran’s economy that the government will agree to negotiate a new agreement over its nuclear program. That has not happened, and many American intelligence officials and regional experts do no believe Iran is close to making such a move — especially with the chance that Mr. Trump could be out of office early next year.
But there is broad agreement among senior American officials that, with its leadership ravaged by the coronavirus, Iran is in a weak position.
American intelligence agencies have affirmed public reports that the pandemic has seriously divided Iran’s top echelons. Iran’s leaders have been harder hit by the coronavirus than almost any other country, and they have been hiding their infection from colleagues, according to intelligence reports — heightening distrust and divisions in the government.
Trump administration officials who advocate aggressive action have used those reports to press the case for escalating American military action against Iran. Mr. Pompeo, Mr. Grenell and others have argued the actions taken so far have not deterred Iranian action – by Mark Mazzetti, Helene Cooper, Julian E. Barnes, Alissa J. Rubin and Eric Schmitt
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/as-iran-reels-trump-aides-clash-over-escalating-military-showdown/ar-BB11uCTu = https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/21/world/middleeast/trump-iran-iraq-coronavirus-militas.html
My comment: The US – world’s leading rogue state.
Comment: Mike Pompeo is one of the most dangerous people in the world. In the midst of a catastrophic pandemic all he can think about is launching a war of agression against a country with one of the worst virus outbreaks.
https://twitter.com/RaniaKhalek/status/1241398274814345217
(A P)
US urges Yemen factions to implement Riyadh deal
The United States implored Yemen’s internationally recognised government and the secessionist Southern Transitional Council to immediately implement a peace deal brokered last November by Saudi Arabia.
“The United States supports the efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to facilitate the implementation of the Riyadh Agreement,” the US Embassy in Yemen said on Twitter
https://thearabweekly.com/us-urges-yemen-factions-implement-riyadh-deal
cp9a USA-Iran Krise: Wachsende Spannungen am Golf / US-Iran crisis: Mounting tensions at the Gulf
(** B H P)
Virus und Sanktionen: Irans doppelter Kampf in der Corona-Krise
Iran gilt vielen Beobachtern als Negativbeispiel dafür, wie man es in der Corona-Krise nicht machen sollte. Dabei dürfte die hohe Zahl an Toten und Infizierten im Land vor allem auf das Konto der US-amerikanischen Sanktionspolitik gehen.
Warum ist ausgerechnet der Iran so schwer von der Corona-Pandemie betroffen? Viele Medien beantworten diese Frage vor allem mit dem schlechten Krisenmanagement des Staates.
Wie in vielen Teilen der Welt haben Politiker lange gebraucht, um das ganze Ausmaß der Krise zu realisieren. Auch heute finden sich in Iran noch Stimmen, die die Situation beschönigen. Doch wahr ist auch, dass iranische Behörden schneller und entschlossener regiert haben als viele ihre Kollegen im Westen.
Schon drei Tage nachdem am 19. Februar in der iranischen Stadt Qom die ersten beiden Corona-Infizierten registriert wurden, sagte die Regierung landesweit Kultur- und Sportveranstaltungen ab. In mehreren Städten wurden außerdem Universitäten und Schulen geschlossen.
Human Rights Watch warnte schon im vergangenen Jahr vor verheerenden Folgen der Sanktionen
Statt Entschlossenheit dürfte es im Iran hingegen an einer anderen Ressource zur Bekämpfung der Corona-Pandemie mangeln: der medizinischen Ausrüstung. Anders als in Italien oder China trifft im Iran die Pandemie nicht nur auf überforderte Behörden, sondern auch auf ein Gesundheitssystem, das schon vor der Krise kaum noch in der Lage war, die Kranken des Landes zu versorgen. Grund hierfür sind vor allem die US-Sanktionen. Infolge der von US-Präsident Donald Trump im Sommer 2018 gestarteten „Kampagne des maximalen Drucks“ hat nicht nur die iranische Währung bis heute mehr als 80 Prozent ihres Wertes eingebüßt und wurden die Öl-Exporte um fast 90 Prozent dezimiert. Die Strafmaßnahmen haben vor allem Verwüstungen im Gesundheitssystem hinterlassen.
In einem ausführlichen Bericht beschrieb Human Rights Watch im Oktober 2019, wie weitreichend die Folgen die US-Sanktionspolitik schon vor dem Ausbruch der Corona-Pandemie waren: Krankenhäuser könnten aufgrund der Restriktionen keine Medikamente und medizinische Geräte mehr beschaffen. Vor allem Patienten seltenerer Krankheiten wie Leukämie, Epilepsie oder Opfer von chemischen Waffen aus der Zeit des Iran-Irak-Krieges könnten nicht mehr richtig versorgt werden. Es drohten „verheerende Folgen für Millionen von Patienten“, warnten die Menschenrechtler damals.
Ähnlich alarmierende Worte fand ein Ärzte-Team in der medizinischen Fachzeitschrift „The Lancet“. Auch sie beschrieben, wie die US-Sanktionen das iranische Gesundheitssystem zugrunde gerichtet haben.
Zwar haben Jahrzehnte der Sanktionspolitik auch dazu geführt, dass Iran ein Großteil der Dinge des alltäglichen Bedarfs wie auch medizinische Güter selbst herstellen kann. So werden in iranischen Fabriken beispielsweise Desinfektionsmittel und medizinische Schutzausrüstungen gefertigt. Aber die unter Donald Trump verhängten Sanktionen haben dazu geführt, dass Iran an viele der nötigen Rohmaterialien nicht mehr herankommt.
Die offenen Drohungen der USA, jedes Unternehmen, das mit Iran Handel treibt, seinerseits zu sanktionieren, haben außerdem dazu geführt, dass auch Unternehmen aus Staaten, die dem Iran eigentlich wohlgesonnen gegenüber stehen, vor Handelsgeschäften zurückschrecken. Hinzu kommt, dass der Iran nahezu vollständig vom internationalen Finanzgeschäft abgekoppelt ist. Selbst wenn Unternehmen bereit sind, die nötigen Waren zu liefern, findet sich meist keine Bank, um den Zahlungsverkehr abzuwickeln.
