Dies ist die Fortsetzung von Jemenkrieg-Mosaik 645, Teil 1 / This is the sequel of Yemen War Mosaic 645, part 1:
https://www.freitag.de/autoren/dklose/jemenkrieg-mosaik-645-yemen-war-mosaic-645
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: Coronavirus und Seuchen / Most important: Coronavirus and epidemics
cp1b Am wichtigsten: Kampf um Hodeidah / Most important: Hodeidah battle
cp1c Am wichtigsten: Waffenstillstand und Friedensangebot / Most important: ceasefire and peace offer
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
cp13a Mercenaries / Söldner
cp13c Kulturerbe / Cultural heritage
cp13b Wirtschaft / Economy
cp14 Terrorismus / Terrorism
cp15 Propaganda
cp16 Saudische Luftangriffe / Saudi air raids
cp17 Kriegsereignisse / Theater of War
cp18 Sonstiges / Other
Klassifizierung / Classification
***
**
*
(Kein Stern / No star)
? = Keine Einschatzung / No rating
A = Aktuell / Current news
B = Hintergrund / Background
C = Chronik / Chronicle
D = Details
E = Wirtschaft / Economy
H = Humanitäre Fragen / Humanitarian questions
K = Krieg / War
P = Politik / Politics
pH = Pro-Houthi
pS = Pro-Saudi
T = Terrorismus / Terrorism
cp5 Nordjemen und Huthis / Northern Yemen and Houthis
(* B E P)
Unpaid salaries in Houthis-held areas accumulate to YR3 trillion
The unpaid monthly wages to the public servants in the Houthis-controlled areas reached around YR3.150 trillion ($5.3 billion) since August 2016 until March 2020, according to records of the public state budget.
The Houthis halted in August 2016 monthly payments of 1.250 million public servants which left about 25 percent of the Yemeni households with no income.
Economists say that the decision aggravated the humanitarian crisis and brought new rows to the poverty line.
They say that the Houthis remain in debt of the unpaid salaries to the public servants as they collect taxes and service fees from citizens and businessmen.
https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-39322
My comment: Blaming the Houthis for this is a propaganda tale. As if there is no war, no blockade, no Hadi government disastrous National bank and money policy.
(A K pH)
Army threatens to respond to aggression coalition escalation: Army Spokesman
The Yemeni army threatened on Thursday to great respond to a military escalation being continued by the Saudi-led aggression coalition in Yemen, Yemen's army spokesman said in a statement.
The spokesman Yahya Sarie affirmed, "All options before us are open in respond to the continuous escalation by the aggression forces, and we will not stand idly by for defense of our country and our people."
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3095096.htm
(A E P)
Arrangements in Sanaa to sell oil at moderate cost
The Houthi-run Yemeni Petroleum company (YPC) announced on Thursday the arrangement to sell oil at an average cost, according to the Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV.
The company confirmed, in a statement to Al-Masirah TV, that it was unable to reduce prices because the coalition had detained oil derivative vessels.
The company noted that "the verification and inspection mechanism of the United Nations takes two and three days, and after that it assumes navy of aggression to detain ships.".
"The permits that the United Nations gives to docking in the port of Hodeidah are of no value and the aggression coalition does not give them any consideration.", the YPC added.
https://debriefer.net/en/news-16683.html
(A K P)
Saudi Arabia seeking to implement death project in Yemen: Yemeni official
The spokesman for the Yemeni Health Ministry said that Saudi Arabia is seeking to implement a death project in Yemen by bombing hospitals and besieging the country.
“When corruption was widespread in Yemen, the rulers of the country were supported by Saudi Arabia. After that, Saudi aggression began, and unfortunately, those weak infrastructures were also destroyed. Hundreds of hospitals, medical and health centers in Yemen were ruined during the invasion in different parts of the country.” He added.
Referring to the impact of Saudi blockade on the health care sector of Yemen he said, “Regarding the geographical blockade, it should be noted that it has closed all land, sea and air passages in the country. It has also caused more problems for the Yemeni health care sector. Thousands of Yemeni patients need to travel abroad to receive treatment, which unfortunately is not possible.”
"Important and vital medicine cannot be found in Yemen,
https://en.mehrnews.com/news/157950/Saudi-Arabia-seeking-to-implement-death-project-in-Yemen-Yemeni
(A P)
After five full years of imprisonment and torture, #Houthi rebels released Journalists Salah Alqaidi.
https://twitter.com/RepYemenEnglish/status/1253355771447988225
(A P)
Yemeni Scholars Call on Saudi, Emirati Regimes to Stop Aggression and Lift Siege
The Association of Yemeni Scholars blessed the Yemeni people and the Islamic nation with the advent of Ramadan.
In a statement, Yemeni scholars called on the Saudi and Emirati regimes to review their accounts during Ramadan, correct their hostile stances, stop the aggression, lift the siege on the Yemeni people and accept the national vision of a comprehensive and just solution before it is too late.
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=12501
(* A P)
UN urges for immediate release of Baha'i prisoners in Yemen
A group of U.N. human rights experts urged Yemen's Shiite rebels on Thursday to free all prisoners from the Baha´i religious minority, following an earlier decision by the rebels to pardon their jailed leader and drop all charges against other detainees.
There have long been concerns about the treatment of the members of the Baha'i minority at the hands of the Yemeni rebels, known as Houthis, who have ruled much of the impoverished Arab country's north and the capital, Sanaa, since the civil war started in 2014.
Late last month, senior rebel official Mehdi al-Mashat announced in a televised speech that he had ordered the release of Baha´i leader Hamed bin Haydara, and another five Baha´i detainees. However, the decision has since not been implemented.
"We strongly recommend against any rollback of the official decision to pardon and release which was communicated unequivocally," said the independent experts from the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council.
(A P)
31 of deluded released in Taiz province
The security services in Taiz province released 31 of the deluded in accordance with the directives of the Revolutionary Command and the Supreme Political Council on the occasion of the coming of Ramadan.
During the release, governor Salim al-Mugalis said this generous initiative gives the deluded the opportunity to return to the national ranks and stand up against the invaders and their mercenaries.
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3095033.htm
Film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlWPgstRCcw
and
(A P)
31 detainees were released today by #Houthi militia in #Taiz- #Yemen They were imprisoned at Al Saleh prison, where they were tortured by #Houthis. They were accused of collaborating with the Yemeni legitimate government (photos)
https://twitter.com/ycmhrv/status/1253348705345961987
(A P)
Houthis arrest 17 college students in Dhamar
The Houthis stormed dozens of homes in Dhamar city, about 100 kilometers south of the capital of Sana’a, and arrested 17 youths in the past 24 hours, according to the head of a rights group.
It is unclear why these particular students were targeted and their whereabouts are unknown, said the rights activist,
https://al-masdaronline.net/local/674
and also https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-39266
(A P)
Saada presents financial convoy to fighters on combat fronts
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3094902.htm
(A H P)
Shura Speaker meets UN Humanitarian Coordinator
Al-Aidarous touched on the comprehensive solution document to end the war on Yemen presented by the leadership of the Republic of Yemen in Sanaa, which requires to be implemented urgently, especially with regards to the humanitarian and economic measures in light of the Corona pandemic.
He called on the United Nations to bear responsibility in pressuring towards the peaceful choice to end the aggression and the blockade.
Grande reviewed the support provided by the UN for combating Coronavirus in Yemen through supporting 120 inspection and quarantine centers
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3094886.htm
(A H P)
WFP responds to circulating video showing food aid on the front lines of Marib
"WFP cannot accept any diversion of food aid that is not in line with its main mission of responding to the humanitarian crisis in Yemen”
On Monday, the World Food Programme (WFP) in Yemen said in a Facebook post that it was aware of a recently circulated video which shows relief materials bearing the WFP logo on the front lines of Serwah district in Marib governorate.
"The WFP cannot confirm the source or validity of the video," WFP said in the post late Monday evening, stressing that its food assistance is for Yemeni civilians most in need. "WFP cannot accept any diversion of food aid that is not in line with its main mission of responding to the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.”
