Dies ist die Fortsetzung von Jemenkrieg-Mosaik 637, Teil 1 / This is the sequel of Yemen War Mosaic 637, part 1:
https://www.freitag.de/autoren/dklose/jemenkrieg-mosaik-637-yemen-war-mosaic-637
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: Coronaviruas und Seuchen / Most important: Coronavirus and 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
cp12 Andere Länder / Other countries
cp13a Kulturerbe / Cultural heritage
cp13b Wirtschaft / Economy
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
cp7 UNO und Friedensgespräche / UN and peace talks
(A P)
Corona-Pandemie: UN alarmiert über Kämpfe im Jemen-Konflikt
Die UN schlagen Alarm angesichts der fortgesetzten Gewalt im Jemen-Konflikt. Der Jemen müsse sich stattdessen mit voller Kraft gegen eine mögliche Ausbreitung der Corona-Pandemie stemmen, verlangte der UN-Sondergesandte Martin Griffiths laut einer am Montag in Genf verbreiteten Erklärung. Griffiths nannte Gefechte in und um den Regierungsbezirk Marib und Luftangriffe auf das in den Jemen-Krieg verwickelte Saudi-Arabien, für die Huthi-Rebellen die Verantwortung übernommen hätten. Ein flächendeckender Ausbruch der Corona-Pandemie könnte in dem Bürgerkriegsland katastrophale Auswirkungen haben, betonte Griffiths.
(A P)
Statement by the UN Special Envoy for Yemen - 29 March 2020
The UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Martin Griffiths, is alarmed by the continuation and escalation of ground and aerial military activities in Yemen, in particular in and around Ma’rib governorate and the attacks against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia claimed by Ansar Allah. He reiterates the Secretary-General's call for an immediate cessation of hostilities to build a conducive environment for achieving a nation-wide ceasefire.
Mr. Griffiths reiterated that indiscriminate attacks affecting civilians or civilian targets, whether inside or outside of Yemen, are unlawful and reprehensible.
Mr. Griffiths emphasized that the recent uptick in fighting runs counter to the stated commitments of all involved in the conflict to work on a ceasefire and their positive responses among diverse groups of Yemenis to the call by the UN Secretary-General to end the fighting in Yemen.
“Our work with the parties to launch a formal ceasefire process is ongoing. We remain hopeful that all involved in the conflict will come to the table and put Yemenis and their best interest first,” Mr. Griffiths said.
https://osesgy.unmissions.org/statement-un-special-envoy-yemen-1
and
(A P)
[Sanaa gov.] Ambassador Al-Dailami Accuses Griffiths of Diluting Positions and Requests him to Make Clear Call to Stop the Aggression
The ambassador of the Yemen in Iran, Ibrahim Al-Dailami, criticized the positions of the UN envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths and called him to call explicitly to stop the US-Saudi aggression and lift the siege on the Yemeni People.
He said that "as usual, the UN envoy continues to dilute positions, condemn the victim, exonerate the executioner, and ignor all the axioms of international law."
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=12000
and
(A P)
Houthi gov't spokesman accuses UN of covering up coalition crimes in Yemen
A spokesman for the Ansar Allah group (Houthis) government, Al-Shami, Monday evening accused the United Nations and its envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths of covering what he described as "aggression crimes" targeting "international workers".
The Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV quoted Al-Shami as saying: "The air strikes are a dangerous escalation that is not new, and it reveals that they are not in the process of stopping the aggression."
He pointed out that "the targeting of populated areas in the capital, Sanaa, Saada and Hodeidah is evidence of the crime of aggression."
https://debriefer.net/en/news-16070.html
(A P)
Al-Zubaidi, Griffiths Discuss Peace Efforts, War on Coronavirus
President of the Southern Transitional Council and Supreme Commander of the Southern Armed Forces, Aidroos Qassem al-Zubaidi held on Saturday a video conference with the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Martin Griffiths.
http://en.adenpress.news/news/19719
and also http://en.adenpress.news/news/19721
(* A H K P)
A Coronavirus Ceasefire Offers a Way Out for War-torn Yemen
The UN has called for a freeze in fighting in Yemen to prepare for a COVID-19 outbreak and preserve an opportunity to end the war. The Huthis, Yemeni government, other key armed actors and Saudi Arabia have all agreed. They should immediately carry out the proposal.
When Saudi Arabia intervened in Yemen’s civil war in March 2015, the country was already the poorest in the Arab world. Five years later, it has become one of the most poverty-stricken places on the planet. Some 24 of its 28 million people need some form of aid and, by some estimates, more than 112,000 people have died as a direct consequence of the war.
Now the COVID-19 pandemic threatens to further decimate a vulnerable population. No case has yet been confirmed, but when an outbreak comes, it is likely to wreak havoc on a people already weakened by hunger and dependent on a healthcare system on the verge of collapse. Less than 50 per cent of Yemen’s hospitals and clinics are operating at anything like full capacity, and most lack qualified staff, medicine and often electricity. To avert a disaster, on 25 March, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for a ceasefire in Yemen to allow for UN-led mediation to end the war and help prevent an outbreak of COVID-19. The parties should seize this opportunity, without conditions.
To make its initiative stick, the UN will need help from external actors, principally Saudi Arabia and the U.S. In recent months, the Saudis have taken the lead in trying to end to a war of which they are a part, but it should be clear by now that they cannot go it alone. Throughout the conflict, its protagonists, the Saudis included, have treated compromise as synonymous with defeat. If the U.S. wants the war to end and to extricate its Saudi ally, a COVID-19 ceasefire could offer a perfect opportunity.
On the Yemen side of the equation, the Huthis, the government and Yemen’s numerous additional armed groups will have to put their differences aside, stop the fighting and coordinate efforts to mitigate COVID-19’s deadly spread if they want to prove that they are fighting on behalf of ordinary Yemenis. The question is whether they believe a humanitarian cessation of hostilities is a fate worse than the terrible toll the virus will almost certainly take.
(* A K P)
Griffiths calls Yemeni parties for urgent meeting on ceasefire
The UN Especial Envoy to Yemen late on Thursday called on the Yemeni parties to hold an urgent meeting to discuss the fulfillment of their commitments to ceasefire they announced on Wednesday in response to UN call.
"I was heartened to see the positive responses to the Secretary-General's call for a ceasefire from both the Government of Yemen and Ansar Allah," Envoy Martin Griffiths said in a statement. "I expect the parties to adhere to their words and put the interest of the Yemeni people above all."
"I'm calling the parties to an urgent meeting to discuss how to translate their stated commitments to the Yemeni people into practice. I expect the parties to heed Yemenis' desire for peace and immediately cease all military hostilities," the UN envoy added.
https://debriefer.net/en/news-15977.html
(A P)
UN-Yemen envoy hails Houthi release of Baha'is as positive step
"Pleased to hear the Ansar Allah announcement that they will soon release all Baha'i detainees in Sana'a," Martin Griffiths added on a tweet carried by his office.
"I hope the decision will be implemented soonest and Baha'is will live in safety and with dignity in Yemen.
https://debriefer.net/en/news-15978.html
(A P)
The World Health Organization Appreciates KSrelief Support for Children in Yemen
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently posted this story on Twitter: “Majed is 11 months old; he suffers from severe acute malnutrition and receives treatment at Al-Sadaqa hospital in the Aden governorate. Thanks to our partnership with KSrelief, WHO is able to provide children like Majed with a second chance at life.”
My comment: Lauding the Saudis like this is lobbying for war criminals.
cp8 Saudi-Arabien / Saudi Arabia
(A P)
Saudi king offers to pay for coronavirus patients' treatment
Saudi Arabia will finance treatment for anyone infected with the coronavirus in the country, the health minister said on Monday, while the agriculture ministry took steps to boost wheat and livestock supplies amid global fears of a food shortage.
(A P)
Saudi Arabia expands lockdown as coronavirus death toll doubles
(A P)
Saudi Arabia shuts entry and exit into Jeddah, brings forward curfew: state news agency
(A P)
Saudi Arabia expands partial lockdown
(A)
Britain, U.S. working with Saudis to repatriate citizens
Saudi Arabian Airlines will begin exceptional commercial flights this week to bring British nationals and their families back to the United Kingdom, and similar flights are being arranged for U.S. citizens to return home, both countries said.
cp9 USA
Siehe / Look at cp9a
(* B P)
Revealed: Saudis suspected of phone spying campaign in US
Exclusive: Whistleblower’s data suggests millions of tracking requests sent over four-month period
(Saudi Arabia appears to be exploiting weaknesses in the global mobile telecoms network to track its citizens as they travel around the US, according to a whistleblower who has shown the Guardian millions of alleged secret tracking requests.
Data revealed by the whistleblower, who is seeking to expose vulnerabilities in a global messaging system called SS7, appears to suggest a systematic spying campaign by the kingdom, according to experts.
The data suggests that millions of secret tracking requests emanated from Saudi Arabia over a four-month period beginning in November 2019.
The tracking requests, which sought to establish the US location of Saudi–registered phones, appeared to originate from Saudi’s three biggest mobile phone companies.
The whistleblower said they were unable to find any legitimate reason for the high volume of the requests for location information. “There is no other explanation, no other technical reason to do this. Saudi Arabia is weaponising mobile technologies,” the whistleblower claimed.
The data leaked by the whistleblower was also seen by telecommunications and security experts, who confirmed they too believed it was indicative of a surveillance campaign by Saudi Arabia.