Selbst Hilfslieferungen scheitern an der Sanktionspolitik
Auch Hilfsorganisationen sind von diesen Restriktionen betroffen. „Relief International“ hat kürzlich beschrieben, wie nötige Materialien zur Eindämmung der Corona-Pandemie an den amerikanischen Sanktionen scheitern.
Die Folgen der US-amerikanischen Sanktionspolitik bekam selbst die Weltgesundheitsorganisation WHO zu spüren. Als diese Ende Februar versuchte, über die Vereinigten Arabischen Emirate Corona-Test-Kits in den Iran zu bringen, scheiterte sie zunächst an US-amerikanischen Auflagen für zivile Fluggesellschaften. Erst als die Emirate mit einem Militärflugzeug aushalfen, schafften es die Hilfslieferungen ins Land – von Fabian Goldmann
https://www.nachdenkseiten.de/?p=59519
(** B H P)
End US sanctions against Iran so that we can fight coronavirus with all our might
The pandemic is ravaging an already weakened economy. But Iranian activists across society are stepping up
The contagion has unfolded against the backdrop of an economic crisis that has made Iranians uniquely vulnerable. The virus’s origin in Wuhan demanded swift state action to cut off travel and trade with China, a tough move given Iran’s acute economic isolation, and China’s role in keeping it afloat against an ever-tightening regime of punitive US sanctions. The virus’s spread was then accelerated by shortages of medicines and equipment, wrought at least in part by US sanctions.
By Thursday, a health official announced that one Iranian was dying of the virus every 10 minutes. Social media platforms reverberated with images of outdoor funerals, black-clad mourners standing in calibrated distances apart.
Iranians’ purchasing power has plummeted in the past two years, as the mismanaged economy shuddered through Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the nuclear deal and the reimposition of US sanctions.
Medical charities that aid other groups are struggling. Charities and private sector groups are banding together to raise funds to build clinics and purchase equipment and supplies from China. But the sanctions are making even this hard. “Charities are having a hard time moving money,” says Sharif Nezam-Mafi, who heads the Iran Swiss Chamber of Commerce and is involved with one such effort, Nafas. “Everything that is getting into Iran is finding its way through loopholes, not the formal humanitarian channels. It’s as though they are going out of their way to make it harder.”
Suspending sanctions during this pandemic should not be seen as a troubling or even monumental thing to do. Proponents of sanctions in the US administration insist that only extreme pressure will bring about changes in Iranian policy – but we are in different times now. Controlling the virus would not be a favour to the Iranian government, but to Iranians themselves – and indeed, to the rest of the world – by Azadeh Moaveni, directs the Gender and Conflict Project at the International Crisis Group and Sussan Tahmasebi, a women’s rights advocate from Iran.
(* B H)
Hebt die Sanktionen auf! Sanktionen sind Massenmord! Von Oskar Lafontaine.
In einigen Ländern müssen jetzt viele Menschen sterben, weil die „westliche Wertegemeinschaft“, angeführt von der korrupten US-Oligarchie (Jimmy Carter), diese Länder mit Sanktionen bestraft hat. Auch lebenswichtige Medikamente und notwendige medizinische Geräte fallen darunter. Der iranische Präsident Hassan Rohani beispielsweise hat mehrere Staatschefs gebeten, nicht zuzulassen, dass die US-Sanktionen Irans Kampf gegen den Covid19-Virus behindern und sie aufgefordert, der „illegalen und unmenschlichen Schikane“ der USA entgegenzutreten. Auch wenn das Mullah-Regime in Teheran eine ähnliche Qualität hat wie die Kopf-ab-Diktatur in Saudi-Arabien: Die Forderung des iranischen Präsidenten ist berechtigt.
Bei vielen Stellungnahmen westlicher Politiker, in denen sie ihr Mitempfinden und ihr Mitgefühl zur Schau stellen, denke ich an die vielen Menschen, die jetzt sterben müssen, weil dieselben Politiker ihnen den Zugang zu lebenswichtigen Arzneimitteln und medizinischen Geräten versperren. Es sind ungezählte Menschen, die das Pech haben, in einem Land zu leben, dessen Regime der „westlichen Führungsmacht“ nicht gefällt.
Der Corona-Virus zeigt: Wir sind eine Menschheit. Die Aufteilung der Welt in den „guten Westen“ und in die „Schurkenstaaten“ muss überwunden und abgelöst werden von einer Grenzen und System überwindenden Hilfsbereitschaft, die – ich denke an Hilfen Chinas, Russlands und Kubas für Italien – bereits begonnen hat. Deswegen hebt die Sanktionen auf! Sie sind Massenmord!
https://www.nachdenkseiten.de/?p=59538
(* A P)
Pakistan, China urge removal of US sanctions amid Iran’s fight to defeat epidemic
Pakistan and China have renewed their calls for the lifting of the United States’ sanctions to help Iran access and utilize its resources in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, with Islamabad urging the European Union to help facilitate the removal of the restrictions.
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2020/03/24/621501/Pakistan-China-Sanctions-US-Iran-Coronavirus
(A P)
Iran president: US offer of coronavirus aid 'biggest lie in history'
President Hassan Rouhani says the US offer to help Iran in its fight against the coronavirus is "one of the biggest lies in history" where American sanctions are hindering Tehran's access to medical supplies.
Rouhani on Monday noted that Washington’s “unjust, illegal and terrorist” sanctions against Iran as well as other countries’ submission to the US pressure over fear of punishment “have created many problems for our country”.
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2020/03/23/621435/Rouhani-US-coronavirus-aid-history-biggest-lie
My comment: he is right: https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2020/03/24/621490/US-trump-appeals-foreign-aid-medical-equipment--coronavirus-crisis-
(A P)
Iran Refutes Washington’s Conspiracy Theory Claim on US Role in Virus Spread
Iran's Foreign Ministry has bluntly refuted claims by US State Department that the Islamic Republic is fostering conspiracy theories by highlighting the role of the United States in the global spread of the deadly new coronavirus, known as COVID-19.
On Sunday, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei addressed the Iranian nation through a televised speech in which he described the US as “the most evil enemy of the Iranian nation,” Press TV reported.