Activists had circulated the video on social media sites showing food items bearing the WFP logo in one of the areas controlled by the Houthis in Serwah. The activists accused the Houthis of diverting relief aid from the poor and needy and distributing it to their fighters on the front lines, as well as selling it on the black market.
https://al-masdaronline.net/local/675
and also https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200422-yemen-wfp-slams-houthis-misuse-of-food-aid/
cp6 Südjemen und Hadi-Regierung / Southern Yemen and Hadi-government
(* A K P)
The Southern Transitional Council issues a Statement concerning the latest developments in the southern capital Aden
The STC praised the steady and firm position of the southern people and the southern resistance. It confirmed that it supports the escalation measures led by the people and the resistance to protect the southerners' achievement.
The STC pledged at its foundation that it will not deviate from its southern national declaration for the following reasons :
• The Riyadh Agreement stipulated the return of the Prime Minister alone according to the objectives defined in the agreement; the government did not commit to the agreement, many ministers, undersecretaries and officials who were associated with the August 2019 events returned. The STC turned a blind eye in hope that they will provide public services. The STC informed the Arab coalition of the government’s infringement and it did not fulfil the tasks that were stipulated in the terms of the Riyadh Agreement.
• The STC was a partner and signed the Riyadh agreement, therefor the party that signed the agreement had to return to implement the terms of the agreement, this was not the case,
In the last three years, the southern people suffered due to the deliberate scourge of torture by successive legitimate governments (systematic policy of collective punishment), the policy of starvation and exclusion and continued since 1994,the complete absence of development and reconstruction programs, in addition to exploiting the country's resources and public funds. The southern people did not receive any form of humanitarian support which the previous corrupt governments obtained from the International Community.
• The STC handed all the institutions over to the government but it did not fulfil the obligations of the Riyadh Agreement, particularly concerning providing public services, disbursing salaries and wages, and meeting the peoples’ needs and concerns.
• The government did not respond to any measures in the fight against the COVID 19 epidemic, it did nor prepare a special quarantine centre or specialist equipment to address the threat of the epidemic in a healthy environment. The most basic elements of health care are not available.
• The government's apparent failure to deal with the recent natural disaster as well as its disregard for the lives and dignity of the people, contrary to what was apparent in the government’s direct attention in Yemen's Marib.
The legitimacy continued to systematically backup the Brotherhood militias’ move towards Shabwa, Abyan and Aden.
• The Yemeni government’s forces violated and arrested public members in Shabwa, Abyan, Hadhramaut Valley, Al-Mahra and Socotra
• According to the Riyadh Agreement, the current government is considered illegitimate and the politics of the agreement must be implemented. The Yemeni government blocked all ways to implement that part of the agreement, while the Arab coalition did not challenge them.
• The Southern Transitional Council reiterates that it sent several letters to the leadership of the Arab Coalition to inform them that the leadership of the STC must return to Aden. The most recent letter sent was on Sunday when the leadership of the STC informed the brothers in Saudi Arabia during a televised meeting between the President of the Southern Transitional Council and His Excellency the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the Republic of Yemen. There were many previous relevant meetings. They were also asked to intervene to stop the Yemeni Government from disrespecting the lives and dignity of its citizens.
The southern people will not stand idle in the face of systematic torture against them.
http://en.adenpress.news/news/19898
Remark by E. Kendall: Yemen: New #STC Statement reads like a prelude to conflict. STC defends its refusal to allow gov return to #Aden yday, accusing gov of
-Reneging on #RiyadhAgreement, Preventing STC leaders' return in March, Failing to provide urgent services, -Allowing military build up of #Islah
https://twitter.com/Dr_E_Kendall/status/1253640361488064512
My comment: This is sort of a declaration of war against the Hadi government, even taking the Riyadh agreement as a pretense. It’s a direct reaction on the Hadi government’s attempt to return to Aden:
(* A P)
Declared afflicted city, Aden to receive Yemeni gov't
The Yemeni Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalek is expected to return to the southern port city of Aden along with some ministers, senior official in the UN-recognized government said Thursday, to supervise relief efforts following floods seen by the interim capital on Tuesday.
"An official at the cabinet said the government would return on Thursday to Aden," assistant deputy information minister tweeted.
The cabinet return "comes in implementation of instructions by President Abd Rabbu Mansour Hadi," Fiadh al-Noman added. "The government will perform its duties completely in Aden."
With the positive signs for finalizing the application of the Riyadh Agreement inked with the Southern Transitional Council (STC), the government will assume work from Aden, Al-Arabia TV quoted a Yemeni minister as saying anonymously.
The move is largely supported so as to unite efforts under legitimacy in the interim capital and other liberated governorates, according to the official.
https://debriefer.net/en/news-16679.html
but
(* A P)
A source in the prime minister's office told Almasdar Online that the prime minister canceled his trip to Aden today after the STC barred his staff from traveling with him. The UAE-backed forces had been deployed to the Aden airport to prevent their de-boarding.
https://twitter.com/AlmasdaronlineE/status/1253342722724966400
and
(* A P)
STC prevents Hadi's Gov't from returning to Aden
The UAE-backed southern transitional council has prevented the Yemeni legitimate government from returning to the interim capital of Aden, a senior government official told Debriefer on Thursday.
The move exposed the STC's intentions to hamper Saudi-led efforts to defeat the Iran-backed Ansar Allah Group, the Houthis, the source said on condition of anonymity.
Pro-STC forces deployed around Aden international airport after news reports the government planned to come back from Riyadh to Aden on Thursday, sources familiar with the situation in the volatile city said.
The situation has been recently tense in Aden, triggering concerns about a new wave of confrontations between pro-government and pro-STC forces after the Riyadh agreement stalled.
https://debriefer.net/en/news-16692.html
While the separatists pose as caretakers at Aden:
(A H P)
STC appeals for urgent support after Aden’s deadly flood
The Southern Transitional Council (STC) has announced a state of emergency in Aden in response to catastrophic floods in the city and surrounding areas. The situation on the ground is dire and requires an urgent international humanitarian response: the floods have already cost the lives of civilians, including many children.
We have mobilized our resources on the ground, with STC teams coordinating the relief operations in response to today’s dreadful events. We are working with aid agencies to ensure support gets to those in most need. And Southern forces have been directed to assist those wounded and to start a clear-up operation. But our resources are limited. The dire humanitarian situation on the ground, including a further outbreak of cholera, requires direct international support
http://en.adenpress.news/news/19899
(A P)
Southern alliance: Swift implementation of Al-Riyadh agreement will end sufferings in Aden
The National Southern Alliance, a pro-government southern parties called on Wednesday for prompt implementation of the Al-Riyadh agreement to bring collective efforts to restore the public service in Aden.
https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-39323
(A P)
Gov’t official condemns Houthis’ diversion of aid
https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-39304
(A P)
Saudi ambassador: Al-Riyadh agreement must be implemented
The Saudi ambassador to Yemen, Mohammed Al-Jaber, said on Wednesday that implementation of Al-Riyadh agreement is a must to unify efforts for overcoming all humanitarian, economic and security challenges in Yemen.
https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-39303
(A H P)
Yemeni President orders relief for people affected by floods
The Yemeni President on Tuesday instructed authorities to take necessary actions to help people affected by floods in the interim capital of Aden.
https://debriefer.net/en/news-16642.html
(* A H P)
STC blames Yemeni govt for rainfalls in Aden
As the Yemeni interim capital sinking in floods, the Emirati-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) has made use of the painful incident to criticize the official government.
STC chairman ordered support units and thunder force to participate in providing the needed assistance for Aden people, and to alleviate the damages caused by rainfalls seen by different districts of the interim capital, STC website said Tuesday.
Eidroos al-Zobaidi instructed "military and security units be deployed in streets to help stranded people, reopen roads affected by rain floods and help families whose homes and properties have been damaged," it added.
For his part, STC vice-chairman accused the official government of just watching the Yemeni interim capital while sinking.
"Aden is sinking and the legitimate [government] will remain passive while it has everything in hands," Hani bin Boraik added on Twitter.
"Yet, it will direct its viruses, on social media, to shift the responsibility for rescuing Aden to the STC, but this move will be faced by southern enthusiast pens.
"With the help of its cooperative supporters, the STC will save no effort to save Aden," the STC official said.
https://debriefer.net/en/news-16643.html
and
(A H P)
Shatara Holds Yemen's Govt. Responsible for Aden's Tragedy
Member of the Presidency of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), Vice-President of the National Assembly for Control and Inspection, Mr. Lufti Shatara held Yemen's legitimacy fully responsible for all the consequences of Tuesday's devastating floods that hit Aden.