(A H P)
Chairs @RepEliotEngel & @RepAdamSmith lead effort pushing Trump Admin to maintain humanitarian assistance to Yemen during #CoronavirusOutbreak. "Abruptly ceasing aid would exacerbate an already tragic humanitarian crisis," the lawmakers wrote to @SecPompeo& @USAIDMarkGreen (text in image)
https://twitter.com/HouseForeign/status/1243233753012600833
(A P)
Vigil for Peace in Yemen, a New Norm
For the past three years, several dozen New Yorkers have gathered each Saturday at Union Square, at 11:00 a.m. to vigil for peace in Yemen.
Now, however, due to the coronavirus, the vigil for peace is radically altered. Last week, in recognition of the city’s coming shelter in place program, participants were asked to hold individual vigils at their respective homes on the subsequent Saturday mornings
Particularly now, with intense focus on US health care, it’s timely to recognize that in the past five years US supported Gulf Coalition airstrikes bombed Yemen’s health care facilities 83 times.
US national security leaders and stakeholders in war, as they shelter in place, have an extraordinary opportunity to set a new norm and link with the vigil for Peace in Yemen, virtually.
https://original.antiwar.com/kelly/2020/03/27/vigil-for-peace-in-yemen-a-new-norm/ = https://www.eurasiareview.com/28032020-vigil-for-peace-in-yemen-a-new-norm-oped/ = http://warisacrime.org/2020/03/28/vigil-for-peace-in-yemen-a-new-norm/
cp9a USA-Iran Krise: Spannungen am Golf / US-Iran crisis: Tensions at the Gulf
(A P)
US wages medical terror against Iranians amidst COVID-19 pandemic: FM Zarif
Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has once again hit out at the United States for its refusal to lift Iran sanctions amid the deadly coronavirus pandemic, saying that Washington is upgrading its “economic terrorism” to a new level of “medical terror” against Iranians.
"US has gone from sabotage & assassinations to waging an economic war & #EconomicTerrorism on Iranians—to #MedicalTerror amidst #covid19iran," Zarif said in a post on his official Twitter account on Sunday.
(* A P)
Film (Pompeo): @SecPompeo : Our pressure campaign is designed to induce Iran to act like a normal country. I urged our #G7 partners to go further in joining us – and they should especially stand with the U.S. in ensuring that Iran never obtain a nuclear weapon.
https://twitter.com/StateDept/status/1243206205826359299
Comments: The US is choking Iran with sanctions amid the Covid-19 outbreak. Your Saudi allies are continuing to bomb Yemen to ashes killing and starving millions. Your Israeli allies are restricting Gaza from healthcare to treat Corona patients. But Iran must act like a “normal” country
https://twitter.com/HadiNasrallah/status/1244072300888154112
Yes, act like the US, drop nukes on civilian populations, Hiroshima, Nagasaki. Create false flag attack to start war and drop Napalm on civilians, Vietnam. Give chemical weapons to dictator, Saddam, and get him to start war with neighbour, Iran. Then when dictator wants to ...
https://twitter.com/DocMartinDub/status/1243444867042328576
My comment: The US is world’s No. 1 rogue state: “America First”!
(A K P)
US-led forces pull out of 3rd Iraqi base this month
The U.S.-led coalition withdrew on Sunday from a military base in northern Iraq that nearly launched Washington into an open war with neighboring Iran.
The K1 Air Base is the third site coalition forces have left this month in line with U.S. plans to consolidate its troops in two locations in Iraq.
https://apnews.com/1ffca83b46bd8589b4015e1f1f80f278
(* B P)
Der Tod der anderen
Iran: Das von der Corona-Pandemie gebeutelte Land darf auch weiterhin auf keinerlei Lockerung der US-Sanktionen hoffen
Muss im Mittleren Osten der Iran so viel mehr Corona-Tote zählen (zu Wochenbeginn mehr als 1.200) als andere Länder der Region, sollte einen US-Präsidenten die Lust am Strafen weniger befriedigen als gewöhnlich. Gefragt wären eine humanitäre Geste und der Entschluss, für die Zeit der Heimsuchung auf Sanktionen zu verzichten, die das iranische Gesundheitswesen seit Jahren auszehren und nun daran hindern, Menschenleben zu retten.
Nichts dergleichen geschieht. Donald Trump bleibt bei seinem Kurs „des maximalen Drucks“. Wie Außenminister Mike Pompeo andeutet, könnte der sogar verschärft werden. Ausländischen Firmen ist angedroht, auf der Sanktionsliste zu landen, sollten sie nach dem dramatischen Appell von Präsident Hassan Rohani, dem Iran medizinisches Gerät und 3,2 Millionen Testkits zu schicken, den Handelskontakt wieder beleben. Weil die Herren im Weißen Haus so schwer an sich glauben, nehmen sie den Tod der anderen eben leicht. Dieses Verhalten konterkariert alle zivilisierten Auffassungen von politischer Gegnerschaft und wird lange nachwirken.
Das antiamerikanische Ressentiment im Iran muss dann von keiner Theokratie mehr angefacht werden. Es wird tief in einem Volk wurzeln, das erfahren musste, wie die USA darauf reagierten, als in ihrem Land mehr als 12.000 Pandemie-Opfer, so die WHO-Prognose, zu beklagen waren. Sie werden wissen, die globale Klassengesellschaft hat es nicht anders gewollt. Dies straft alle Propheten Lügen, die gerade ohne einleuchtenden Grund und wirklichen Beweis unablässig verbreiten, nach diesem Schock werde die Welt eine andere sein.
https://www.freitag.de/autoren/lutz-herden/der-tod-der-anderen
(A P)
IRGC chief warns US to leave region
Chief Commander of IRGC once again warned the Americans to leave the region, saying, “When the Americans are in the region, they will both harm themselves and the nations of the region, and their existence results in nothing but the deterioration of their own power and damage to the nations of the region.”
Recalling the IRGC missile attack on US airbase, Ain al-Asad, in Iraq, he said, “Some US officials announced after the attack that they wanted to carry out limited operations against the Iranians, which was no more than a political bluff.”
Referring to Iran’s upper hand in the region, he noted, “The US has tested the power of the Islamic Republic of Iran and knows very well how Iran will react to any efforts to undermine it.”
https://en.mehrnews.com/news/157080/IRGC-chief-warns-US-to-leave-region
(* B P)
Iran: US-Falken fordern "Kollaps des Regimes"
Während Rohani vor einer "zweiten Welle" der Ausbreitung der Corona-Infektionen warnt, setzen die Hardliner in Washington auf Härte
https://www.heise.de/tp/features/Iran-US-Falken-fordern-Kollaps-des-Regimes-4690978.html
(* B P)
Westliche Sanktionen verhindern den Kampf gegen Coronavirus – UNO fordert deren Aussetzung
Die UNO fordert, alle Sanktionen während der Coronakrise auszusetzen, weil ansonsten die weltweite Verbreitung des Virus nicht aufgehalten werden kann. Aber haben Sie davon etwas in den „Qualitätsmedien“ gehört?
Wie sehr die „Qualitätsmedien“ Nachrichten unterdrücken, die ihnen nicht in ihre politische Linie passen, sieht man in diesen Tagen deutlich.
habe gar nicht bemerkt, dass die deutschen Medien das praktisch komplett verschwiegen haben.
Dass die Sanktionen des Westens gegen Länder wie Syrien, Iran, Venezuela und andere völkerrechtswidrig sind, ist kein Geheimnis. Der UNO-Sonderbeauftragte für Sanktionen und ihre Folgen vom OHCHR, Idriss Jazairy, hat im August 2019 vor der UNO einen Bericht vorgestellt, der all die Sanktionen auf ihre Rechtmäßigkeit und auch ihre Folgen untersucht hat. Die Details finden Sie hier.
Kurz gesagt sind alle Sanktionen gegen diese Länder Verstöße gegen das Völkerrecht und weil die westlichen Sanktionen den Ländern auch den Zugang zu Medikamenten und medizinischem Gerät ganz oder teilweise verwehren, sind die Sanktionen auch Völkermord, denn sie führen dazu, dass Zivilisten – vor allem Kinder und alte Menschen – an Krankheiten sterben, die behandelbar wären, wenn der Westen nicht die Lieferung von Medikamenten unterbinden würde.
Das passt natürlich nicht in das Narrativ der „Qualitätsmedien“, daher berichten sie darüber nicht. Und so erklärt sich auch, dass es in Deutschland praktisch keine Berichte darüber, gab dass nun der UNO-Generalsekretär und die UNO-Hochkommissarin für Menschenrechte ein sofortiges Ende der Sanktionen gefordert haben. Dabei haben sie sich nicht einmal auf das Völkerrecht berufen, diese Appelle verhallen im traditionell Westen ungehört, sondern auf das Eigeninteresse des Westens.
Wenn die Sanktionen dazu führen, dass sich das Coronavirus zum Beispiel in Syrien oder im Iran ungehindert ausbreiten kann, dann sind alle Maßnahmen, die derzeit weltweit im Kampf gegen das Virus getroffen werden, sinnlos, weil aus diesen Ländern immer wieder Infizierte in andere – auch westliche – Länder kommen und die Krankheit mitbringen werden. Dabei ist es egal, ob sie legal oder illegal einreisen, die Erfahrung zeigt, dass sie einreisen.
Das ist absurd: Während die westlichen Länder ihre Grenzen schließen, Ausgangssperren verhängen, das Leben der Menschen einschränken, eine massive Wirtschafts- und Finanzkrise befürchten, lassen sie Sanktionen bestehen, die dazu führen, dass das Virus sich in einigen Ländern praktisch ungehindert ausbreiten kann.
bezieht sich auf:
(* B P)
America Must Have a 'Regime Collapse' Strategic Goal for Iran
One cannot know when that spark will arrive in Iran, but it is incumbent upon the United States to hasten its coming, so that that evil regime collapses, as Soviet rule did, and like all evil regimes eventually do. The longer it takes, the more lives will be endangered and the more U.S. interests threatened.