The Leader pointed to allegations by US President Donald Trump and his secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, to the effect that Washington is ready to help Iran in its fight against an ongoing outbreak of coronavirus, saying, “Firstly, you have a shortage yourself and this is what American officials say. Secondly, you are accused of producing the virus. I do not know how true this accusation is, but when such an accusation is made, which wise person will ask for your help?"
http://www.iran-daily.com/News/267040.html
(* B P)
Here is how US sanctions hurt Iranians in the fight against #Coronavirus. I just tried to launch a campaign @gofundme to raise funds for @ReliefIntl which is one of the few organizations with a license from US government to do humanitarian work in Iran. And this happened: (look at image!)
https://twitter.com/NegarMortazavi/status/1242233610842841090
(* B H P)
Virus fuels calls for sanctions relief on Iran, Venezuela
From Caracas to Tehran, officials are calling on the Trump administration to ease crippling economic sanctions they contend are contributing to the growing death toll caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
The idea has gained support from prominent leftists in the U.S., including Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, who say throwing a financial lifeline to some of the United States’ fiercest critics is worth it if lives can be saved.
“It’s absolutely unconscionable to keep sanctions on at this moment,” Jeffrey Sachs, director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University, said in an interview. “The only moral, sane and legal thing to do is stop the madness that is crippling other countries’ health systems.”
U.S. officials have brushed aside the criticism, saying that the sanctions allow the delivery of food and medicine. But most experts say shipments don’t materialize as Western companies are leery of doing business with either of the two governments.
“In most cases, compliance by banks makes it virtually impossible to do business,” said Jason Poblete, a sanctions lawyer in Washington who has represented American citizens held in Cuba, Venezuela and Iran.
https://apnews.com/d7e4a1717e4530fc6e2f9c4138414e9e
My comment: The US claimed offers for help are a scam. And, be realistic: Even if it wanted the US would be unable to help any other country. Look at how in the US everything failed when being prepared for the coronavirus.
(* B K P)
Pompeo and Netanyahu paved a path to war with Iran, and they’re pushing Trump again
Though it narrowly averted war with Iran this January, the Trump administration is still pushing for all-out military conflict. The architects of the drive to war, Mike Pompeo and Benjamin Netanyahu, have relied on a series of cynical provocations to force Trump’s hand.
The administration of President Donald Trump may escape the most recent conflict with Iran without war, however, a dangerous escalation is just over the horizon. And as before, the key factors driving the belligerence are not outraged Iraqi militia leaders or their allies in Iran, but Trump’s secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has long sought to draw the US into a military confrontation with Iran.
Throughout the fall of 2019, Netanyahu ordered a series of Israeli strikes against Iranian allies in Iraq and against Lebanese Hezbollah units. He and Pompeo hoped the attacks would provoke a reaction from their targets that could provide a tripwire outright war with Iran. As could have been expected, corporate US media missed the story, perhaps because it failed to reinforce the universally accepted narrative of a hyper-aggressive Iran emboldened by Trump’s failure to “deter” it following Iran’s shoot-down of a U.S. drone in June, and an alleged Iranian attack on Saudi oil facility in September.
Pompeo and John Bolton set the stage for the tripwire strategy in May 2019 with a statement by national security adviser John Bolton citing “troubling and escalatory indications and warnings,” implying an Iranian threat without providing concrete details. That vague language echoed a previous vow by Bolton that “any attack” by Iran or “proxy” forces “on United States interests or on those of our allies will be met with unrelenting force.”
From that point on, the provocation strategy was focused on trying to trigger an Iranian reaction that would involve a U.S. casualty.
Behind those strikes was Netanyahu’s sense of alarm over Trump toying with the idea of seeking negotiations with Iran.
Shockingly, Pompeo has exploited the Coronavirus pandemic to impose even harsher sanctions on Iran while intimidating foreign businesses to prevent urgently needed medical supplies from entering the country. The approaching presidential election gives both Pompeo and Netanyahu a powerful reason to plot another strike, or a series of strikes aimed at drawing the US into a potential Israeli confrontation with Iran.
Activists and members of Congress concerned about keeping the US out of war with Iran must be acutely aware of the danger and ready to respond decisively when the provocation occurs.
https://thegrayzone.com/2020/03/20/pompeo-netanyahu-war-iran-trump/#more-22371
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Film: Lorries packed with medical supplies destined for Iran, to fight Coronavirus, are being stopped by #Romania & #Bulgaria obeying US sanctions & economic warfare on Iran. #Trump & his admin are genocidal war criminals who are evidently leading a rogue state.
After some difficult negotiations #Iran managed to get Turkey to accept half the medical supplies convoy to go through Turkey. Negotiations are ongoing for other half of convoy.
https://twitter.com/SamiRamadani1/status/1241866462110900224
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FM Zarif: US impeding global fight against coronavirus
Iran's foreign minister has slammed the US for not heeding a global call on Washington to lift sanctions against Tehran so that the country can fight the coronavirus outbreak.
“Iranian people appreciate the growing global campaign of government and civil society leaders calling for lifting of illegal US sanctions. US is NOT listening, impeding global fight against COVID-19,” Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted on Monday.
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2020/03/23/621428/Iran-Zarif-US-impeding-fight-coronavirus
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Ayatollah Khamenei: US 'most evil' enemy of Iran, its virus aid offer strange
“Today, we have no less of enemies but the most evil enemy of the Iranian nation is America," the Leader said in a televised address on Sunday.
US officials have refused to lift draconian sanctions which are hampering Iran's efforts to contain the coronavirus. They have instead claimed readiness to aid Iranians, with President Donald Trump saying "all they have to do is ask".
Iranian authorities have dismissed the offer as hypocritical, saying it makes no sense when Washington keeps on imposing new sanctions which have made Iran's access to food, medicine and other humanitarian supplies impossible.
and
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Iran leader refuses US help, citing virus conspiracy theory
Iran’s supreme leader refused U.S. assistance Sunday to fight the new coronavirus, citing an unfounded conspiracy theory claiming the virus could be man-made by America.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s comments come as Iran faces crushing U.S. sanctions blocking the country from selling its crude oil and accessing international financial markets.