Shatara explained on his official Twitter account that "Since the signing of the Riyadh Agreement, President Hadi refused to implement its first term which provided for the appointment of a governor for Aden and a director of its security."
Shatara added that Hadi also refused to form a government equally divided between the North and South.
Shatara also revealed that "mountain of idle cash was at Aden Container Terminal amid the legitimacy's rejection to pay salaries or provide services to the people."
http://en.adenpress.news/news/19892
(? B P)
Die Sehnsucht von Aden
Der Krieg hat Jemens geschichtsträchtigste Metropole schwer gezeichnet. Die »Übergangsrat des Südens« stellt eine Rückkehr zur alten Volksrepublik in Aussicht – und ist eine der wichtigsten Kriegsparteien in Aden (kostenpflichtig)
https://magazin.zenith.me/de/gesellschaft/bewegung-des-s%C3%BCdens-und-der-krieg-im-jemen
cp7 UNO und Friedensgespräche / UN and peace talks
Siehe / Look at cp1
(A P)
UN Envoy Martin Griffiths urges Yemen parties to abide by ceasefire amid coronavirus
UN Special Envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths said Yemeni parties cannot continue fighting each other while also combating the spread of the coronavirus global pandemic at the same time, urging all sides that only joint efforts will ensure Yemen has a chance.
“There was an outpouring of calls from across Yemen in human rights organizations, in women's movements in political societies and governorate institutions all saying one clear thing which was and is we need to face the virus, we cannot continue fighting and fight the virus at the same time,” Griffiths told Al Arabiya’s UN Bureau Chief Talal al-Haj on Wednesday.
“But with the full involvement of the government of Yemen and Ansar Allah [Houthis] to combat the virus the ministries of Health, for example, the technical facilities that are inadequate in Yemen and need to be provided across the board to at least give us a fair chance. And I think the people of Yemen made it absolutely clear that only if there is a joint effort will we have a chance to keep Yemen safe,” Griffiths added.
Films: https://twitter.com/AlArabiya_Eng/status/1253443306194907139
https://twitter.com/AlArabiya_Eng/status/1253458376958398465
(A P)
UN says envoy to Yemen seeks ceasefire in hard conditions
Special Envoy Martin Griffiths works in hard conditions to make Yemeni parties agree to a broad, sustainable ceasefire in a country plagued by a 5-year war.
The UN is aware of the persistent violence in Yemen, UN spokesman said at a video-based press conference on Wednesday, as the special envoy "is trying to make parties agree to a wide-ranging, sustainable ceasefire."
It is clear that the envoy's discussions are being held in hard conditions. Griffiths was very clear in his goal when he briefed the UN Security Council on this regard, Stephane Dujarric added.
https://debriefer.net/en/news-16677.html
and also https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=12500
(A K P)
Der Oberste Politische Rat des Jemen hat jede gesonderte Lösung oder Vereinbarung zur Beendigung des Krieges im Jemen abgelehnt.
Laut Al-Masira TV sagte der Vorsitzende des Obersten Politischen Rates Jemen, Mehdi Al-Mashat, der Vorschlag der von Saudi-Arabien angeführten Kriegskoalition über einen Waffenstellstand bei gleichzeitiger Eskalation des Konflikts sei überraschend.
Mein Kommentar: Das ist unsinnig. Eine große Lösung besteht aus vielen kleinen einzelnen Schritten.
(A K P)
[Sanaa gov.] Political Council confirms Yemen’s rejection of any fragmented solutions or agreements
The Supreme Political Council on Thursday confirmed, in its meeting headed by President Mahdi al-Mashat, that the Republic of Yemen rejects any fragmented solutions or agreements.
The Council expressed surprise at the Saudi-led aggression coalition's claim that it made the ceasefire initiative, while escalating hostilities at the same time, with the aim of misleading the public opinion and covering up its crimes that violate international provisions and norms.
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3095062.htm
My comment: This does not make sense. Every great solution consists of many small steps.
(A K P)
Gefangene der Armee ]der Sanaa-Regierung] und der Volkskomitees wurden in Marib befreit
https://www.saba.ye/de/news3094997.htm
(A K P)
Houthis announce swap of 8 group's Prisoners in Yemen's Marib
"8 prisoners from the group were freed" in an swap operation through local mediation in the Marib front, "Abdulqader Al-Murtada, head of the Houthi Prisoners Affairs Committee, tweeted.
https://debriefer.net/en/news-16663.html
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3094995.htm
(* A P)
Recommendations to Put Saudi-Emirati Coalition in Yemen on UN Blacklist
The international advocacy group, the Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict, urged UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to put the coalition led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates and its allied militias on a UN blacklist for attacks on schools and hospitals in Yemen.
The organization’s 32-page report released Monday said the blacklist has served as an important tool to protect children by identifying warring parties responsible for violating their rights. This has enabled the United Nations to engage with warring parties and obtain commitments to end and prevent violations, leading to their removal from the list.
Watchlist program director Adrianne Lapar said that to date the U.N. has signed 32 action plans with listed parties, including 12 government forces and 20 armed groups. Of those, 12 parties have fully complied with their commitment and have been taken off the blacklist, she said.
But in recent years, the Watchlist said, the process for determining who is included on the list “has become increasingly politicized, threatening to undermine the report’s credibility and weaken its strength as a tool for promoting accountability and compliance with applicable international law.”
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=12483
(A P)
Griffiths urges Yemeni rivals to stop fighting, focus on COVID-19
The UN special envoy for Yemen on Tuesday reiterated call on Yemeni warring parties to cease fire and get ready for fighting COVID-19 pandemic
https://debriefer.net/en/news-16641.html
cp8 Saudi-Arabien / Saudi Arabia
(A P)
Film: The Saudi reformist Abdullah Al-Hamid dies in the prisons of theSaudi regime after deliberate medical neglect today. He was calling for a constitutional parliament elected under the leader ALSaud regime and he did not demand violence
https://twitter.com/zaidseed/status/1253605710103023617
(B P)
Hamas mediation with Saudi Arabia fruitless
Hazem Qassem, a spokesman for Hamas, has revealed that the Palestinian group has spoken to a number of mediators to intervene and end the plight of Palestinian detainees in Saudi Arabia, but that the discussions have not produced any positive results, according to the London-based newspaper Al-Arabi Al-Jadeed.
On Friday, Human Rights Watch said Saudi Arabia’s mass trial of 68 Palestinian and Jordanian residents raised serious concerns about due legal process, amid allegations of violations.
Saudi Arabia has arrested dozens of Palestinians and Jordanians who have been living in the country for long periods and charged them with dealing with a “terrorist entity,” a reference to Hamas.
Among the detainees is Muhammad al-Khudari, the former official representative of Hamas in Saudi Arabia.
(* B P)
Kelly McParland: Saudi Arabia's crown prince has been exposed as one of the world's worst leaders
In just five years as a political power — his dad, the king, began loading him up with senior portfolios in 2015 — MbS, as he is known, has racked up an impressive record of blunders, failures and outright atrocities. His timing is bad and his judgment is atrocious. He also seems to have suffered from a long bout of bad luck, which any seasoned observer will tell you is fatal for a politician.
His latest debacle was an ill-advised decision to play oil-price chicken with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which succeeded in slashing prices just as the COVID-19 pandemic hit, causing demand to plummet as the Saudis were flooding the market.
Saudi Arabia has weathered previous oil crises and will probably survive this one, but the cost has been enormous. As of Tuesday, according to Bloomberg News, Saudi oil fetched about a quarter of what the country needs to balance its budget.
If that had been Prince Salman’s only boo-boo, it might be understandable. Everyone guesses wrong sometimes, and others have underestimated Vladimir Putin at their own peril. And MbS didn’t start off as accident prone. In his first months, he got good reviews for his plans to reform some of the kingdom’s more archaic restrictions, such as its ban on women driving cars.
The good reviews didn’t last long, however.
Meanwhile, the prince’s ambitious plans to transform the economy have been mostly talk and pricey dreams.