To build on the momentum generated by the strike against Suleimani, avoid Iranian misapprehension of U.S. resolve, and truly change the game in the Middle East, the United States needs both to sharpen and clarify its policy toward Iran by adopting the strategic goal of “regime collapse.”
To refresh and clarify U.S. policy, the administration should make “regime collapse” the clear, explicit and overarching goal for its strategy toward Iran.
Iran is overextended internationally and economically weak, and its regime appears far more defensive, devoid of domestic legitimacy and vulnerable, even though its security forces are still willing to kill and imprison those who oppose the regime.
For this reason, the first policy implication of a regime collapse strategy should be to advance the political decomposition process already underway in Iran and do nothing to slow it down. To achieve regime collapse, the United States should implement a campaign to exacerbate the regime’s internal contradictions and domestic tensions so that it eventually collapses from within.
Thus, the second element of a regime collapse strategy must be a “rollback” policy designed to weaken Iran’s power projection capabilities and evict its existing forces and proxies from critical points around the region.
The main implication of a U.S. strategy of regime collapse is a policy of comprehensive pressure—economic, military, diplomatic (public and private) and political. Some of it can be directly applied by the United States, and some indirectly, by bolstering support for Israel in its effort to roll back Iranian expansion on the ground.
Short of that, just conducting negotiations with Tehran could bolster the regime, which is exactly the opposite of what we should be doing. As it has recently stated, the regime would only agree to negotiations if it received sanctions relief as a precondition.
It is vital for the United States to cement the gains in deterrence and credibility accomplished by the Suleimani strike. Credible military deterrence historically has been the most reliable means of dissuading Iranian aggression and disincentivizing the regime from expanding its nuclear program
The credibility of such statements can be further bolstered by clear demonstrations of U.S. resolve. The United States should maintain a limited military presence in Syria and Iraq, updating these forces’ rules of engagement to permit appropriately forceful self-defense responses to provocations by Iran or its proxies.
Still, the United States should go beyond just building pressure and deterrence; it should help roll back Iran’s outsized regional footprint and its ability to threaten its neighbors and even the United States. This alone is a major strategic objective.
Certainly, the most impactful form of a rollback would be to destroy Iran’s nuclear program. Such an effort, at least for a time, would eliminate one of the major rising threats to the American homeland and our assets and allies in the Middle East, and send a powerful message to North Korea – by Michael Makovsky, a former Pentagon official in the George W. Bush administration, is president and CEO of the Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA)
My comment: Even those who totally dislike the Iranian rulers will realize that the US is world’s rogue state No. 1.
(* B P)
Film: U.S. Sanctions: Criminal, Cruel, and Counterproductive
U.S. sanctions on countries like Iran, Cuba, and Venezuela are making it harder to contain the deadly pandemic. Meanwhile, Cuba is leading the way with Coronavirus treatments, medical missions, international solidarity and "understanding health as a human right.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDDmGrTEIJQ
(* A P)
As world hunkers down, Trump moves full-speed against US foes
The coronavirus pandemic is shaking up the world, but not US foreign policy.
As billions hunker down to halt the spread of the virus, President Donald Trump has only ramped up sanctions and other pressure against frequent targets such as Iran and Venezuela.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has led calls for an "immediate global ceasefire" to refocus on fighting COVID-19 and on Friday appealed for the "waiving of sanctions that can undermine countries' capacity to respond to the pandemic."
The appeals have fallen on deaf ears in Washington. The Trump administration has kept sweeping sanctions on Iran, one of the countries worst hit by the pandemic, and in recent weeks has blacklisted more Iranians including over the clerical regime's heavy involvement in neighboring Iraq.
Pompeo, in a recent interview, said Iran would use any economic relief to pursue nuclear weapons and back Iraqi Shiite militias who have increasingly fought a proxy war with US forces.
"You see the way... the regime is treating their people in this time of enormous crisis. You see the way that they continue to spend money," Pompeo told conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt.
Many experts agree that Iran, among other countries, made crucial missteps in trying to stem the coronavirus.
But some voiced exasperation that the administration would seek to distract or even topple regimes as a deadly illness infects the globe.
"It's almost like a bad joke. What's worse than a pandemic appearing in a country where there is no government? That is really the last thing that you want," said Max Abrahms, a professor at Northeastern University and fellow at the Quincy Institute, a Washington think tank that advocates military restraint.
"We need to rethink our understanding of US national security. It seems particularly absurd for the United States to invest so heavily in remaking foreign countries at a time when our own nurses in New York City are literally wearing trash bags," he said.
Abrahms said Pompeo and other hawkish US officials were stuck in a mindset of trying to remove adversarial regimes rather than seeing a greater US interest in protecting public health.
"Even countries that we do not like live in the same universe. And we need to work with them to address mutual problems," he said.
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/world-hunkers-down-trump-moves-full-speed-against-160305188.html
(A P)
Crazy people like Mike Pompeo are pushing the Trump administration to go to war against an Iraqi militia that helped defeat ISIS IN THE MIDDLE OF A PANDEMIC. Mike Pompeo is one of the most dangerous people in the world
https://twitter.com/RaniaKhalek/status/1243640203979472896
referring to
(* A P)
Pentagon Order to Plan for Escalation in Iraq Meets Warning From Top Commander
A secret Pentagon directive orders planning to try to destroy a militia group backed by Iran, but America’s top general in Iraq cautions of the risks.
The Pentagon has ordered military commanders to plan for an escalation of American combat in Iraq, issuing a directive last week to prepare a campaign to destroy an Iranian-backed militia group that has threatened more attacks against American troops. But the United States’ top commander in Iraq has warned that such a campaign could be bloody and counterproductive and risks war with Iran.
The Pentagon directive and General White’s response — both classified internal military communications — were described by several American officials with direct knowledge of their contents. The exchange comes amid a simmering fight inside the Trump administration over policy toward Iran and the course of America’s war in Iraq, which began just over 17 years ago.
Some top officials, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Robert C. O’Brien, the national security adviser, have been pushing for aggressive new action against Iran and its proxy forces — and see an opportunity to try to destroy Iranian-backed militia groups in Iraq as leaders in Iran are distracted by the pandemic crisis in their country.
Military leaders, including Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper and Gen. Mark A. Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, have been wary of a sharp military escalation, warning it could further destabilize the Middle East at a time when President Trump has said he hopes to reduce the number of American troops in the region.
Still, American officials said Mr. Esper authorized planning for a new campaign inside Iraq — even as the military reduces its counterterrorism presence there — to provide options for Mr. Trump in the event that Iranian-backed militia groups escalate their own attacks against American troops, said two senior administration officials.
During an Oval Office meeting on March 19, Mr. Trump did not make a decision about whether he might authorize the new campaign in Iraq, but allowed the planning to continue, according to American officials.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/27/world/middleeast/pentagon-iran-iraq-militias-coronavirus.html = https://economicnews.today/pentagon-order-to-plan-for-escalation-in-iraq-meets-warning-from-top-commander/
(* A P)
US Extends Iraq Waivers But Intensifies Iran Sanctions as COVID-19 Breaks Records
The US has once again extended a waiver allowing Iraq to import Iranian electricity and natural gas, but at the same time intensified its sanctions against Iran despite the coronavirus pandemic which is infecting more and more Iranians.
Morgan Ortagus, a US State Department spokeswoman, said in a statement on Thursday that “Iraq is permitted to engage in financial transactions related to the import of electricity from Iran” under a US-issued sanctions waiver.
"The purpose of this waiver, which the United States is renewing today, is to meet the immediate energy needs of the Iraqi people,” she added.
The extension is for 30 days, the shortest extension yet for Iraq, and will be the last extension issued, according to AFP.
The US, at the same time, imposed new sanctions against 20 entities based in Iran and Iraq, which she claimed were funneling money to Iran's Quds Force.
Ortagus claimed that these entities were exploiting Iraq's dependence on Iran as an electricity source.
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2020/03/27/621724/www.presstv.tv
(* A P)
Given the current COVID-19 situation, today, China, Russia, Iran, Syria, DPR of Korea, Cuba, Nicaragua & Venezuela addressed SG @antonioguterres so that the UN expresses strong support for the lifting of illegal coercive measures. (text in image)
https://twitter.com/jaarreaza/status/1243024030153805825
(A K P)
The Pentagon has ordered military commanders to plan for an escalation of American combat in Iraq, issuing a directive last week to prepare a campaign to destroy an Iranian-backed militia group that has threatened more attacks against American troops, according to NYT
https://twitter.com/MaherFarrukh/status/1243644472103251968
(* B H P)
Trump must ease sanctions against Iran or face a humanitarian catastrophe
cp10 Großbritannien / Great Britain
(* A K P)
Revealed: £1bn of taxpayers' cash to help foreign countries buy British arms
Campaigners say plan will end up fuelling conflict and human rights abuses
The government has quietly drawn up proposals to lend other countries £1bn of public money so that they can buy British-made bombs and surveillance technology.
The move has been attacked by arms-control campaigners who say that taxpayers’ cash may end up fuelling conflict and human rights abuses.
The plan was revealed in a single sentence slipped into this month’s budget. Unveiling a new £2bn lending facility for projects supporting clean growth, the government also announced the creation of “a new £1bn (fund) to support overseas buyers of UK defence and security goods and services”.