But while Iranian civilian officials in recent days have increasingly criticized those sanctions, 80-year-old Khamenei instead chose to traffic in the same conspiracy theory increasingly used by Chinese officials about the new virus to deflect blame for the pandemic.
https://apnews.com/2cffa4c49cbf085562a71cd36a4e4378
My comment: This “US help” is a lie and scam. Look how the US itself is mismanaging the crisis, and there is lack of everything.
(A P)
Russia calls on US to remove Iran bans amid COVID-19 outbreak
Moscow has called on Washington to abandon its unilateral sanctions against Iran amid the coronavirus pandemic.
"We called and are calling on the United States to abandon the inhumane practice of applying unilateral sanctions against Iran, which has an acute shortage of means to solve urgent health issues in the current situation of the spread of the coronavirus," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Saturday.
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2020/03/21/621337/www.presstv.tv
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Film: During this difficult time, it is our shared responsibility to support the Iranian people and we will do our part by providing aircraft free of charge to transport donated medical supplies from around the world to Iran.
https://twitter.com/qatarairways/status/1241015742117613578
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To Help Stem Coronavirus, Lift Sanctions on Iran
The COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic is far from the first proof of how intertwined we are as a global community.
Despite Trump’s insistence that the medical pandemics can be contained via travel bans and closed borders, the coronavirus knows no borders.
By the time the coronavirus hit Iran on February 19, the country’s economy, including its healthcare system, had already been devastated by U.S. sanctions. Under the Obama administration, the Iranian economy was given a boost when the Iran nuclear deal was signed in 2015 and the nuclear-related sanctions were lifted.
The reimposition of sanctions after the Trump administration’s withdrawal from the nuclear deal in 2018 has had a devastating impact on the economy and on the lives of ordinary Iranians.
Humanitarian aid—food and medicine—was supposed to be exempt from sanctions. But that hasn’t been the case. Shipping and insurance companies have been unwilling to risk doing business with Iran, and banks have not been able or willing to process payments. This is especially true after September 20, 2019, when the Trump administration sanctioned Iran’s Central Bank, severely restricting the last remaining Iranian financial institution that could engage in foreign exchange transactions involving humanitarian imports.
Even before Iran was unable to procure enough testing kits, respiratory machines, antiviral medicines and other supplies to slow the spread of the coronavirus and save lives, Iranians were having a hard time getting access to life-saving medications.
It isn’t just Iran that is sanctioned. The U.S. imposes some form of sanctions against 39 countries, affecting over one-third of the world’s population.
There are sweeping changes President Trump needs to make to seriously address the coronavirus pandemic at home and abroad – by Medea Benjamin and Ariel Gold
https://www.counterpunch.org/2020/03/17/to-help-stem-coronavirus-lift-sanctions-on-iran/ = https://citizentruth.org/to-help-stem-spread-of-coronavirus-trump-must-lift-sanctions-on-iran/
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Coronavirus: 25 organisations press Trump administration to lift US sanctions on Iran
While Iran has pleaded for lifting of sanctions, US has stuck to its 'maximum pressure' campaign
A coalition of 25 organisations, including civil rights groups, charities and think-tanks, has come together to urge the Trump administration to lift sanctions on Iran to help it fight its coronavirus outbreak, which has killed more than a thousand and infected tens of thousands.
The National Iranian American Council (NIAC) led an effort to send a letter to President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin calling for a temporary suspension of sanctions.
The letter was signed by various organisations, including the liberal Jewish group J Street, think-tank International Crisis Group, Oxfam America and the non-profit Physicians for Social Responsibility.
"To help stem the continued spread of the virus inside Iran and beyond, we urge you to issue a time-bound suspension of those US sanctions that make it harder for ordinary Iranians to secure basic goods and services to weather the crisis," the letter read.
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Citing Coronavirus, Pakistan Calls for Lifting of Sanctions Against Iran
Pakistan said Friday thousands of its nationals remain stranded in neighboring Iran, which also is battling the deadly coronavirus, and called for the lifting of international sanctions against Tehran to help stem the spread of the pandemic in the region.
(A P)
Zarif to US: Your policy will live in infamy but Iran won't break
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has once again raised the alarm about the impact of US sanctions on the Islamic Republic's efforts to contain the new coronavirus, asserting that Iran "won't break."
In a note posted on his Twitter account on Friday, Zarif said the administration of President Donald Trump gleefully takes pride in killing Iranian citizens on the Iranian New Year, also known as Nowruz.
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2020/03/20/621269/www.presstv.tv
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Trump refuses to suspend Iran sanctions amid coronavirus outbreak
The administration of US President Donald Trump has said it would not suspend sanctions against Iran as the country is battling the deadly coronavirus outbreak.
Iran has said the international community should push the United States to immediately lift all "illegal" sanctions it has imposed on the Islamic Republic amid a national endeavor to contain the coronavirus pandemic.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo briefing reporters with President Donald Trump at the White House on Friday claimed, “The whole world should know that humanitarian assistance to Iran is wide open, it’s not sanctioned.”
“We are doing everything we can to facilitate the humanitarian assistance moving in and to make sure that the financial transactions connected to that can take place as well. There is no sanction on medicines going to Iran, there is no sanctions on humanitarian assistance going into that country. They’ve got a terrible problem there and we want that humanitarian, medical assistance to get to the people of Iran,” he said, pedaling a series of outright lies.
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2020/03/21/621283/Trump-refuses-to-suspend-Iran-sanctions
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'Literally Weaponizing Coronavirus': Despite One of World's Worst Outbreaks of Deadly Virus, US Hits Iran With 'Brutal' New Sanctions
"As Iranians are ravaged by the coronavirus, the U.S. is complicit in their death. This is a crime against humanity."
"How evil and heartless can this government get?" peace activist Medea Benjamin asked Wednesday after the State Department announced it would impose new sanctions on Iran as the country faces one of the worst coronavirus outbreaks in the world.
The move by the U.S. government flew in the face of demands from advocacy groups and the Iranian government to suspend sanctions to ensure Iranians can access life-saving medication and supplies.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the U.S. will introduce fresh sanctions on nine entities and three individuals who the U.S. says provide the Iranian government with revenue, in order to "deprive the regime of critical income from its petrochemical industry and further Iran's economic and diplomatic isolation."
Benjamin, co-founder of the anti-war group CODEPINK, called the State Department's move "unconscionable."