It takes some doing to be elevated to the de facto ruler of the world’s greatest oil power and, in a few short years, force the country into financial crisis, while simultaneously waging a ruinous war and earning a reputation as a ruthless killer. But the crown prince has managed it.
(* A P)
On April 23, 2019, #Saudi perpetrated a mass execution of 33 Shiite detainees, incl. minors and persons with disabilities. Saudi stole their organs & withheld their remains, but it will never kill their free-thinking, enlightened spirits.
https://twitter.com/PrintempsArabeS/status/1253371523471216642
In a gruesome bloodbath, #Saudi has executed 37 detainees, 33 of whom were Shiite activists, scholars and professionals from #Qatif, #Ahsa, #Madinah. Some of the executed martyrs were arrested as minors, and all of the victims were forced to confess under torture.
https://twitter.com/PrintempsArabeS/status/1120819748021919745
Of the executed detainees, 12 were falsely accused of forming an alleged "espionage cell". The 12 tortured detainees, all respected academics, religious scholars, and bankers, were executed today. They were previously forced to consent to the donation of their organs!
https://twitter.com/PrintempsArabeS/status/1120819762525802496
(B E P)
Saudi Arabia could slash growth estimates as contraction looms
Saudi Arabia may have to revise down economic growth estimates as lower crude output and tumbling oil prices take their toll on economic activity, with some economists forecasting a contraction this year in the world’s biggest oil exporter.
The Saudi central bank forecast economic growth of at least 2% this year but economists now expect marginal growth at best or a slight shrinkage, its second in two years.
“A lot of this weakness is due to the impact of oil production cuts, which will exert a large drag on GDP growth,” said William Jackson, chief emerging markets economist at Capital Economics
(* B E P)
Saudi Arabia wins oil price war - at a huge cost
Saudi Arabia may have won a brief no-holds-barred oil price war with Russia, but observers say it hastened a coronavirus-led energy slump despite a subsequent historic deal to slash production.
US crude oil futures crashed into negative territory for the first time in history on Monday amid a supply glut that was further compounded by the price war that began in March.
OPEC kingpin Saudi Arabia ramped up oil output to record levels in March and April and offered substantial discounts in retaliation for Russia's refusal to tighten its supply in a wider effort to prop up prices.
That move sent energy markets into a tailspin, with prices plunging to multi-year lows as Saudi Arabia flexed its financial muscle to assert that -- unlike its rivals -- it had the capacity to withstand low prices for years.
The market turmoil eventually led Russia and other producers back to the drawing board, resulting in a historic deal to cut production by nearly 10 million barrels a day in May and June.
But crude prices still continued to sink.
"It cost the global energy market almost two months of spectacularly low oil prices but, with the largest deal to cut production in history, Saudi Arabia has won the oil price war," said Cinzia Bianco, a research fellow at the European Council for International Relations.
But "there is a high risk that the deal is too little, too late: with no sign that oil prices will rise sustainably, Riyadh may have unleashed something it is unable to control."
US crude prices briefly bounced back into positive territory on Tuesday, but the collapse underscores long-term pain for the energy industry.
And American lawmakers are pinning the blame on Saudi Arabia as the collapse threatens to push US producers into bankruptcy.
"The dramatic low underscores why we cannot allow Saudi Arabia to flood the market, especially given our storage capacity dwindling," said US Senator Kevin Cramer.
"Right now, the highest number of Saudi oil tankers in years is on its way to our shores. Given today's news, I call on President Trump to prevent them from unloading in the United States."
https://au.news.yahoo.com/saudi-arabia-wins-oil-price-war-huge-cost-140914087--spt.html
(A E P)
Saudi Arabia may re-route tankers if U.S. imposes crude import ban: sources
Saudi Arabia is looking into re-routing millions of barrels of oil onboard tankers sailing to the United States if President Donald Trump decides to block imports of crude from the Kingdom, shipping and trade sources say.
Some 40 million barrels of Saudi oil are on their way to the United States and due to arrive in the coming weeks, piling more pressure on markets already struggling to absorb a glut of stocks, according to shipping data and sources.
U.S. officials have said in recent days that Washington is considering blocking Saudi shipments of crude oil, or putting tariffs on those shipments, adding to difficulties for the cargoes now on the water.
Shipping sources said the kingdom had tried to seek storage options for the cargoes from tanker owners when the ships were chartered last month, but many pushed back given booming rates and not wanting tied up vessels.
Two sources said Saudi Arabia was looking into whether it could re-route the cargoes elsewhere if the United States halted imports.
(A E P)
Saudi Aramco picks HSBC, Japan's SMBC for $10 billion loan - sources
Saudi Aramco has chosen HSBC and Japan's Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) to coordinate talks with other banks for a loan of about $10 billion the oil giant plans to raise, sources said.
The jumbo financing would help the company back its acquisition of a 70% stake in Saudi Basic Industries Corp (SABIC) from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, a deal worth almost $70 billion, sources told Reuters last week.
https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/saudi-aramco-picks-hsbc-japans-082846170.html
(* B E P)
EXCLUSIVE: Saudis launched oil price war after 'MBS shouting match with Putin'
Saudi crown prince threatened Russian president over production cuts prior to flooding market. 'The call ended badly,' sources tell MEE
A telephone call last month between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman degenerated into a shouting match just before Riyadh decided to flood the market with oil in a move which sent prices spiralling.
Saudi officials with knowledge of the disastrous call told Middle East Eye that the row threatened to undo months of detente between the two countries, in which a significant arms trade was also agreed.
The call took place just before an Opec+ meeting on 6 March, in which major oil producers failed to agree a deal on cutting production despite falling global demand as a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic.
“Just before that meeting there was a call between Putin and MBS. MBS was very aggressive and gave an ultimatum. He threatened that if there is no agreement, Saudi would start a price war.
"The conversation was very personal. They shouted at each other. Putin refused the ultimatum and the call ended badly,” the Saudi official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Before getting aggressive with Putin, bin Salman checked in with Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law and senior advisor, who has been described as “the prince's most important defender inside the White House”, according to a second source who also spoke on condition of anonymity.
“The call [to Putin] had Trump’s blessing through Kushner. Kushner did not ask MBS to do it, but Kushner knew about it and did not veto it. Bin Salman drew his own conclusions,” the source said.
(* B P)
MBS: The Rise to Power of Mohammed bin Salman review – riveting account
Ben Hubbard’s thoroughly researched study of the Saudi crown prince is full of chilling detail
Ben Hubbard’s account of the life, machiavellian style and ambitions of the de facto ruler of the largest and wealthiest country in the Gulf is a fine example of talented and dogged reporting. He also speaks and reads Arabic, not something you can take for granted among western Middle East journalists or even “experts”. In addition, he works for a highly influential media organisation – the New York Times.
The March arrests were another reminder of the crown prince’s ruthlessness in consolidating power: those detained included an uncle and a cousin, Mohammed bin Nayef, the previous crown prince, a favourite of the US and UK because of his role as counter-terrorism chief in the post-9/11 period. His replacement in 2017 was a highly significant moment in the apparently unstoppable rise of Mohammed bin Salman.
Other newsy events include the continuing war launched in neighbouring Yemen when he was defence minister; the kidnapping and forced resignation of the Lebanese prime minister Saad Hariri; the much-heralded Vision 2030 for the transformation of the oil-dependent Saudi economy; allowing women to drive for the first time; and the brutal killing of the journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul.
Hubbard draws on dozens of interviews to reconstruct the detention in the Ritz Carlton hotel in Riyadh of 350 princes and businessmen. Luxurious surroundings did not prevent intimidation, even torture. Prince Mohammed billed that as a battle against corruption and was endorsed by Donald Trump on Twitter, no less.
Overall, this is an impressively well-sourced work. There is a fascinating account of Barack Obama confronting him (though he continued US arms sales despite the war in Yemen) and an insightful description of relations between the crown prince and Jared Kushner, Trump’s adviser and son-in-law – another princeling, though a Jewish one from New Jersey.
Another riveting chapter is devoted to the three-week tour of the US by the crown prince in the spring of 2018.
Saud al-Qahtani, the crown prince’s chef de cabinet and head of the sinister rapid intervention group, is portrayed as the mastermind of a campaign of digital surveillance.