“Even in times of crisis, the government is showing that it will go to any length to sell as many weapons as possible,” said Andrew Smith of Campaign Against Arms Trade. “The arms deals being supported with this money could be used in enabling atrocities and abuses for years to come. Government should be regulating and controlling arms sales, not using public money and doing everything it can to promote them.”
The government sees the defence industry as a major contributor to Britain’s post-Brexit economy. The Department for International Trade has a specialist team to promote UK arms sales.
Some £5.3bn of arms have been licensed to Saudi Arabia since the war in Yemen began.
cp12 Andere Länder / Other countries
(A P)
Emirati activist condemns UAE crimes
Abduah al-Taweel calls on Emirati people to take action against UAE crimes domestic and abroad
Well-known Emirati human rights activist Abdullah al-Taweel has launched a verbal attack on UAE rulers over its repressive attitudes inside its own borders, as well as its war crimes in Yemen and Libya.
Al-Taweel said in a tweet on Sunday that “wished to find UAE officials who care for humanity, and will show solidarity with the oppressed in Yemen and Libya and those detained in prisons in Yemen, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.”
https://www.uprising.today/emirati-activist-condemns-uae-crimes/
(A P)
Hezbollah Chief Calls for End to Saudi Aggression on Yemen
Secretary-General of Hezbollah Resistance Movement Sayed Hassan Nasrallah said the international community must stop turning a blind eye on Saudi crimes in Yemen and put pressure on the regime to end its aggression against the impoverished Arab country.
(A P)
Mohamed bin Zayed, Syrian President discuss efforts to contain coronavirus
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, spoke over the phone with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to discuss the latest developments and effects of the coronavirus, COVID-19, on the region and the world at large.
For his part, President Bashar al-Assad welcomed Sheikh Mohamed's collaborative initiative while praising the UAE humanitarian stance in light of the new challenge that both the region and the world are experiencing.
http://www.wam.ae/en/details/1395302833386
(A P)
After online criticism for refusing to accept 31 Bahrainis who traveled from Iran to Qatar, Bahrain says it'll take them; as usual, blames Qatar
https://twitter.com/Justin_D_Martin/status/1244158245847138310
and https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2052641
(A P)
#UK #US backed #Apartheid AlKhalifa regime refuses to let in hundreds of #Shia Bahrainis into their homeland, so #Qatar, acting with #Arab & Khaliji morals took them in.
https://twitter.com/AliAlAhmed_en/status/1243973752578281473
referring to
Government Communication Office statement on hosting Qatar # for Bahraini citizens stranded at Hamad International Airport after the Bahraini government refused to receive them.
https://twitter.com/GCOQatar/status/1243968701172518912
and
(A P)
A 6th death case was recorded today among the Bahraini pilgrims stranded in Iran. #Bahrain 's Gov't is delaying their evacuation since a month, & closing all the doors that allow them to return back.
https://twitter.com/FatimaYazbek1/status/1243803056573038594
(* B P)
Russia’s return to Yemen
Relations between Russia and Yemen are based on treaties of friendship and economic cooperation with the People's Democratic Republic of Yemen in southern Yemen in 1979, and with the Yemen Arab Republic in northern Yemen in 1984.
At the end of the Cold War, Moscow abandoned its bases in southern Yemen and lost the geopolitical influence in the region in favor of the United States of America. This Russian background helps the Russian influence returns to the region while the American influence is declining, not only because of a Russian desire to confront the West, but also to restore its military and geopolitical strength in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
The Russian desire to return to Yemen emerged in 2009 when a Russian military official spoke of his country’s desire to establish a military base in the vicinity of the strategically important Strait of Bab al-Mandab
In March 2020, the conflict on oil broke out between Saudi Arabia and Russia. It does not seem that the Russian- Saudi obstinacy will soon reach an agreement to end the crisis.
Russian strategy in Yemen
Moscow maintains a good relationship with the two main conflicting parties in Yemen. Until the assassination of Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh by the Houthis in December 2017, Moscow maintained diplomatic corps in both Sana'a and Aden. It believes that the Saudi-led coalition operations are escalating the war in Yemen.
To understand more, this study touches on the nature of the Russian strategy and its relationship with local and international implications related to war and peace in Yemen.
Scenarios of Russia’s return to Yemen:
In light of the policy of openness and expected rapprochement with the Houthis in the north under the Iranian sponsorship and strategic cooperation with the Emirates that control the Southern Transitional Council, in addition to Russia’s need to return to the areas of influence that it had lost after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the mutual economic pressure with Saudi Arabia, and the return to military competition with the United States, Britain and Europe, some scenarios are expected about Russia's next step to find a foothold in Yemen and in the Bab al-Mandab Strait:
Summary:
The return of the Russian influence in areas of the Soviet Union era, near the Bab al-Mandab, the Horn of Africa and near the corridors of international trade and energy transmission lines, is not just a dream, but a strategy that Moscow seeks to achieve at the lowest cost. Russia likely will move to achieve the second scenario, starting with military presence in Yemen unofficially through private security and military companies, along with the most important part of the first scenario – exerting efforts to end the war in Yemen- in preparation for achieving the third scenario, which is a full military presence. Russia hopes that its presence in the north will be achieved in coordination with Saudi Arabia, if negotiations between Riyadh and the Houthis succeed, and its presence in the south will be obtained in partnership with the United Arab Emirates.
https://abaadstudies.org/news-59835.html
My comment: With a propaganda narrative: The bad Russians try to get influence. And, this is just propaganda BS: “The Houthis combat capabilities are based on the Iranian aid. It includes combat training, ballistic missiles, and smart marine missiles”.
cp13a Kulturerbe / Cultural heritage
(* B K)
Yemen's historic castle in Saada stands at risk
For hundreds of years, Al-Qashla Castle struggles to survive conflicts and war in Yemen's northern historic city of Saada.
It stands tall for more than 600 years. Al-Qashla Castle in Yemen's northern historic city of Saada has withstood conflicts through hundreds of years, and today is again trying to survive the war.
The castle stands on a hill at the heart of the city, one of the oldest medieval cities in Yemen.
Many of the mudbrick high-rises houses of the historic city have been razed to the ground by the bombing raids. Now the castle stands as testimony to the tragedy and the war's massive human loss.
The castle was the top popular destination for local visitors and tourists from all over the world before the civil war erupted.
The historic city lies on a wide area and was surrounded by a high wall with four gates.
The bombing destroyed many houses in the city, and caused severe damage to others that are not yet repaired. The city requires some maintenance and restoration work, including the castle (photos)
http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-03/29/c_138928458.htm
cp13b Wirtschaft / Economy
(* B E K)
Verkehrsminister: 5 Milliarden und 856 Millionen $ Verluste im Verkehrssektor aufgrund der Aggression
Der Verkehrsminister Zakaria Al-Shami gab bekannt, dass die Länder der Aggressionsallianz nach vorläufigen Angaben über fünf Jahre hinweg großen Schaden sowie direkte und indirekte Verluste für den Verkehrssektor in Höhe von fünf Milliarden und 856 Millionen Dollar erlitten haben.
Er erklärte, dass die direkten und indirekten Verluste des Sektors Zivilluftfahrt und Meteorologie auf 4 Milliarden und 725 Millionen Dollar geschätzt wurden, während die Schäden und Verluste der jemenitischen Rotmeer-Hafengesellschaft auf 955 Millionen Dollar geschätzt wurden.
In Bezug auf Schäden und Verluste im Straßenverkehrssektor gab Al-Shami an, dass er nach Schätzungen der Generalbehörde für Landverkehrsangelegenheiten neben dem Verlust von Menschenleben und der Verhängung des ungerechten Embargos auf dem Luft-, See- und Landweg, das laut Berichten der Vereinten Nationen zu der weltweit schlimmsten humanitären Katastrophe führte, 176 Millionen Dollar betrug Und internationale Organisationen.
https://www.saba.ye/de/news3092413.htm
(* B E K)
Over $ 5 Billion, 856 Million Transport Sector Losses Due to US-Saudi Aggression, Blockade
Minister of Transport Major General Zakaria Al-Shami announced, Sunday, that the losses of the transport sector in the Republic of Yemen as a result of the US-Saudi aggression and siege are not less than 5 billion and 856 million dollars.
The Minister explained at a press conference held in the capital, Sana’a, that the coalition of aggression had caused great damage in the sectors of air, land and sea transport for five years.
“The direct and indirect losses of the civil aviation and meteorology sector were estimated at 4 billion and 725 million dollars, while the damage and losses of the Yemeni Red Sea Ports Corporation were estimated at 955 million dollars,” Al-Shami added.
He pointed out that the land transportation sector has lost $ 176 million, according to estimates of the General Authority for the Regulation of Land Transport Affairs.
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=11999
(* B E K)
$1 Billion, 700 Million Direct Losses of Infrastructure of Yemeni Aviation Sector Due to Aggression
The General Authority of Civil Aviation and Meteorology estimated the direct losses of the infrastructure of the Yemeni aviation sector due to aggression and siege at one billion and 700 million dollars, while the losses of the airlines, the air freight sector and the travel sector were estimated at more than two billion and 800 million dollars.
“The decrease in the revenues of the air sector as a result of the aggression and the blockade is about 520 million and 500 thousand dollars,” the head of the General Authority of Civil Aviation and Meteorology Dr. Mohamed Abdulqader said on Sunday.