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U.S. to Iran: Coronavirus won't save you from sanctions
The United States sent Iran a blunt message this week: the spread of the coronavirus will not save it from U.S. sanctions that are choking off its oil revenues and isolating its economy.
The United States, which argues that its “maximum pressure” campaign to curb Iran’s nuclear, missile and regional activities does not stop the flow of humanitarian goods, imposed new sanctions this week.
The Trump administration blacklisted five companies based in the United Arab Emirates, three in mainland China, three in Hong Kong and one in South Africa for trade in Iran’s petrochemicals.
“Washington’s increased pressure against Iran is a crime against humanity,” an Iranian official told Reuters. “All the world should help each other to overcome this disease.”
Some analysts suggested the Trump administration should do more to speed the flow of humanitarian goods into Iran, though they saw little evidence to suggest this was in the offing.
“Our policy of maximum pressure on the regime continues,” Brian Hook, the U.S. Special Representative for Iranian Affairs, told reporters. “U.S. sanctions are not preventing aid from getting to Iran.”
On Monday, China called on the United States to give Iran sanctions relief for humanitarian reasons but U.S. officials, foreign diplomats and analysts saw no signs of this.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-iran-usa-idUSKBN21712L
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[Iran’s] Deputy Health Minister Alireza Raisian has criticized the #UK for not delivering millions of masks #Iran bought in preparations ahead of #Covid19 outbreak. The London govt. refused to deliver them citing US sanctions!
https://twitter.com/fresh_sadegh/status/1241312018331611136
cp10 Großbritannien / Great Britain
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MPs to debate on the situation in the Yemen
On Tuesday 24 March MPs will debate the situation in the Yemen.
Tim Loughton will open the debate.
Watch the debate live on Parliament TV
cp11 Deutschland / Germany
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Bundesregierung verlängert Rüstungsexportstopp für Saudi-Arabien
Keine Rüstungsgüter für Saudi-Arabien: Wegen der Beteiligung am Jemen-Krieg setzt die Bundesregierung Exporte weiter aus. Die Rüstungsindustrie fordert Kompensationen.
Die Bundesregierung hat den Rüstungsexportstopp für Saudi-Arabien um neun Monate verlängert. Bis zum 31. Dezember 2020 will sie keine neuen Lieferungen in das Königreich genehmigen und bereits erlaubte Ausfuhren weiter unterbinden, wie ein Regierungssprecher mitteilte.
Grund für die Verlängerung ist die anhaltende Beteiligung Saudi-Arabiens am Jemen-Krieg.
Nun wird der Exportstopp zum dritten Mal verlängert. Der saudische Außenminister Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud hatte erst vor wenigen Wochen vor einem solchen Schritt gewarnt. "Wir hoffen, dass Deutschland versteht, dass wir die Mittel brauchen, um uns zu verteidigen", sagte er der Deutschen Presse-Agentur. Er verwies dabei vor allem auf eine Bedrohung durch den Iran und auf die Angriffe auf saudische Ölanlagen im vergangenen Jahr.
Aus der Union waren immer wieder Forderungen nach einer weiteren Lockerung des Exportstopps laut geworden, die von der SPD aber weitgehend abgeblockt wurden. Nur eine leichte Entschärfung wurde bereits im vergangenen März vorgenommen und gilt nun weiter. Sie betrifft die Zulieferung deutscher Unternehmen für Rüstungsgüter, die von Partnerstaaten für Saudi-Arabien produziert werden. Sie sollen weiter möglich sein. Die Unternehmen sollen aber darauf hinwirken, dass in diesem Zeitraum keine endmontierten Güter ausgeliefert werden.
Trotz der Ausnahmeregelung liegen Schätzungen zufolge Rüstungsgeschäfte mit Saudi-Arabien im Wert von mehr als einer Milliarde Euro auf Eis. Die deutsche Rüstungsindustrie ist vor allem über den Stopp bereits genehmigter Projekte verärgert und hat bereits Kompensationen gefordert.
Mein Kommentar: Die saudische Behauptung, man brauche diese Waffen zur „Verteidigung“, ist ein Witz. – Nicht minder ein Witz ist die Forderung der Rüstungsindustrie nach Kompensation seitens des Staates. Stellt eure Produktion um auf Intensivbetten und Beatmungsgeräte.
cp12 Andere Länder / Other countries
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Iran Reiterates Call for Immediate End of Saudi War on Yemen
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran has issued a statement on the sixth anniversary of the Saudi-led military onslaught against Yemen.
What follows is the full text of the statement released on Tuesday, March 22, 2020
https://ifpnews.com/iran-reiterates-call-for-immediate-end-of-saudi-war-on-yemen
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UAE government calls upon public to stay home except for absolute necessity
http://wam.ae/en/details/1395302832349
(A H P)
UAE suspends all inbound, outbound passenger flights, transit of airline passengers for two weeks
http://www.wam.ae/en/details/1395302832346
cp13 Mercenaries / Söldner
Siehe / Look at cp1
cp14 Terrorismus / Terrorism
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Audio: Jihadi Poetry in Yemen
This week, Jon, Will, and McKinley talk about who joins militant jihadi groups and why. Then, Jon talks with Elisabeth Kendall, an Oxford University-based scholar of Arabic literature who has focused on poetry among Yemeni jihadis. They discuss poetry in Yemen, what makes “good” jihadi poetry, and differences between al Qaeda and ISIS poetry.
https://www.csis.org/podcasts/babel-translating-middle-east/jihadi-poetry-yemen
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Khalid Batarfi and the Future of AQAP
Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), long considered one of al-Qaeda's most dangerous and capable affiliates, is under new management. Gregory Johnsen, one of the world's premier Yemen analysts, assesses the state of AQAP today and argues that its new leader inherits a far weaker organization that will struggle to stay relevant.
Batarfi’s selection checks two important boxes for AQAP. First, he is from the Arabian Peninsula, as was the case with both of the group’s former leaders.
Second, Batarfi has extensive international jihadi credentials.
Still, it is unclear exactly how much support Batarfi enjoys within the organization. The succession announcement made clear that while AQAP attempted to consult with as many of the group’s top commanders as possible, the operating environment in Yemen meant that not everyone was consulted.