“An absolute monarchy is essentially a democracy of one, and MBS got his father’s vote, the only one that mattered,” he writes. Barring unexpected developments, his son (Salman is 84 and in poor health) will, sooner or later, ascend to the throne. It would be surprising if the crown prince came out much better in later drafts of history than this impressive first one.
and
(* B P)
MBS review: why Trump and the west took a pass on the Khashoggi killing
Ben Hubbard delivers a fine account of the crown prince’s rise – and how the murder of a journalist did not bring him down
Hubbard delivers a highly informed portrait, leavening his narrative with well-deserved skepticism, and leaves the reader wondering what lies ahead for the prince and his kingdom.
This does not purport to be a comprehensive biography. Rather, Hubbard focuses on the prince’s rise, his accretion and exercise of power, and weaves past reporting into a readily readable package. As to be expected, the prince declined to be interviewed.
Hubbard also sheds light on MBS’s role in molding and shifting Saudi foreign policy. As he took over, the kingdom no longer focused on the Palestinians, Israel was no longer its enemy. Regarding the latter, the prince remarked that they “were not killing Saudis”. Instead, his foes were al-Qaida, Isis, the Muslim Brotherhood and Iran.
According to Hubbard, the prince’s “hostility” toward Iran was “political, ideological and religious”. MBS viewed dialogue between the two Gulf states as nearly impossible. The conflict between Sunni and Shia Islam was centuries old but the Iran–Saudi cold war was only in its fifth decade. There is plenty of time left.
Khashoggi’s murder will stain the prince’s legacy. MBS may have lost some lustre. But he has not lost his allure.
After a one-year hiatus, Saudi’s Future Investment Initiative, AKA Davos in the Desert, the prince’s brainchild, was again a destination for the see-and-be-seen set. Jared Kushner, Steve Mnuchin, Jair Bolsonaro, David Cameron: all were there. The band was back and so were the bankers.
As for Donald Trump, little has changed since the president placed his hands atop the “orb” in Riyadh on his first foreign trip
and
(* B P)
'One orb, slightly used': MBS book reveals fate of Trump's mysterious Saudi sphere
Saudis gave gadget that briefly captivated the internet to the US – but embassy officials fearful of scandal soon hid it away
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/mar/04/trump-orb-saudi-arabia-mbs-book
(B P)
‘Riyadh withholding bodies of 90 activists in violation of rights law’
Saudi Arabia is reportedly withholding the bodies of at least 90 activists, among them critics of the construction of a controversial megacity project on the kingdom’s Red Sea coast.
The Arabic-language Mirat al-Jazeera news website reported on Tuesday that the Riyadh regime refuses to hand over the bodies of the Saudi activists to their families.
The report did not give details on whether the activists had been killed by regime forces during protests or executed.
Among those whose bodies are being withheld is Abdul-Rahim al-Howeiti, who was shot dead by Saudi forces in the al-Khuraybah area of the northwestern Tabuk region earlier this month.
Howeiti regularly posted videos online, condemning the $500 billion Neom project — a centerpiece of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s ambitious Vision 2030 economic plan — and the forced eviction of residents from the construction zone.
https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2020/04/22/623623/www.presstv.tv
but
(A P)
Film: RIP #MartyrOfNeom People gathered to burry Shaheed Abdul Rahim Al-Hwaiti
https://twitter.com/ArabianRepublic/status/1253016627576274945
My remark: Background: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/04/17/saudi-tribesman-shot-dead-protest-crown-princes-500bn-megacity/
(* B P)
From 2018: Saudi Arabia and the Region
Chapter 5 in Sanjay Singh (ed.), West Asia in Transition: Volume II, New Delhi: Delhi Policy Group and IDSA, 2018. This chapter examines aspects of Saudi foreign policy, in particular how the Kingdom views and addresses the changes in the region, the challenges it faces, and the strengths and limitations of its approach. It also discusses the Saudi-Iran geopolitical rivalry, and looks at the Saudi involvement in the proxy conflicts in Syria, Bahrain, and Yemen. Another aspect the paper addresses is whether there is an emerging Saudi-Egypt-Turkey-Qatar axis.
https://www.academia.edu/37154088/book-chapter-saudi-arabia-region-2018.pdf
(* B P)
From 2018: Impacts of Saudi Hegemony on the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
The events of the 2016 summit of the Organization for Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Turkey demonstrate how Saudi Arabia’s role within the organization has been transformed from leadership into a hegemonic one, a process that has been unfolding over five decades. As a strong voice in the Muslim world, Saudi Arabia has employed a range of diplomatic strategies, in accordance with its national interests, to influence the OIC and its member states. Based on the analysis, this paper argues that Saudi Arabia has been able to exert hegemonic control over the OIC due to the organization’s structural make-up, its reliance on Saudi funding, as well as dominance in bilateral affairs with majority of the OIC members.
cp9 USA
Siehe / Look at cp1, cp9a
(* B P)
How the Bottom Fell Out of the U.S.-Saudi Alliance
A rocky marriage of convenience that has lasted since World War II could derail as oil markets crash and mutual mistrust reaches new heights (paywalled)
(A E P)
Trump to consider halting Saudi oil imports, says U.S. has 'plenty'
President Donald Trump said on Monday that his administration was considering the possibility of stopping incoming Saudi Arabian crude oil shipments as a measure to support the battered domestic drilling industry.
cp9a USA-Iran Krise: Wachsende Spannungen am Golf / US-Iran crisis: Mounting tensions at the Gulf
(A K P)
Iran erwidert Trumps Drohung – Schweizer Botschafter einbestellt
Der Chef der iranischen Revolutionsgarden hat Drohungen von US-Präsident Trump gegen Patrouillenboote der Garden im Persischen Golf verurteilt. Zugleich warnt er die USA vor einer «konsequenten» Reaktion.
«Die USA sollten wissen, dass wir unsere nationale Sicherheit und die unserer Seegrenzen sehr ernst nehmen», sagte General Hussein Salami am Donnerstag. Der Iran werde jegliche Feindseligkeit und Aggression am Persischen Golf seitens der USA «schnell, konsequent und effektiv» erwidern, sagte der Anführer der iranischen Revolu
(A K P)
Iran Guard commander threatens US Navy after Trump tweet
The leader of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warned Thursday he ordered his forces to potentially target the U.S. Navy after President Donald Trump’s tweet a day earlier threatening to sink Iranian vessels.
Iran separately summoned the Swiss ambassador, who looks out for America’s interests in the country, to complain about Trump’s threat coming amid months of escalating attacks between the two countries.
https://apnews.com/487f5aaa912282b904033f1cf1cbffc0
(A K P)
Iran-US tensions rise on Trump threat, Iran satellite launch
Tensions between Washington and Tehran flared anew Wednesday as Iran’s Revolutionary Guard conducted a space launch that could advance the country’s long-range missile program and President Donald Trump threatened to “shoot down and destroy” any Iranian gunboats that harass Navy ships.
Last Wednesday, the U.S. Navy reported that 11 Guard naval gunboats had carried out “dangerous and harassing approaches” to American Navy and Coast Guard vessels in the Persian Gulf. The Americans used a variety of nonlethal means to warn off the Iranian boats, and they eventually left. Such encounters were relatively common several years ago, but have been rare recently.
“We don’t want their gunboats surrounding our boats, and traveling around our boats and having a good time,” Trump told reporters Wednesday evening at the White House. “We’re not going to stand for it. ... They’ll shoot them out of the water.”
Iran said the U.S. was to blame for last week’s incident.
https://apnews.com/1420524aced220ec659dcf0f260b6576
(A K P)
Iran Guard reveals secret space program in satellite launch
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard launched its first satellite into space Wednesday, dramatically revealing what experts described as a secret military space program that could advance its ballistic missile development amid wider tensions between the Islamic Republic and the U.S.
Using a mobile launcher at a new launch site, the Guard said it put the “Noor,” or “Light,” satellite into a low orbit circling the Earth.
https://apnews.com/0b45baa8a846f55e058e98905e290ce5
(A K P)
Trump tweets he’s ordered Navy to destroy Iranian gunboats
President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he has ordered the Navy to “shoot down and destroy” any Iranian gunboats that harass U.S. ships, a directive that comes a week after the Navy reported a group of Iranian boats made “dangerous and harassing approaches” to American vessels in the Persian Gulf.