Abdulqader pointed out that 80% of the aviation sector workers lost their jobs due to the aggression, the blockade and the closure of Yemen's airspace
“The Yemeni Airlines losses amounted to more than one billion and 550 million dollars and the losses of Al-Saidah Aviation 86 million dollars,” he added. indicating that the losses of the travel and air freight sectors and automated reservation systems exceeded 657 million dollars.
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=11997
(* B E K)
Yemen Red Sea Ports Losses Exceed 800 Million Dollars Due to US-Saudi Aggression, Siege
Yemen Red Sea Ports Corporation announced Saturday that its losses, due to US-Saudi aggression and siege, exceeded 800 million dollars, noting that the decline in various import ships from 794 ships in 2014 amounted to 191 at their lowest level in 2018.
The Corporation clarified that the decline in merchandise imports is from 6 million and 640 thousand tons in 2014 to 3 and a half million tons during the years of the blockade, while the volume of fuel imports decreased by half.
It pointed out that 75% of the export activity stopped as it decreased from 227 thousand tons to 59 thousand tons, explaining that 12 thousand employees and workers in Hodeidah ports were directly and indirectly affected by the consequences of the siege.
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=11977
and also https://debriefer.net/en/news-16015.html
cp15 Propaganda
(A P)
Iran, Al Houthi troubles led to missile attack on Saudi Arabia
Both are using the war for domestic gains, complicating efforts to battle COVID-19
As the people’s anger rises, Al Houthis may well have thought an attack on Saudi Arabia can divert the public attention by claiming false victory, which would also resonate very well with their backers in Tehran, who have invested huge money and arms in their militia proxy to fight against the Saudi-led Arab coalition.
Iran has another motive in escalating the war. Hardliners in Tehran, who are pushing for more involvement in Yemen, Iraq and Lebanon to expand Iran’s influence in the Arab region, have been very critical of the Rouhani government’s inadequate response to the coronavirus outbreak.
(A P)
Op-Ed: Don't Look to Heaven - Blame Beijing and Tehran for Coronavirus
We are beginning to see how we got here, and as we do so we must take our own medicine. That medicine is the truth. And you don’t have to look to the heavens to find the truth, in this case. For starters, you can look to Beijing and Tehran.
The Chinese government is playing us all for fools. It needs to come clean, owning its culpability in the pre-pandemic phases of COVID-19.
Equally complicit is the inhumane regime in Iran whose total disregard for human life has been especially reserved for its own citizens in this health crisis.
Here is another fact: The Iranians allowed faithful pilgrims to continue to travel to the holy city of Qom despite the fact that the virus was already raging there. Now, every Gulf nation, and many beyond, struggle themselves to contain this pandemic.
Why?
Because Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, suffers from a more powerful virus than the coronavirus. He is consumed by hatred: hatred of America, hatred of Israel, hatred of Baháʼís, hatred of Hindus, hatred of gays, hatred of atheists.
https://www.westernjournal.com/op-ed-dont-look-heaven-blame-beijing-tehran-coronavirus/
My comment: You are astonished? Look https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Western_Journal
(A P)
Moslemischer Gelehrter: Coronavirus von Juden in Umlauf gebracht
In Zeiten von Krankheiten suchen Menschen gerne nach Sündenböcken. Dabei greifen sie auf gewohnte Muster zurück. So verbreitet ein islamischer Gelehrter aus dem Jemen, dass Juden, US-Amerikaner und Israel für das Corona-Virus verantwortlich sind.
In einem Video verbreitet der Geistliche, Juden würden seit Jahrhunderten versuchen, die heiligen Stätten Medina und Mekka zu übernehmen. Das Ziel der Corona-Pandemie sei die Schließung der Stätten.
(A P)
Film: Friday Sermon by Yemeni Scholar Ibrahim Al-Ubeidi: Coronavirus Is Part of a Plan by the Jews, Israel, U.S. to Control Mecca, Medina; The Saud Clan Is a Jewish Family Brought into Power in Order to Judaize These Cities
https://twitter.com/MEMRIReports/status/1244102557343059968
(A P)
Islah helps Turkey to gain foothold in Yemen
Turkey has started working to gain influence in Yemen, having interfered in Syria and Iraq previously.
The new Turkish adventure in Yemen comes within the ambitions of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to revive the Ottoman Empire.
Islah Party, the political arm of the Muslim Brotherhood in Yemen, helps Erdogan fulfill his ambitions.
On March 15, Islah Party officials helped dozens of Turkish officers enter Yemen, according to Yemeni media.
The Turkish officers entered many Yemeni citizens, masquerading as humanitarian aid workers, the Yemeni media said.
Ankara has been playing a growing role in Yemen in the past period for a number of reasons. One of these reasons is that Turkey has strong relations with Iran.
Iran offers support to the Yemeni Houthi militia with the aim of spreading its ideology in Yemen.
Turkey hosted a meeting of Iran's mullahs and leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood in 2015 to coordinate efforts for fighting the Saudi Arabia-led Arab coalition in Yemen.
http://en.adenpress.news/news/19728
My comment: Separatists‘ conspiracy theory. The main goal is to blame their internal foe Islah Party.
(A P)
[Hadi gov.] Defense Minister says Houthis enlist child fighters to beat Yemenis into submission
Minister of Defense said the Houthis fighting the government for six years are continuing until this moment to enlist child fighters in attempt to beat Yemenis into submission and expand the theocratic militia’s control in the country.
(A P)
Grand Mufti of the Kingdom: Houthi Terrorist Militia Missiles on Saudi Arabia are Brutal Aggression
Grand Mufti of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and President of Council of Senior Scholars and General Presidency of Scholarly Research and Ifta Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Al-Sheikh condemned the launching of ballistic missiles by Houthi terrorist militia on civilians in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, affirming that it is a brutal aggression, treachery and betrayal, while the countries of the world are on alert to confront the Coronavirus that has killed thousands of people in various countries of the world.
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2053128
(A P)
Kingdom is strong with its leadership and people and Houthi militias are trying to exploit world's preoccupation with confronting Corona pandemic
The Official Spokesman of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen COL Turki Al-Malki, confirmed that the targeting carried out by the Houthi terrorist militia yesterday, Saturday, by launching two ballistic missiles towards the Kingdom, deliberately targeting civilians in the Kingdom, and targeting the unity and solidarity of the world's countries, especially with the exceptional international circumstances in combating Coronavirus..
This came in a press statement today to the media after the Saudi Royal Air Defense Forces intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles launched by the Iranian-backed terrorist Houthi militia from (Sana’a) and (Sa’dah) towards the Kingdom.
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2052837
and also http://alriyadhdaily.com/article/e89a6a0556084145b4c2eb01e839b816
(A P)
Iranian regime’s strategy of deepening suffering of Yemeni people condemned
The internationally recognized government of Yemen has strongly condemned Houthi ballistic missile attacks on Saudi Arabia on Saturday night, saying that the Houthis sought to pressure the Kingdom to halt its military support to their Yemeni opponents.
“We strongly condemn the cowardly terrorist attack by the Houthi militia on Riyadh and Jizan,” Yemen’s foreign ministry said in a statement.
The government said that the Iran-backed Houthis were not serious about making peace in Yemen as their attack came shortly after they welcomed a UN call for a truce in Yemen.
“This is Iran’s continued strategy for deepening the suffering of the Yemeni people,” the statement said.
https://www.arabnews.com/node/1649556/middle-east
and also https://debriefer.net/en/news-16049.html
(A P)
Film, Arabic: Analysts: The Yemeni war is "The beginning of the end for Iran"
The Iranian Foreign Ministry said in a statement issued last Tuesday that the United States of America will witness another defeat in Yemen and will leave it shamefully, accusing the international and Arab coalition of causing war and conflicts in these Arab countries, to which analysts responded that Iran is the one who will get out of Yemen defeated because of its failed foreign policy, saying that the war in the country is the "beginning of the end for Iran", they also pointed out that its continued support for the Houthis is the main cause of the war and fighting in Yemen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZDHS06pna4
(A P)
Hadi Accuses Al-Houthi militia of Working for Iran's Territorial Designs
Yemeni President Abd Rabbo Mansour Hadi accused Al-Houthi terrorist militia of working for Iran's territorial plans, goals and agenda
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2052433
(A P)
Yemeni Info. Minister calls Al-Houthi's offer to exchange Saudi prisoners of Hamas detainees in Saudi Arabia as "cheap trade"
Al-Eryani said, in tweets on “Twitter”, that “Houthis militia leader announcement of prisoners’ exchange is just cheap bidding defied by terrorist practices of killing, abduction &torture of 10000s destroying homes and mosques, closing Al-Aqsa Society and looting its assets, and abducrion of journalists and activists whose weapon is pen
https://debriefer.net/en/news-15997.html
(A P)
Saudi Ambassador: Houthi Rhetoric Won’t Hide Militia Crimes
Saudi Ambassador to Yemen Mohammed bin Saeed Al Jaber, described on Friday Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi as a “fond of lies,” adding that his rhetoric would not fool the Yemeni people or make them forget the crimes committed by his militia.
In a series of tweets posted Friday on his account, the Saudi Ambassador responded to the recent speech of al-Houthi who spoke on the occasion of the 5th anniversary of the war against the Yemenis and renewed his loyalty to the Iranian regime.