Batarfi’s Background
AQAP’s Future
The AQAP that Batarfi inherits in 2020 is significantly different from the one Raymi took command of in 2015. AQAP is weaker, more fragmented and less able to conduct international attacks than at any point in its 11-year history. It is also almost entirely a domestic organization. Over the past five years, AQAP has gone from being one of the most dangerous al-Qaeda affiliates to becoming a shadow of its former self. AQAP still threatens attacks, but it no longer has the resources or capacity to carry them out on a consistent basis.
This is partly a result of the Islamic State’s rise in Syria and Iraq, which in recent years has been the destination of choice for would-be international jihadis.
That shortfall is now limiting AQAP’s ability to project strength from Yemen. Another part of the equation is that AQAP has lost a number of key figures in drone strikes and, due to the recruiting shortfalls, has been unable to replace them.
AQAP can still recruit local Yemenis into its ranks, but it no longer attracts the sort of skilled foreign operatives it needs to threaten the West.
In much the same way that AQAP’s international terrorist wing atrophied under Raymi’s leadership, so too has its domestic insurgent wing struggled. The group has been infiltrated by spies and informants.
Batarfi’s two main priorities will be to revive an organization that has fallen into disarray while simultaneously attempting to revitalize its international operations. Neither will be easy to accomplish.
AQAP is on the verge of defeat for the first time since the group was founded in 2009. Should Batarfi’s time in charge prove short, or should he turn out to be an ineffective leader in the mold of Raymi, AQAP will most likely fragment into regional pieces that are more criminal than terrorist. However, if he is given time and space to rebuild the organization, AQAP could once again emerge as an international threat – by Gregory D. Johnsen
https://www.lawfareblog.com/khalid-batarfi-and-future-aqap
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New AQAP leader pledges allegiance to Al-Zawahiri, vows revenge against America
The new leader of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), Khaled Batarfi, on Friday made his first video appearance since succeeding Abu Hurairah Qassem Al-Raimi, who was killed in a US raid in early February in the central Yemeni governorate of Al-Baydha.
“To our sheikh and our emir, Abu Mohammed Ayman Al-Zawahiri, I pledge my allegiance to you, will obey you at all times, and will not dispute your orders,” said Batarfi in a video released by Al-Mallaham, the organization's media arm.
“And I pledge you to jihad for the sake of God, to establish the law of God on the earth, and this allegiance from me and all my brothers in Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula,” Batarfi said in a recording which was listened to by Almasdar Online.
He vowed to target the US and attacked democracy, saying it was a plot by the West to subdue Muslims. He referred to the Afghans' achievements and their victories against America and its allies until the US “begged” to leave Afghanistan.
“The killing of our leaders by the Americans and their associates will not dissuade the organization from its objectives and operations,” he said.
Batarfi spoke of a new era of the organization to triumph and avenge the blood of their martyrs and cleanse their ranks of traitors while also praying for the failure of America, Israel, Russia, Iran, and the Arab and Muslim rulers who aid them.
https://al-masdaronline.net/national/506
(A T)
Leader of Al-Qaeda in Yemen promises increased terrorist activity
Khalid Batarfi pledges to increase operations in Arab Peninsula
The new leader of Al-Qaeda in Yemen and the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), Khalid Batarfi, pledged allegiance to the leader of the international organization Ayman al-Zawahiri “on hearing and obedience,” and has pledged revenge on the United States of America.
In an audio clip broadcast on the site Sada Al-Malahem, or “Echo of Epics”, Batarfi pledged to Al-Zawahiri to carry out “jihad for the sake of God”, and said that allegiance has been announced by him and other elements of the organisation in Yemen and the Arabian Peninsula.
He also pledged what he described as a “new era” for the terrorist group in Yemen and Arabia in general.
https://www.uprising.today/leader-of-al-qaeda-in-yemen-promises-increased-terrorist-activity/
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AL-QAEDA: THREAT OR ANACHRONISM?
[Its] affiliates are stronger than ISIL in many conflict zones, especially the Sahel, Somalia, Yemen and the north-west of the Syrian Arab Republic.” In all, al-Qaeda commands tens of thousands of fighters — potentially including as many as 20,000 men-at-arms in Syria, at least 2,000 in the Sahel, another 6,000 in Yemen, 7,000 in Somalia, and some 600 in Afghanistan.
Elsewhere, al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula remains perhaps al-Qaeda’s most dangerous transnational affiliate. In 2019 alone — in addition to being consumed by ongoing fighting against the Houthis for control of Yemen — the group struck twice in Saudi Arabia and once in the United States.
Previous targeted assassinations of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula’s founder and leader, Nasir al-Wuhayshi; the group’s chief propagandist, Anwar al-Awlaki; and, its master bombmaker, Ibrahim al-Assiri, have not decisively undermined the group. Indeed, there is alarming evidence that al-Assiri’s ordnance craftsmanship has already migrated to other al-Qaeda partners
https://warontherocks.com/2020/03/al-qaeda-threat-or-anachronism/
cp15 Propaganda
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Could Iran’s IRGC Help Spread Coronavirus in Mideast?
Iran’s passive response in battling the coronavirus at home has helped spread the virus in the Middle East, experts say.
The IRGC, which has been involved in military conflicts across the Middle East, Syria, Yemen and Iraq, while maintaining control over groups such as the Lebanese Hezbollah, reportedly continues its activity in the region, despite growing concerns that IRGC officials may carry the virus to other countries.
“The IRGC’s use of clandestine air and land routes to traffic weapons and move militias throughout the region is also a concern regarding the spread of the virus,” said analyst Frantzman, “because the IRGC’s trips are not monitored and often go unchecked by national health authorities in places such as Lebanon, Iraq, Syria and Yemen.”
The Iranian “regime’s negligent response to the virus likely means that infected officials continue to travel around the region and are not tested,” he added.
While no confirmed case has been reported in Yemen yet, experts fear the presence of IRGC officials, who support Houthi rebels against government forces, could increase the likelihood of spreading the virus in the country.