Trump did not cite a specific event in his tweet or provide details. The White House had no immediate comment. The U.S. Navy’s Bahrain-based 5th Fleet referred questions about the tweet to the Pentagon, and the Pentagon referred questions to the White House.
https://apnews.com/1420524aced220ec659dcf0f260b6576
My comment: And even more of US warmongering.
And
(A K P)
While tens of thousands of Americans are dying from coronavirus, in a crisis he could have easily prevented, Trump is instead threatening a military war on Iran. This is also while his administration is expanding suffocating sanctions that are killing Iranian civilians.
The account Trump is citing here, @HeshmatAlavi, is widely known to be a fake account operated by the US-backed terrorist cult the MEK. It is also likely a CIA disinfo op (the CIA works closely with the MEK — the MEK is basically a CIA puppet group)
https://twitter.com/BenjaminNorton/status/1252968038867128320
cp10 Großbritannien / Great Britain
Siehe / Look at cp1
(A P)
UK minister calls for release of prisoners held by Houthis
A UK minister has called for a Briton in a Houthi jail in Yemen to be freed as part of a release of political prisoners in the run up to Ramadan.
Luke Symons has been held since 2017 and accused of spying for the UK but he has never been put on trial.
http://en.adenpress.news/news/19901
(A P)
In response to floods, British ambassador reaffirms importance of Riyadh Agreement
"The tragedies caused by these floods illustrate the importance of implementing the Riyadh Agreement and allowing the prime minister and his government to return to Aden"
https://al-masdaronline.net/national/683
My comment: The statement of the week.
cp11 Deutschland / Germany
(A P)
Omid Nouripour zum Ende der Waffenruhe im Jemen
Mein Kommentar: Wer sich offensichtlich vor allem aus dem „Mainstream“ „informiert“, sollte besser ruhig bleiben.
cp12 Andere Länder / Other countries
(A E P)
Ernst & Young whistleblower awarded $11 million for exposing UAE gold refinery corruption
A British court has awarded $11 million (£8.6m) in damages on Friday to a former partner at Ernst & Young accounting firm after they exposed a money laundering scheme at a major gold refinery in the United Arab Emirates.
Amjad Rihan claims that he was pushed out of Ernst & Young (EY) after expressing concerns about irregularities at precious metals dealer and refiner Kaloti Jewellery International back in 2013, according to a ruling from High Court Judge Timothy Kerr.
(* B H P)
Virus traps, sickens foreign laborers in Gulf Arab states
Long a lifeline for families back home, migrant workers in oil-rich Gulf Arab states now find themselves trapped by the coronavirus pandemic, losing jobs, running out of money and desperate to return to their home countries as COVID-19 stalks their labor camps.
Whether on the island of Bahrain, hidden in the industrial neighborhoods behind Dubai’s skyscrapers or in landlocked cities of Saudi Arabia, a growing number of workers have contracted the virus or been forced into mass quarantines. Many have been put on unpaid leave or fired.
The United Arab Emirates is even threatening the laborers’ home countries that won’t take them back with possible quotas on workers in the future —
It’s a cruel fate for the millions of mostly South Asian migrants who left their homes. They’ve missed priceless years and family milestones for more lucrative wages in the Gulf.
Their work is essential for the region that hosts them and for their home countries. Their remittances are a lifeline for nations like Afghanistan, India, Nepal, Pakistan and the Philippines.
Some 35 million laborers work in the six Arab Gulf states of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, as well as in Jordan and Lebanon, according to U.N. figures
In Bahrain and Qatar, hundreds of migrant workers were quarantined after an unknown number contracted COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. Saudi Arabia also noted the danger of the virus spreading in housing for laborers. It’s a crisis striking Singapore as well.
Gulf countries have introduced amnesty periods for workers whose visas and residencies expire during the pandemic. Several have ordered firms to provide food and accommodation to migrant workers who’ve been furloughed, though laborers have been vulnerable to abuse for decades. Countries also have promised free treatment for any confirmed case of the virus, regardless of citizenship.
Access to health care, however, remains an issue.
https://apnews.com/10d10da193d6cdf6330b0213a780b6d2
cp13a Mercenaries / Söldner
(* A K P)
Saudi-backed fighters stage mutiny at Yemen border fronts over unpaid wages
The battle fronts along the Saudi-Yemeni border have witnessed a mutiny among Saudi-backed mercenaries fighting on behalf of exiled Yemeni President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi. The incidents have taken place in the Jizan, Najran and Asir regions, which were historically Yemeni territories.
The discontent is reportedly over Riyadh’s refusal to pay their salaries which have been unpaid for six months.
The Yemen Press Agency reported that a video circulated showing Saudi forces shooting at a group of “Duty brigade and the 7th Brigade recruits” as they tried to advance towards the Al-Hamra area of Jizan, demanding their deportation to Yemen.
In a bid to clamp down on the internal strife, Saudi forces carried out a large-scale arrest campaign among the pro-Hadi fighters.
Most of the coalition-supported fighters defending Saudi’s borders are poor Yemenis recruited with the promise of an income, however it has been reported previously how many have been exploited with funds ceasing once they are injured in combat. The Saudis have also made use of extensive human-trafficking networks to recruit fighters, including Yemeni child soldiers.
and
(* A K P)
Yemenis in Saudi service refuse to serve as mercenaries any longer
Hundreds of Yemeni forces stage protest demanding right to return home
Dozens of Yemeni recruits in the ranks of the Saudi-led invasion coalition on both the southern and northern fronts in Najran, Jizan and Asir have held a mass protest.
Yemeni activists on Wednesday circulated video footage showing the recruits demanding to return home and refusing to continue fighting on the side of the Saudi forces.
Al-Jazeera reported yesterday that 800 Yemeni recruits were present in the Saudi southern border who expressed their will to return home. The Saudi-led coalition reportedly refused to do so and detained them in Najran (with film)
https://www.uprising.today/yemenis-in-saudi-service-refuse-to-serve-as-mercenaries-any-longer/
https://twitter.com/Hussein_faye/status/1252623386544611328
cp13b Wirtschaft / Economy
Siehe / Look at cp2a
(* B E)
Yemen's Economic Update — April 2020
After almost five years of escalating conflict, Yemen continues to face an unprecedented humanitarian, social and economic crisis. Significant damage to vital public infrastructure has contributed to a disruption of basic services, while insecurity has delayed the rehabilitation of oil exports — which had been the largest source of foreign currency before the war — severely limiting government revenue and supply of foreign exchange for essential imports. The bifurcation of national capacity, including the Central Bank of Yemen (CBY), between the conflicting parties, and adhoc policy decisions by them further compound the economic crisis and humanitarian suffering from violence.
Economic and social prospects in 2020 and beyond are uncertain and hinge critically on the political and security situations. Affordability of food is a rapidly emerging threat to household welfare, as preexisting global food price increases and rial depreciation is now interacting with COVID-19 related trade restrictions by food exporters. Yemen’s import dependence is exacerbated by the impact of desert locusts on the cropping season. A cessation of the ongoing violence and eventual political reconciliation, including the reintegration of vital state institutions, would improve the operational environment for the private sector, facilitating the reconstruction of the economy and rebuilding of social fabric.
Yemen continues to face significant risks of renewed macroeconomic volatility. Without stable sources of foreign exchange, the Yemeni rial is vulnerable to downward pressures. KSA’s deposit, which financed essential imports, is close to depletion and increased hydrocarbon exports are highly uncertain due to the bleak outlook of the global oil market, and the fragmented multiple exchange rate regimes. A further rial depreciation would immediately have a knock-on effect on the prices of imported commodities with dire economic and humanitarian consequences. A COVID-19 related global and regional economic slowdown may affect Yemen through reduced remittances from the GCC.
https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/yemen/publication/economic-update-april-2020
Full document: http://pubdocs.worldbank.org/en/604811554825494039/mpo-yem.pdf
(* B E)
Yemen Monthly Economic Update- March 2020
Yemen’s conflict entered the sixth year in March. Despite generally difficult operating environment, some entrepreneurs seized opportunities to spur new business sectors. Declining food stocks, sharply rising food prices, and draining foreign reserves point to a looming food crisis in Yemen. COVID-19 could potentially exacerbate Yemen’s already difficult socio-economic conditions.
https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/yemen/publication/yemen-monthly-economic-update-march-2020
(B E P)
Arab coalition seeks to close Marib refinery: Houthis
The Sana'a-based Yemeni Petroleum Company (YPC) on Thursday accused the Saudi-led coalition and Yemeni official government of seeking to "stop Marib refinery's activity for personal interests amid local demand for oil derivatives."
https://debriefer.net/en/news-16690.html
(* B E)
Ist Öl jetzt billiger als Wasser?