“Despite all the bloody wars launched by the Houthis for no reasons, and despite terrorizing Yemeni tribes, the people in Yemen always hoped that (Al Houthi’s) militias would come to their senses. However, promises were repeatedly broken and peace agreements were violated,” he wrote.
cp16 Saudische Luftangriffe / Saudi air raids
(* A K pH)
Saudi coalition air raids and shelling day by day
March 28: https://www.facebook.com/lcrdye/photos/pb.551288185021551.-2207520000../1618631768287182/
March 27: https://www.facebook.com/lcrdye/photos/pb.551288185021551.-2207520000../1618630148287344/
March 26: https://www.facebook.com/lcrdye/photos/pb.551288185021551.-2207520000../1618625314954494/
March 25: https://www.facebook.com/lcrdye/photos/a.551858951631141/1618620851621607/
March 24: https://www.facebook.com/lcrdye/photos/a.551858951631141/1618619934955032/
(A K pH)
Air raids today targeted the Central Communications Building on # Kamran Island and were almost completely destroyed (photos)
https://www.facebook.com/SaudiArabia.war.crimes.against.Yemen/posts/2262824957346819
and also https://twitter.com/mamashami/status/1244699221913145345
(* A K pH)
Aggressionsluftwaffe fliegt 19 Luftangriffe auf Hauptstadt Sanaa
US-saudische Luftwaffe hat heute 19 Luftangriffe auf verschiedene Orten in der Haupstadt Sanaa angeflogen.
Eine Sicherheitsquelle im Gouvernorat erklärte der jemenitischen Nachrichtenagentur (Saba), dass der Luftangriffe dem Military College, Attan, Nahdaeen, Al-Dailami und Al-Hafa und dem Fernsehen bombardiert habe
https://www.saba.ye/de/news3092519.htm
(* A K pH)
Coalition aggression aircraft wage 19 raids on capital Sanaa
The aggression coalition airstrikes targeted the Military College and al-Dailami base, as well as Attan, Nahdain, and Hafa areas, and the TV hill
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3092509.htm
(* A K)
Air strikes hit Houthi-held Yemeni capital Sanaa - witnesses
The Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthi group in Yemen carried out several air strikes on Monday on the capital Sanaa, witnesses said.
A number of sensitive sites including the presidential palace compound, a military school and an air base close to Sanaa airport were hit, and loud explosions were heard across the city, residents said.
The coalition said the operation was aimed at destroying “legitimate military targets including Houthi ballistic batteries which threaten civilian lives.”
and
(* A K)
Saudi-led forces hit Yemen’s capital after missile attack
Coalition officials said in a brief statement that they had started an operation to “destroy legitimate military targets” held by the rebels. It did not elaborate further.
The officials said more than 12 airstrikes hit rebel-held Sanaa on Monday, including six strikes on a military academy north of the capital and four on a military airbase that is within the Sanaa International Airport. Further airstrikes were reported in the northwestern Amran province.
There were no immediate reports of injuries, but residents said ambulances rushed to areas where the airstrikes took place.
https://apnews.com/3400e8ae0207cc3951d40531bcfa8427
and
(* A K pS)
The Joint Forces Command of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen: Execution of A Military Operation Targeting Legitimate Military Targets of the Terrorist Iran-Backed Houthi militia in Response to Ballistic Threats, Gross Violations Against Civilians in the Kingdom
Statement by the Official Spokesman of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen COL Turki Al-Malki:
“Following up the press release by the Joint Forces Command of the Coalition regarding aggressions of the terrorist Houthi militia against civilians, nationals and expats, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Saturday 28 March 2020, which reflect the villainous, savage nature of the terrorist militia and the ones sponsoring it, and gross violations of the International Humanitarian Law, especially under current international efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, and in continuation of the responsibility to protect civilian nationals and expats in the Kingdom, and in response to the ballistic missile threat, the Joint Forces Command of the Coalition has conducted a military operation to neutralize and destroy “legitimate military targets” of the terrorist Houthi militia in accordance with customary International Humanitarian Law to confront ongoing and imminent threats.
The targets that were destroyed include advanced capabilities of the terrorist militia
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2053065
like a comment: Forget about military strategizing or planning. None of that matters. It’s all about retaliation!
https://twitter.com/Ndawsari/status/1244611063607369730
My comment: LOL: Nobody really knows which targets the Houthis had wanted to hit. Saudi propaganda always blames them to hit “civilians” (they always targeted military bases, air ports, and oil facilities), while of cause the Saudis only target “military targets” (like school busses, residential areas, wedding parties, funerals etc.)
And this is how these “military targets” look like:
(* A K)
Pferdetrainer gemartert, 2 weitere verletzt, 70 arabische Pferde bei Luftangriffen auf Military College getötet
Luftangriffe auf Kriegsflugzeuge der amerikanisch-saudischen Aggression auf das Military College in der Hauptstadt Sanaa führten zum Tod eines Pferdetrainers und zum Tod von 70 rein arabischen Pferden.
Eine lokale Quelle erklärte der jemenitischen Nachrichtenagentur (Saba), dass die Kampfflugzeuge der Aggression sechs Luftangriffe auf die Pferdeställe im College angeflogen hätten, die zum Tod eines Pferdetrainers, zur Verletzung von zwei weiteren und zum Tod von 70 rein arabischen Pferden und zur Verletzung von 30 Pferden führten.
https://www.saba.ye/de/news3092533.htm
(* A K)
(* A K pH)
3 people killed [and injured], 70 Arab horses killed in US-Saudi-led airstrikes on military college
The air raids of the US-Saudi-led aggression warplanes on Monday on the military college in the capital Sana'a killed one of the horse trainers and killed 70 Arabian horses, a security official told Saba.
Six raids on the horse stables were waged in the college, killing one horse trainer, injuring two others, killing 70 genuine Arab horses and injuring 30 horses, said the official.
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3092624.htm
and
(* A K)
Yemen: 70 horses with their trainer killed and 30 others wounded in coalition airstrikes on Sana'a
The Saudi-led Arab coalition forces supporting the Yemeni internationally recognized government targeted today, Monday, the equestrian horse in the Military College north of the Yemeni capital, Sanaa.
The Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV confirmed the death of 70 pure Arab horses and the injury of 30 in the airraids launched by the warplanes of the coalition today on the Military College.
Al-Masirah said that a horse breeder was killed in the air strikes, while 2 others were wounded in initial toll (photo)
https://debriefer.net/en/news-16068.html
Photos of raids: https://twitter.com/omeisy/status/1244579906002006017
https://www.facebook.com/SaudiArabia.war.crimes.against.Yemen/posts/2262691790693469
https://twitter.com/AhmadAlgohbary/status/1244597921972129796
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2959484257442435&set=a.133036633420559
https://www.facebook.com/SaudiArabia.war.crimes.against.Yemen/posts/2262693084026673
Photos of destruction: https://www.facebook.com/SaudiArabia.war.crimes.against.Yemen/posts/2262739247355390 = https://www.facebook.com/WeenAlEnfigarAlaan/posts/2376422942651149 (at Military College)
Photos of dead horses: https://www.facebook.com/SaudiArabia.war.crimes.against.Yemen/posts/2262707157358599
https://www.facebook.com/SaudiArabia.war.crimes.against.Yemen/posts/2262687774027204
https://www.facebook.com/SaudiArabia.war.crimes.against.Yemen/posts/2262692557360059
https://www.facebook.com/SaudiArabia.war.crimes.against.Yemen/posts/2262891697340145
Films: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0-c-QV97co
https://twitter.com/AhmadAlgohbary/status/1244608555279417346 = https://twitter.com/MohammedHojily/status/1244635847086964736
and as a reminder: https://twitter.com/HussainBukhaiti/status/771377306938044416
(A K)
02:10 pm Sana'a time, Saudi jet fighters strike the southern part of Sana'a
https://twitter.com/HussamSanabani/status/1244571378117902336
I was cooking listening to #DUALIPA Love her new songs btw! Now I am sitting on the kitchen floor waiting for another explosion shivering like a kid. The stove is off and screw it I am not cooking! Glad I sent my son at parents', he should not see me acting weird, he would ask
https://twitter.com/sukaina_yemen/status/1244571845627727873
Photos: https://twitter.com/A7medJa7af/status/1244569738392600577
https://twitter.com/A7medJa7af/status/1244576560415412224
(A K pH)
Kriegsflugzeuge der Aggression fliegen 11 Luftangriffe auf Hodeidah, darunter 2 auf einem Quarantänezentrum
Die Kriegsflugzeuge der saudi-amerikanischen Aggression haben11 Luftangriffe auf verschiedene Gebiete im Gouvernement Al-Hodeidah, darunter zwei Luftangriffe auf ein Quarantänezentrum.
Eine Sicherheitsquelle erklärte der jemenitischen Nachrichtenagentur (Saba), dass die Kampfflugzeuge der Aggression zwei Luftangriffe auf ein Quarantänezentrum im Distrikt Al-Salif und zwei Luftangriffe im Norden der Region Al-Jah im Distrikt Beit Al-Faqih angeflogen hätten.
Die Quelle wies darauf hin, dass die Kampfflugzeuge der Aggression drei Luftangriffe auf die Stadt Al-Mansri im Al-Hali Distrikt und vier Luftangriffe im Nordwesten der Stadt Sha'ab angeflogen hätten, begleitet der intensiven Umkreisung von Kampfflugzeugen über die Provinz Hodeidah.
https://www.saba.ye/de/news3092528.htm
(A K pH)
Aggression coalition wages 11 raids on Hodeidah
The US-Saudi-led aggression coalition fighter jets on Monday launched 11 airstrikes on separate areas of Hodeidah province, including two strikes on a quarantine center, a security official told Saba.
The official explained that two airstrikes targeted a quarantine center in al-Salif district, while two others hit north of al-Jah area, in Beit al-Faqih district.