If these Iranians “are infected it will likely affect the senior Houthi leadership and military operatives who are close to the Iranians,” said Fatima Abo Alasrar, a Yemen expert at the Middle East Institute in Washington.
https://www.voanews.com/extremism-watch/could-irans-irgc-help-spread-coronavirus-mideast
My comment: This looks like odd propaganda. The US started to spread coronavirus in Europa by waiting too long until the Maneuver Defender 2020 was stopped. The US will even further spread corona worldwide by its 800 military bases and by US troops interfering at so many places, Yemen included.
(A P)
The Coronavirus Is Not a Reason to Lift Sanctions on Iran
Even in the regime’s moment of need, its proxies continue to attack and it remains defiant.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani did something unusual last week. In an open letter to the American people, he appealed to their conscience to end the sanctions against his country.
The context, of course, was the coronavirus
The problem is that even in Iran’s moment of need, its regime remains aggressive and defiant, as my colleague Bobby Ghosh has noted. This month alone, Iranian proxies attacked a U.S. base in Iraq, the regime denied access to international nuclear inspectors in Iran and the commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps suggested the virus might be a U.S. biological weapon.
If Rouhani wants the U.S. to relieve the sanctions against his country, then the country’s supreme leader needs to end militia attacks on Americans in Iraq, allow U.N. inspectors access to all of the country’s nuclear sites and stop spreading propaganda about the virus. That is also the view of a senior State Department who spoke to me on Saturday.
That said, the U.S. has tried to make it easier for the regime to purchase or trade for medicine and hospital equipment since the pandemic started.
The truth is that there is little anyone can do for Iran at the moment.
As for lifting U.S. sanctions on Iran, Kagan says that would be pointless to discuss now. “When the Iranian government actually articulates a coherent set of needs, we can have a sensible conversation about what the U.S. should do,” he said. “They have not done that.”
In his open letter to the American people, Rouhani notes that “the path of sanctions and pressure has never been successful and will never be so in the future.” Instead, he writes, “It is human discourse and action that produce results.” That much is true. Rouhani should try leading by example – by Eli Lake
and thread, with comments: https://twitter.com/EliLake/status/1241901208534687745
On the author: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eli_Lake
Comment: Monster
https://twitter.com/RaniaKhalek/status/1241919977273384962
(A P)
Solidarities against coronavirus evokes world's hypocrisy
The international solidarity against the pandemic of covid-19, while being a good thing, evokes the world's ridiculous hypocrisy.
The international community has for six years been turning a blind eye to the killing and ruining of the lives of the Yemeni people as a positive discrimination in favor Houthis- the Shia terrorist organization they categorize as a "minority" segment of Yemeni !
The religious organization, came into being in the 1990s to pursue "a God-given" dynastical reign as their written literature says, words tell and ghastly actions show.
https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-38552
(A P)
[Hadi] Gov: Houthis use UN tolerance to increase attacks against civilians
The government condemned with strong terms ongoing Houthis missile-attacks against civilians in Marib and Al-Jawf.
A government source said that the Houthis militia continues doing such terror attacks against civilians because of tolerance by the United Nations (UN) towards their crimes.
The source reaffirmed that the UN and the international community must take a firm and clear position towards such terror acts.
https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-38533
(A P)
Western media complicit in crimes against young Yemeni girls
The western media are complicit in the crimes against young Yemeni girls.
Most of the writings Yemen in these outlets are only dedicated to cast the Houthi regime and the northern Yemen under their control in a good light and the weak Yemeni government and its areas of control in a bad light.
In the shadow of this bias, the brutalities against minor girls – from forced marriages to honor killings- at the hands of Houthis and in their areas of control go unnoticed.
"These outlets surprisingly give credence only to Houthi narratives which turn fallen Houthi fighters on the ground into civilian casualties." She continues, "but never to stories of brutalities that Houthis commit and allow in their held part of the country."
https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-38539
(A P)
The Houthis’ response to COVID-19? Pre-emptively blame their enemies
“Yemen has no cases of coronavirus, but we will hold the United Arab Emirates responsible if any infection appears in the country,” said Dr. Taha al-Mutwakel, the Houthi-appointed minister of public health and population, in a press conference at the beginning of March.
The pandemic, which has yet to be documented in Yemen, is a gift for the Houthis. They are always looking for opportunities to emphasize their narrative linking the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen with the country’s humanitarian crisis and absolve themselves of responsibility.
The Houthi-operated Al Masirah satellite TV channel’s coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic provides an excellent example of this politicization of information, especially when it comes to Iran.
The Houthis’ media blackout on the effects of the coronavirus in Iran is meant to hide the failures of the Islamic Republic in handling the crisis.
Unfortunately, instead of taking precautions to limit exposure, the Houthi leadership is focused on stepping up their rhetorical attacks against Saudi Arabia and the U.S.
Moreover, al-Houthi has also promoted the Iranian regime’s conspiracy theory that the virus is an American plot.
Maintaining a consistent strategy of pre-emptively blaming the Saudi-led coalition for any coronavirus cases in Yemen, militia spokesperson Mohammed Abdul Salam stated recently that all major tragedies in the country are a result of the Saudi-led intervention – by Fatima Abo Alasrar
https://www.mei.edu/publications/houthis-response-covid-19-pre-emptively-blame-their-enemies
(A P)
More Saudi coalition „We are benefactors“ propaganda
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2050625
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2050229
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2050212
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2049919
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2049961
cp16 Saudische Luftangriffe / Saudi air raids
Siehe / Look at cp1
(* A K pH)
Saudi coalition air raids and shelling day by day
March 21: https://www.facebook.com/lcrdye/photos/pb.551288185021551.-2207520000../1610353619114997/
March 20: https://www.facebook.com/lcrdye/photos/pb.551288185021551.-2207520000../1610353205781705
March 19: https://www.facebook.com/lcrdye/photos/pb.551288185021551.-2207520000../1609293415887684/
March 18: https://www.facebook.com/lcrdye/photos/pb.551288185021551.-2207520000../1609292695887756/
(B K pH)
[Sanaa gov.] Yemeni Air Defenses downed over 371 aircrafts operated by Saudi aggression
Yemeni Armed Forces spokesman, Brigadier General Yahya Sare'e, revealed in press briefing that the Air Defense Forces have carried out more than 721 operations since the beginning of the Saudi-led aggression against Yemen, ranging from shooting down aircrafts, confronting and forcing them to leave.