Der globale Ölmarkt erlebt die turbulentesten Tage seiner Geschichte– zwischendurch sinken die Preise sogar in den Minusbereich. Im Haushalt der Golfstaaten klafft nun ein riesiges Haushaltsloch.
Aktuell besteht demnach ein enormer Angebotsüberschuss auf dem Markt, der dazu führt, dass die weltweiten Lagerkapazitäten an ihre Grenzen stoßen. Die Lagerung von Rohöl wird immer teurer – und das, obwohl allein etwa 160 Million Barrel Öl in Tankern auf den Weltmeeren unterwegs sind und auf Abnehmer an Land warten. Doch diese Situation entstand nicht über Nacht – wie ist es also möglich, dass ein Ölpreis von knapp 20 Dollar plötzlich auf Minus 40 Dollar sinkt?
Das hat mit der Natur der Termingeschäfte auf dem Ölmarkt zu tun. Am 21. April war der letzte Handelstag, an dem WTI Oil Futures für den Monat Mai gehandelt werden konnten. Offensichtlich spekulierten aufgrund dieser nahenden Deadline einige Händler, dass es teurer gewesen wäre, ihre Pläne für den Mai umzuwerfen und auf dem eigenen Öl sitzen zu bleiben, als es kostenfrei oder sogar für einen negativen Preis abzugeben.
Das bedeutet allerdings nicht, dass die Ölpreise über einen längeren Zeitraum im negativen Bereich bleiben werden.
https://magazin.zenith.me/de/wirtschaft/kurz-erkl%C3%A4rt-preissturz-auf-dem-%C3%B6lmarkt
cp14 Terrorismus / Terrorism
(A T)
Well this is interesting. A #Ramadan sermon is on its way from #AQAP judge Abu Bishr M. Darama. Pro-AQAP #Yemen wires reported him droned in 6/2018. But he subsequently popped up in AQAP's spy film series & today's sermon preview is a reverse image from Demolishing Espionage 4
https://twitter.com/Dr_E_Kendall/status/1253432753896296448
(A T)
Al-Qaida militants kill security member, kidnap another in southern Yemen
A Yemeni security member was killed and another was kidnapped after an attack launched by al-Qaida militants in Yemen's southern province of Abyan on Wednesday, a government official told Xinhua.
The local government source said on condition of anonymity that "nearly eight terror elements of the al-Qaida group attacked a security checkpoint located in Lawdar district, northeast of Abyan province."
http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-04/23/c_139000025.htm
(B K)
The Thabat stats on #AQAP ops in #Yemen appear greatly inflated. During the period under consideration (1Jan19 to 17Apr20), #alQaeda's official wires claimed 116 ops not 292. There were many more ops claimed on unofficial wires & in the media but these were never formally adopted
https://twitter.com/Dr_E_Kendall/status/1252961298473721857
referring to
Infographics "Results 500 days of operations" by affiliated with #AlQaeda groups around the world, published on 17/04/2020
https://twitter.com/fahedk10/status/1252952654915022848
(* A K T)
Houthis capture Al Qaeda base in northern Yemen
In a recent video, the Iranian-backed Houthi insurgents claim to have captured a base belonging to Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) in the Khasaf region of Yemen’s northern al Jawf governorate.
Houthi fighters are shown touring the captured base, which includes underground housing components and an alleged prison. Explosive belts, ammunition, AQAP flags, and other material are paraded by the insurgents for the camera.
The insurgents also go through the library of AQAP’s base, though most of its contents appear quite dated.
This includes religious material, weapons and ballistics manuals, a book written by former al Qaeda general manager Atiyah Abd al Rahman (or Atiyah Allah), several editions of AQAP’s former Al Masrah newsletter (which ceased in late 2018), and internal statements produced by the group.
The latter statements include a undated document entitled “Advice for the users of chat forums” and another document dated for Feb. 26, 2013, which refers to a “statement gathered by the Yemeni ulema [religious scholars] on the endeavor to mediate between the mujahideen and the Sana’a regime.”
The latter statement offers little substance but chastises the “shameful position of the Sana’a government,” which it blames on “projects of the Americans and Gulf scholars.”
The exact details of the capture of the AQAP base remain murky. The Houthis do not provide a date nor any confirmation about a clash with AQAP or if the headquarters was already abandoned. Additionally, no bodies are shown throughout the almost 15-minute film.
Given the capture of documents, material, and other equipment, it is possible that AQAP fighters hastily abandoned the base prior to the Houthis arrival. The insurgent group claimed control over much of al Jawf last month and have steadily conducted operations in the province since.
AQAP in al Jawf
Al Jawf is a traditional stronghold of AQAP. Since 2010, the United States has launched at least 8 drone strikes in the province against AQAP personnel. Despite the airstrikes, the group remains active in the province today. (photos)
https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2020/04/houthis-capture-al-qaeda-base-in-northern-yemen.php
and also https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20200423-yemen-houthis-capture-al-qaeda-base/
Photos: https://twitter.com/Aldanimarki/status/1252277379243917313
My remark: Earlier reporting in Yemen War Mosaic 644, cp14.
Comment: An example how western media time & again foolishly parrot Iran backed militias propaganda & present them as “facts.” This one relied on a video produced by Houthis.
https://twitter.com/Ndawsari/status/1252818558960013314
My comment: Who can actually tell this is a fake? Nobody.
Comment: AQAP does not publicize its presence in al Jawf and Ma'rib as it has done in the south and east. But it has maintained havens in territory under the control of the Hadi government throughout the war.
https://twitter.com/MaherFarrukh/status/1252744510792228864
(B T)
Qatar supports, finances and sponsors terrorism in Yemen
Qatar does not stop supporting, financing and sponsoring terrorism. The Paris Forum for Peace and Development issued a report on the Doha financing of terrorism in Yemen, based on political, human and security sources.
The report pointed out that the Qatari regime was involved in financing and supporting the terrorist organization al-Qaeda financially and logistically through various means, the most important of which is the payment of ransom amounts under the name liberating the kidnappers from al-Qaeda, as happened in Yemen and Iraq.
According to the sources upon which the report was based, the Qatari regime paid al-Qaeda in Yemen nearly $20 million in exchange for the release of the Swiss hostage Silvia Abrahat in March 2012, as well as other separate funds received by tribal elders and military leaders affiliated with the Yemeni Reform Party - the Brotherhood’s arm in the country.
Doha: The lifeline of terrorism
Abdel Salam Al-Soudi, the Executive Director of the National Center for Human Rights, said that the ransom of $20 million was "a lifeline" for the terrorist organization Al-Qaeda, to move and carry out its terrorist operations again.
http://en.adenpress.news/news/19902
My comment: I am in doubt. This story has the propaganda spin of southern separatists, blaming supporters of anti-separatist forces like Islah party as sponsors of terrorism.
cp15 Propaganda
(A P)
Yemeni President Holds Onto Federal State Based on Fair Distribution of Power
Yemeni President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi reiterated his call for a federal state based on the fair distribution of power and wealth, accusing the Houthi coup militias of causing an unprecedented humanitarian disaster in the country.
At an annual speech on Wednesday on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan, Hadi said Ramadan returns for the sixth year as parts of the country remain under the control of the militias that “caused through their Iran-backed armed coup an unprecedented humanitarian disaster in Yemen … to implement a sectarian agenda backed by the mullahs of Iran.”
The President rejected turning Yemen into a hotbed for destructive ideas or be used for undermining the region’s security.
He pledged to keep Yemen part of the Arab world instead of turning it into “a culture alien to our people and history.”
(A P)
Houthi extremists' war is literally endless
The fact that the Houthis are intending to keep fighting the oppositionist Yemenis until submission or forever seems to be widely ignored by Yemenis and non-Yemenis alike.
As a Zaydi Shia organization, the Houthi group was formed in the 1990s to pursue - through "Jihad" - the "God-given right" for Houthi dynasty to rule.