He added that the aggression coalition aircraft launched three raids on al-Mansari city in al-Hali district, and four raids northwest of the city of the people, in conjunction with intensive flight in the sky of the province.
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3092517.htm
and also https://www.saba.ye/en/news3092555.htm
(A K)
Coalition warplanes bomb Sanaa in response to a Houthi attack on Riyadh
The Saudi-led Arab coalition warplanes launched on Sunday several raids against Ansar Allah group (Houthis) in the Yemeni capital, Sana'a.
The coalition air force launched 3 air strikes on the village of Al-Mithal in Yamaniah al-Suflah in the Jehana District, southeast of Sanaa.
The coalition warplanes also launched three air strikes on the sites of the 102nd Mountain Infantry Brigade in the Jumayma area in the Bani Hoshaish district, northeast of Sanaa.
Earlier today, coalition fighters launched 3 air strikes on the Rajam area in Bani Hoshaysh district, northeast of Sanaa
https://debriefer.net/en/news-16051.html
(A K pH)
Luftverteidigung abwehrt feindlische Kampfflugzeuge über Sanaa
https://www.saba.ye/de/news3092392.htm
(A K pH)
Another Saudi aerial attack foiled by Yemeni defences
Fater-1 air defence system routs Saudi warplanes again
Yemen’s army air defences have on Sunday intercepted a combat formation of several warplanes of the US-backed Saudi-led aggression over airspace and surroundings of the capital Sana’a.
“Our air defences managed to confront a combat formation consisting of a number of enemy warplanes over the airspace and surroundings of the capital Sana’a, using the Fater-1 surface-to-air missile defence system, forcing them to leave without carrying out any attack,” Armed Forces spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Sare’e, said
https://www.uprising.today/another-saudi-aerial-attack-foiled-by-yemeni-defences/
and also https://www.saba.ye/en/news3092364.htm
https://debriefer.net/en/news-16027.html
(A K pS)
The Arab Coalition launched on Saturday, a series of air raids on secret weapon depots on the outskirts of the Houthi-controlled capital Sanaa.
http://en.adenpress.news/news/19718
Photos: https://twitter.com/omeisy/status/1244579906002006017
(A K pH)
Luftverteidigung abwehrt feindliche Kampfflugzeuge über Al-Marib
https://www.saba.ye/de/news3092200.htm
(A K pH)
Air defenses Intercept Hostile Warplane of aggression coalition in Marib
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3092209.htm
(A K pH)
More Saudi coalition air raids recorded on:
March 30: https://www.saba.ye/de/news3092595.htm Jawf p., Marib p.
https://www.saba.ye/de/news3092523.htm / https://www.saba.ye/de/news3092523.htm Sanaa p., Amran p.
https://www.saba.ye/de/news3092516.htm / https://www.saba.ye/en/news3092506.htm Amran p.
March 29: https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=12004 Sanaa, Saada, Hajjah, Jawf p., Jizan
https://www.saba.ye/de/news3092427.htm / https://www.saba.ye/en/news3092414.htm Sanaa p.
https://www.saba.ye/de/news3092406.htm Saada p., Hajjah p., Jizan
March 28: https://www.saba.ye/en/news3092291.htm Marib p., Jawf p.
https://www.saba.ye/de/news3092357.htm Sanaa p.
March 27: https://www.saba.ye/en/news3092208.htm Amran p.
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=11967 Jawf p., Amran p., Saada p.
cp17 Kriegsereignisse / Theater of War
Siehe / Look at cp1b
(* A K)
Spotlight: Military operations escalate between Yemeni warring factions despite UN's cease-fire calls
Military operations are still escalating between the Yemeni warring factions despite the United Nation's repeated calls for a temporary cease-fire to reduce the suffering of people in the impoverished Arab country.
An official told Xinhua on condition of anonymity that intense battles are still taking place between the two warring rivals in the western parts of the oil-rich northeastern Marib province.
During the past 24 hours, medical sources confirmed that the battles raging over the control of areas in Marib resulted in the killing and injuring of dozens from both sides.
The Houthi rebel group dispatched hundreds of fighters backed by armored vehicles to the outskirts of Marib in an attempt to achieve a military breakthrough and achieve progress toward the oil-rich province controlled by the government.
In the neighboring northeastern province of al-Jawf, fighting is still taking place between the Yemeni government forces and Houthi fighters in some deserted areas of the strategic city bordering Saudi Arabia.
http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-03/30/c_138931954.htm
(A K)
#Jawf: Houthis have captured Al-Labnat brigade from Govt forces. Reports say it was the last brigade fighting back after Houthis seized large parts of Jawf early this month. And battles are raging on outskirts of Marib amid reports Houthis are seeking to capture Kawfal brigade.
https://twitter.com/FuadRajeh/status/1244603137614319616
(A K pH)
Libenaat army base n #Marib has fallen in the hand of #Sanaa forces, a state of collapse&chaos among #Saudi Coalition forces,n last meeting,islah Party decided to withdraw its remaining forces&money to Shabwa&Hadramout province Tribes R looting bases&weapons shipments belong to islah party (map)
https://twitter.com/HussainBukhaiti/status/1244566657084854273
(* A K pH)
Jemenitischen Streitkräfte kündigen Durchführung der größten Militäroperation in der Tiefe des saudischen Feindes an
Die jemenitischen Streitkräfte haben heute zu Beginn des sechsten Jahres der Standhaftigkeit die Durchführung der größten qualitativen Militäroperation angekündigt, die die Tiefe des saudischen Feindes bombardiert, um das Versprechen des Revolutionsführers zu erfüllen und auf die Eskalation der Aggressionskoalition zu reagieren.
Die Streitkräfte sagten in einer von ihnen abgegebenen Erklärung, dass die gemeinsame militärische Operation der Raketentruppe und der Luftwaffe mit "Thulfiqar"-Raketen und einer Reihe von Sammad-3-Flugzeugen auf eine Reihe sensibler Ziele in der Hauptstadt des saudischen Feindes Riad abzielte.
Die Streitkräfte bemerkte, dass die Operation auch eine Reihe von wirtschaftlichen und militärischen Zielen in Dschisan, Nadschran und Asir mit einer großen Anzahl von Badr-Raketen und 2K-Drohnen zum Ziel hatte.
https://www.saba.ye/de/news3092422.htm
Film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-Aqw0dBJSo
und
(* A K)
Raketen am Himmel über Riad
Saudi-Arabien macht die Huthis im Jemen für zwei Raketenangriffe auf das Königreich verantwortlich. Hinter der Aggression stünde der Iran.
In der Nacht auf Sonntag fing das saudische Luftabwehrsystem zwei Raketen ab, die auf die Hauptstadt Riad und die südsaudische Stadt Dschasan abbgefeuert worden waren. Dies sagte ein Sprecher der saudisch geführten Militärkoalition, die im Jemen seit 2015 gegen die Huthi-Rebellen Krieg führt.
Die Geschosse seien „von der terroristischen (...) Huthi-Miliz gegen Zivilisten und zivile Objekte im Königreich“ abgefeuert worden. Angaben der saudischen Luftabwehr zufolge wurden zwei Menschen durch Trümmerteile leicht verletzt, die vom Himmel fielen.
Anders als bei vorherigen Angriffen reklamierten die Huthi-Rebellen die Tat zunächst jedoch nicht für sich. Militärjets der Militärkoalition griffen einem Bericht der Senders Al Jazeera zufolge wenige Stunden nach den Raketenangriffen eine Militärbasis der Huthis im Jemen an.
https://taz.de/Angriff-auf-saudische-Hauptstadt/!5673290/
und
(* A K)
Saudiarabien fängt Raketen über Riad und Grenzstadt zum Jemen ab
Die Luftabwehr Saudiarabiens hat über der Hauptstadt Riad und einer Stadt an der Grenze zum Jemen zwei Raketen abgefangen. In Riad wurden mindestens zwei Menschen durch herabfallende Splitter verletzt, wie die staatliche Nachrichtenagentur SPA am Sonntag meldete. Die von Saudiarabien angeführte Militärkoalition im Jemen machte die dort kämpfenden Houthi-Rebellen für die Angriffe verantwortlich.
SPA berichtete unter Berufung auf die Militärkoalition, zwei ballistische Raketen seien auf Riad und Jisan abgefeuert worden. Riad, wo wegen der Corona-Pandemie eine 15-stündige Ausgangssperre gilt, wurde am Samstag kurz vor Mitternacht von mindestens drei Explosionen erschüttert, wie Reporter der Nachrichtenagentur AFP meldeten. Nach dem Abschuss der Raketen regneten Granatsplitter auf Wohngebiete nieder, wodurch zwei Zivilisten verletzt wurden, wie ein Sprecher des Zivilschutzes laut SPA mitteilte.
https://www.nzz.ch/international/huthi-milizen-greifen-erneut-ziele-in-saudiarabien-an-ld.1549172
(* A K pH)
Yemeni armed forces announces largest military operation deep inside Saudi enemy
The Yemeni armed forces announced today, the largest military operation of the year, aimed at the depth of the Saudi enemy in accordance with the promise of the leader of the revolution and in response to the escalation of the coalition of aggression.
In a statement, the armed forces said that the joint military operation of the missile force and the drone air force on the ground targeted a number of sensitive targets in the Saudi enemy capital Riyadh with "Zulfikar" missiles and a number of Samad 3 drones.
The operation also targeted a number of economic and military targets in Jizan, Najran and Asir, with a large number of Badr missiles and Qasif 2K aircraft, armed forces said.
The statement reads:
Almighty said "Whoever commits aggression against you, retaliate against him in the same measure as he has committed against you".