My comment: Hmmmm. Little drones included, I think.
(A K pH)
Air defenses Intercept Hostile Warplane of aggression coalition in Marib
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3091619.htm
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=11841
(A K)
Coalition warplanes launch 40 air strikes on Yemen' Houthi positions in Jawf and Marib
A military source said on Saturday, that the Saudi-led Arab military coalition air force launched about 40 air strikes on the locations of the Ansar Allah group (Houthis) in the provinces of Al-Jawf and Marib, north and northeast of Yemen.
The source indicated that today, coalition warplanes launched 16 air strikes on the Al-Jawf border region with Saudi Arabia.
https://debriefer.net/en/news-15820.html
(A K pH)
More Saudi coalition air raids recorded on:
March 24: https://www.saba.ye/de/news3091901.htm / https://www.saba.ye/en/news3091913.htm Marib p., Jawf p.
March 23: https://www.saba.ye/en/news3091836.htm / https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=11872 Marib p., Saada p.
March 22: https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=11851 Jawf p.
March 21/22: https://www.saba.ye/de/news3091623.htm Jawf p., Marib p.
cp17 Kriegsereignisse / Theater of War
Siehe b/ Look at cp1
(A K)
Official [Hadi gov.] army seizes sites in Baydha, central Yemen
https://debriefer.net/en/news-15847.html
(A K)
Yemeni [Hadi] govt says captured 20 Houthis in Marib
https://debriefer.net/en/news-15851.html
(A K pS)
KSrelief Project "Masam" Dismantles 2257 Mines in Yemen during third week of March
King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center's project for clearing mines (Masam) in Yemen demined 2257 mines during the third week of March 2020, including 4 antipersonnel mines, 321 anti-tanks, 1930 unexploded ordnance, and 2 explosive devices.
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2050211
(B K pS)
Explosive Boat Threat To Tankers Off Yemen
2020 continues to see explosive boats being launched against tanker traffic in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea area. They also pose a threat to warships, particularly of the Saudi-led coalition. This represents a persistent threat to International SLOCs (Sea Lines of Communication) in the Southern Red Sea, Bab-el-Mandeb strait, Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea. The threat can exist over 100 nautical miles off the coast.
Riyadh reports that 46 explosive boats have been destroyed. This suggests that, overall, counter efforts are proving broadly effective. Yet the threat persists
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2020/03/explosive-boat-threat-to-tankers-off-yemen/
My comment: Propaganda inside: Houti war boats do not threat tankers, but Saudi coalition war ships. These could threaten tankers when firing at fishing boats or at the Yemeni coastline.
(A K pS)
Jid’an tribesmen repel Houthi incursion into Majzar district of Marib
Tribesmen from Jid’an are partnered with Yemen’s national army against the Houthis. The battle over the weekend succeeded in repelling the Houthis’ attack, and reportedly caused the group significant loss of life and equipment. It is expected that further clashes are likely, however, as the Houthis are believed to be preparing for a larger-scale operation to capture the oil-rich governorate.
https://al-masdaronline.net/national/505
(A K)
After working for 15 years with @UN's demining program in #Yemen, Ezzi Sharyan has been killed by a landmine blast while clearing mines in Al-Jawf Governorate. He is just one of many unsung heroes who keep risking their own lives to save others. https://twitter.com/sadeqalwesabi/status/1241303337452126209
cp18 Sonstiges / Other
(* -)
Film: Jemen - Reisebericht
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N357W7F6gyk
(* -)
Film: Quer durch Arabia Felix - Part 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 - 2008 - JEMEN / Yemen
Wir ( 4 Freunde ) bereisten den JEMEN im Jahr 2008 drei Wochen lang mit einem Jeep und Fahrer. Teilweise fuhren wir größere Strecken im Konvoi, oder bekamen miltärischen Geleitschutz, da 2008 mehrere Anschläge auf Touristen verübt wurden
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JP-cU96Xwc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFfsG2XIBAg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLh8PpNUaOw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMpYNom2p4Y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycz0LqDbkvs
(* -)
Film: Arabia Felix: The Beauty Of Yemen Beyond War
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yyLpeI3qko
(* B D)
Der Wettlauf mit den Heuschrecken - schlimmste Plage seit Jahrzehnten Von Gioia Forster, dpa
Seit Jahrzehnten hat Ostafrika keine so schlimme Heuschreckenplage gesehen. Die Maßnahmen, die ergriffen werden, reichen nicht aus - es steht eine zweite Invasion bevor. Wie sind derartige Plagen zu bekämpfen? Wissenschaftler aus Konstanz suchen in Kenia Antworten.
Aus dem Jemen kommend über Äthiopien und Somalia haben kilometerlange Schwärme ganze Landstriche kahlgefressen.
«Alles, was wir über Heuschreckenplagen wissen, stammt aus zwei oder drei Feldstudien, die vor etwa 70 Jahren in Kenia durchgeführt wurden», sagt Couzin-Fuchs. Seitdem sei quasi keine wissenschaftliche Forschung im Feld gemacht worden. Das liegt vor allem daran, dass Heuschreckenplagen nicht oft vorkommen und wenn, dann meist in Ländern wie dem Jemen, die schwer zugänglich sind.
(-)
Photo: Sa’dah Yemen. Agate valley.
https://twitter.com/ammar82/status/1222850124352761856
(* B H)
Locust crisis poses a danger to millions, forecasters warn
Experts fear swarms like those seen in Africa will become more common as tropical storms create favourable breeding conditions
The locust crisis that has now reached 10 countries could carry on to endanger millions more people, forecasters have said.
Climate change created unprecedented conditions for the locusts to breed in the usually barren desert of the Arabian gulf, according to experts, and the insects were then able to spread through Yemen, where civil war has devastated the ability to control locust populations.
Vorige / Previous:
https://www.freitag.de/autoren/dklose/jemenkrieg-mosaik-634-yemen-war-mosaic-634
Jemenkrieg-Mosaik 1-634 / Yemen War Mosaic 1-634:
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 air raids:
Untersuchungen von Angriffen, hunderte von Filmen / Investigations of attacks, hundreds of films:
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