We promise the Saudi regime painful operations if it continues its aggression and blockade of our country.
The armed forces will reveal the details of the large-scale and qualitative military operation in the coming days.
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3092432.htm
Film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-Aqw0dBJSo
and
(* A K pH)
Explosions reported in Riyadh and Jizan
Saudi sources suspect Yemeni missile strikes to be the cause
Several explosions, which were described as “very violent”, were heard on Saturday night in the Saudi capital Riyadh, and Jizan region, according to what Saudi media outlets and activists announced.
This indicates the start of implementation of the “surprises” announced by Sayyid Abdul-Malik al-Houthi in his recent speech on the eve of National Day of Resilience.
Saudi media and activists on social media emphasized that “very violent and successive explosions were heard in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, and Jizan as a result of falling missiles on the two regions.”
Saudi sources indicated that the violent explosions rocked northern Riyadh, and suggested them to be caused by renewed bombing of Aramco’s oil facilities, the world’s largest oil production and export company, which had been previously targeted by the Yemeni missile force and drones with three operations.
https://www.uprising.today/explosions-reported-in-riyadh-and-jizan/
and
(* A K pS)
The Joint Forces Command of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen: Royal Saudi Air Defense Intercepts and Destroys Two Ballistic Missiles Launched by the Terrorist Iran-Backed Houthi Militia Toward the Kingdom
Statement by the Official Spokesman of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen COL Turki Al-Malki
“At (2323) of Saturday March 28 2020, the Royal Saudi Air Defense intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles launched by the terrorist Iran-backed Houthi militia from (Sa’dah) and (Sana’a) toward civilians and civilian objects in the Kingdom
The two ballistic missiles were launched toward (Riyadh) and (Jazan). No casualties, up until the issuance of this release, were recorded. The interception of the missiles resulted in debris scattering on some residential areas in Riyadh and Jazan.
The launch of ballistic missiles by the terrorist Houthi militia and the IRGC at this time reflects the real threat of this terrorist militia and the Iranian regime sponsoring it. This villainous attack does not target the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its nationals and expatriates only, but targets international unity and solidarity, especially under such difficult and bitter conditions in which the world unites in combatting the outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic.
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2052488
Film: https://twitter.com/Shuaibalmosawa/status/1244012354913869824 = https://twitter.com/AliAlAhmed_en/status/1244011115782328320
My comment: Fact and propaganda, after 250,000 Saudi coalition air raids.
https://debriefer.net/en/news-16026.html
and
(A K pS)
Civil Defense in Riyadh: Two civilians slightly injured due to falling debris from ballistic missile fired by Al-Houthi terrorist militia toward Riyadh city
Two civilians were slightly injured due to the falling of the intercepted missile's debris as it exploded in mid-air over residential districts
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2052492
and all the Saudi puppets and vassals “condemn”:
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2052563
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2052586
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2052667
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2052644
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2052931
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2052969
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2053094
and states depending on Saudi money:
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2052836 (Egypt)
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2052796 (Pakistan)
and the UAE: https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2052688
and the Western arms dealer:
(A K P)
[UK] Minister for the Middle East condemns attempted missile attacks on Riyadh and Jazan
(A K pS)
KSrelief Project "Masam" Dismantles 1781 Mines in Yemen During 4th Week of March
Masam, a project for clearing mines in Yemen affiliated to Riyadh-based King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), has demined 1781 mines during the 4th week of March 2020, including three antipersonnel and 254 anti-tank mines, 1521 unexploded ordnance, and three explosive devices, it was reported here today.
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2052787
(* A K pS)
While welcoming calls for a ceasefire, Houthis escalate attacks in Marib
Despite voicing support for a call by the UN Secretary-General for Yemen’s warring parties to cease hostilities in order to address the coronavirus pandemic, the Houthis escalated their ground and artillery attacks in several areas of the country over the weekend. Serwah district of Marib governorate, which lies east of Sana’a and borders Marib city, witnessed the largest escalation.
The fighting in Serwah was the most intense since the start of the war five years ago, according to a military official in the Ministry of Defense, who asked to remain anonymous as he is not authorized to speak to the press. The Friday morning attack in Serwah by the Houthis resulted in more than a hundred dead and wounded on both sides, in addition to hundreds of combattants being taken prisoners of war by government forces, the source told Almasdar Online.
The Houthis launched attacks in the mountainous terrain near to the government-held Kofal military camp in Serwah, which is effectively the last line of defense between the front in Serwah and Marib city, located about 35km to the east. While sending hundreds of fighters to the front in Serwah, the Houthis simultaneously launched katyusha rockets at Marib city, the Defense Ministry source said.
According to eyewitnesses in Serwah, Houthi officials are mobilizing and recruiting fighters in the area, including by seeking to convince locals to join by telling them that “death on the front lines is better for you than death by coronavirus in your homes.” This appears to be a recruitment tactic the Houthis have adopted more broadly, as a Houthi supervisor was recently recorded saying a similar phrase during an interview.
https://al-masdaronline.net/national/543
and
(* A K pS)
Heavy fighting is ongoing in Khab Al-Shaaf district of Al-Jawf governorate, following a series of attacks earlier this morning by Houthi forces attempting to advance toward Marib
https://twitter.com/AlmasdaronlineE/status/1243944884760907777
and
(A K pS)
5 Houthi military vehicles destroyed & over 25 fighters captured 2day while attempting to advance in Khab-Shaaf of #aljawf. Houthis also still attacking on govt forces & tribes in #Marib's Serwah. Here some pics of Huthi prisoners & pickups with anti aircraft gun burning in Jawf.
https://twitter.com/Alsakaniali/status/1244019231378870274
and
(A K pH)
Ansarallah forces capture important military camp in northern Yemen
The Ansarallah forces have scored a new advance in northern Yemen after resuming their assault in the Marib Governorate this week.
According to Ansarallah-affiliated media, their forces launched a heavy attack this week on the strategic Kofal Camp near Marib city.
(* A K pS)
[Hadi gov.] Ministry of Defense official: The Houthi military offensive in Marib governorate's western district of Serwah is "the fiercest" since the beginning of the war, with more than 100 casualties on both sides.
https://twitter.com/AlmasdaronlineE/status/1243684586124541952
(A K pS)
Dozens of Houthis get killed by military operation of southern forces east of Oud in Qataba in Al-Dhalea
cp18 Sonstiges / Other
(* B)
Most beautiful Yemen photos: Architecture
https://www.pinterest.at/barabbasreiter/jemen/
(* 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 current crisis is considered the worst in decades, and there are fears it could last longer than previous locust outbreaks.
Alongside the climate emergency impact, the war in Yemen is a key factor.
Cressman said Yemen is a “frontline” country for locusts, with the insects typically present throughout the year. But its once effective locust programme no longer has the same impact in cities where control is now divided between the government and Houthi rebels.
The head of the locust programme, Adel al-Shaibani, is based in the Houthi-controlled capital, Sana’a.
“Before the war we had a good ability to reach anywhere in Yemen,” he said. “In current times we’re just able to cover the Red Sea coastal areas – but not all – and some areas in the interior.”
He explained that there were two separate locust control centres in Yemen but neither was able to combat the outbreak effectively alone.
The Sana’a-based centre carried out control operations wherever they could in 2018, but they have been underfunded and have lost some of their vehicles.
“In spite of all our hard efforts, some areas remained out of control due to security reasons near the border with Saudi Arabia. The desert locust outbreak occurred and some swarms formed and moved to other areas,” said Shaibani.
By late 2019, the locusts had moved into the Horn of Africa, finding favourable conditions when an unseasonaal cyclone hit Somalia in December. This extended breeding time and allowed them to spread to areas authorities could not control because of the country’s security problems.
“This crisis could be quite long because of the Yemeni and Somali areas that cannot control the populations,” said Cyril Piou, an expert with the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development.
(* B D)
Young, gifted and Yemeni: Writers find inspiration despite war
Shortage of books and tight restrictions are just some of the challenges faced by war-torn Yemen's aspiring writers.
When the Romooz Foundation put out its first call to young Yemeni writers in April 2019, organisers were not sure what to expect. Their calls for young artists had solicited a decent number of applications. But they had seen nothing like the more than 400 applications that flooded in for their literary workshops.
Romooz founder Ibi Ibrahim said young writers were particularly eager to work with internationally-acclaimed Yemeni novelist Wajdi al-Ahdal. But more than anything, he said, young writers want to be heard. "Our voices are all we have," Ibrahim said over email.
With the Sanaa International Book Fair suspended and the city's airport shut down since 2016, it has been hard for readers to get new books.
Literary events are often cancelled and writers have been threatened.
And yet, young Yemeni authors continue not just to read and write, but to edit, learn, publish and perform their work for engaged audiences. The young writers at the first Romooz workshop produced a short-story anthology, Conflict, that was launched in Sanaa last December. Ibrahim said he was surprised that the launch attracted more than 120 attendees, and more launches are planned in Aden and Mukalla this year.
All the stories in the Conflict anthology were written during the two-week workshop. "Towards the last few days of the workshop, we had an idea of what the overall themes [of the stories] were," Ibrahim said.
In the last five years, at least 10 Yemeni writers have been killed and many more kidnapped or imprisoned by opposing political forces. The young authors who participated in the workshop were realistic about the dangers of addressing current events too directly in their writing.
Vorige / Previous:
https://www.freitag.de/autoren/dklose/jemenkrieg-mosaik-636-yemen-war-mosaic-636
Jemenkrieg-Mosaik 1-636 / Yemen War Mosaic 1-636:
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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