The organization besieging government-held cities in the country's center and east since March 2015 has since been attempting to capture those cities on a daily and weekly basis.
In spite of the fact that the government's announced and popular goal is "Liberating Yemen", the government's forces have over the past six years been in a defense mode and have repelled literally hundreds of advance attempts by the maximalist and diehard religious fighters recurring on a semi-daily basis.
https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-39330
(A P)
Ceasefire Extension in Yemen Threatened by Houthi Evasiveness
The Arab Coalition’s initiative for a two-week ceasefire in Yemen will soon expire amid Houthi discretion and evasiveness towards taking a step that meets the invitation of United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
This comes at a time the Yemeni government and the Coalition have presented an example of positive interaction with international developments.
So far, no statements by the Coalition were released on extending the ceasefire with predictions suggesting that the Yemeni government may request an extension.
“Despite that the ceasefire decision was announced amid Houthi defeats in Marib and Jawf governorates, it was welcomed out of the government’s true keenness to end the war and promote peace,” Yemeni Information Minister Muammar al-Eryani told Asharq Al-Awsat.
“This internationally-welcomed initiative could have been the first step in ending the war in Yemen and preparing for political and military negotiations according to the three main references: The Gulf Initiative, the outcomes of national dialogue and relevant UN resolutions, particularly resolution 2216,” Eryani told Asharq Al-Awsat.
and also referring to this report: https://debriefer.net/en/news-16686.html
My comment: LOL. The Saudis themselves never respected their own “ceasefire”, just used it for propaganda. And the Hadi government still tells us that its “The Houthis must surrender” maximum claims could be a base for any peaceful solution.
(A P)
US media maintain non-stopping propaganda for Yemen's Shia extremists
As if they take turns, every once in a while a new US media outlet appears with a propaganda designed to serve the purpose of the Shia sectarian Jihadists – known as Houthis.
Most recently, on April 21, the US FDD's Long War, a news journal, came up with a report that claims that the Houthis who are fighting the government and pro-democracy Yemenis for six years have captured an Al Qaeda base in Aljawf, a desert province and a war front in the country's northeast. The report is entitled: "Houthis Capture Al Qaeda base in northern Yemen".
The Yemeni government has warned many times that Houthis - way stronger and responsible for too much more bloodshed than any other organization in Yemen - do have proven ties with the internationally known terrorist organization and have joint and adjacent territories of military control with them in Yemen's center.
https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-39306
(A P)
President Hadi holds Iran responsible for disasters in Yemen
The Yemeni President said in a speech on the occasion of the advent of the month of Ramadan, "Here is Ramadan, for the sixth year that comes back to us and parts of our dear homeland whose sons are still under the control of the bloody priestly Houthi militia that caused with its Iranian-backed armed coup in a humanitarian disaster that Yemen has never seen before, and all of that to implement an agenda Exotic sectarianism behind the mullahs of Iran.
https://debriefer.net/en/news-16668.html
(A P)
Yemen: The attack on this hospital is not newsworthy for western media
In the daily events of the war in Yemen, violations against civilians and attacks of sensitive nature do not go unnoticed thanks to the follow-up of the western media. But only as long these violations occur in the Houthi-held side of the frontline or Houthis themselves issue the violation claims.
https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-39268
(A P)
More Saudi coalition „We are benefactors“ propaganda
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2078371 (English) / https://www.presseportal.ch/de/pm/100066242/100846608 (Deutsch)
https://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/sdrpy-contributes-emergency-flood-relief-aden
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2077986
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2077780
cp16 Saudische Luftangriffe / Saudi air raids
(* A K pH)
Saudi coalition air raids and shelling day by day
April 21: https://www.facebook.com/lcrdye/photos/pb.551288185021551.-2207520000../1640899322727093/
(A K pH)
40 Luftangriffe der Aggressionsluftwaffe auf drei Provinzen
https://www.saba.ye/de/news3094926.htm
(A K pH)
Aggressionsluftwaffe fliegt 40 Luftangriffe auf die Gebiete Marib, Al-Dschouf und Nehm an
https://www.saba.ye/de/news3094880.htm
and also https://www.saba.ye/de/news3095035.htm
(A K pH)
40 Saudi-led airstrikes hit Marib, Jawf and Nehm
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3094881.htm
(A K pS)
Saudi-led coalition forces launched airstrikes on al Houthi militants in Sirwah district in Ma’rib governorate in northern Yemen on April 23, claiming that al Houthi militants were attempting to capture Saudi-led coalition sites in Sirwah. Saudi-backed Hadi government forces claimed recapturing several al Houthi-held areas in Sirwah in late March.[2]
(A K pH)
More Saudi coalition air raids recorded on:
April 21: https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=12467 Marib p., Jawf p., Saada p., Najran
cp17 Kriegsereignisse / Theater of War
Siehe / Look at cp1b
(A K pH)
We Will Not Stand Still For The Aggression’s 25 Offensive Operations, 253 Raids Within A Week: [Sanaa gov.9 Yemeni Army Spokesman
The Armed Forces spokesman, Brigadier General Yahya Saree, confirmed, Thursday, that the Saudi American aggression forces continue to escalate for the second week on internal and border battlefronts alongside intense air coverage.
The brigadier general said that the number of enemy operations and airstrikes since the morning of April 17 to this day amounted to 25 offensive operations and attempted infiltrations. He further explained that the attempts to advance took place in the governorates of Marib, Jawf, Saada, Taiz and Dhale.
Saree pointed out that the aggression launched 253 raids, most of them on the governorates of Ma’rib, Al-Jawf and Al-Baidha.
“The total number of aggression operations and airstrikes during the past two weeks are 57 offensive operations and nearly 500 raids,” the armed forces spokesman said.
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=12507
(A K pH)
Kind gemartert, drei Zivilisten durch den Beschuss der Aggression in Al-Bayda verwundet
https://www.saba.ye/de/news3095103.htm
(A K pH)
Child killed in aggression artillery attack on Bayda
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3095073.htm
(A K pH)
Artillerie-Bombardierung bei auf Aala Dorf in Nate' in Al-Bayda
https://www.saba.ye/de/news3095083.htm
(A K pH)
Coalition artillery hits residential areas in Bayda
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3095060.htm
(A K pS)
Five-year Child Killed, Her Mom Wounded due to Houthi Shelling
https://republicanyemen.net/archives/23892
(A K pS)
Forces aligned with the internationally recognized Yemeni government of Abdu Rabbu Mansour Hadi reportedly advanced in Nihm district in Sana’a governorate on April 23. Hadi government forces claimed capturing al Houthi-controlled sites including Salb mountain near al Jawf junction in Nihm during clashes with al Houthi militants. Al Houthi militants seized Nihm district in Sana’a governorate in late January.[1]
(A K pH)
Saree: Armee [der Sanaa-Regierung] wehrt 4 Angriffe der Aggression ab, vereitelt 2 Infiltrationsversuche
https://www.saba.ye/de/news3095034.htm
(A K pH)
[Sanaa gov.] Army breaks 4 infiltrations, foils 2 others for Saudi enemy
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3095008.htm
and also https://www.uprising.today/six-saudi-attacks-repelled-by-yemeni-forces-in-one-day/
(A K pH)
In Sa'adah, US-Saudi artillery shells targeted populated villages in Adhdhaher district.
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=12492
(A K pS)
1,428 attacks by Houthi militia on army positions since truce came into effect, spokesman says
(A K pS)
In a week Houthi militia suffered heavy losses in Taiz fronts
http://en.26sepnews.net/2020/04/22/in-a-week-houthi-militia-suffered-heavy-losses-in-taiz-fronts/
(A K pH)
Film: Yemeni [Sanaa gov.] forces repel Saudi-led coalition attack in Bayda
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wx_hnVNwLCw
(A K pS)
United Arab Emirates (UAE)-backed Transitional Political Council of the South (STC) forces claimed capturing al Houthi-controlled areas in southern Yemen on April 20. An STC official stated that STC forces captured sites near Hejar in Ibb governorate in southern Yemen and the main road connecting Ibb governorate to Dhaleh, Lahij, and Aden governorates. STC forces claimed destroying four al Houthi military vehicles and seizing military equipment. Al Houthi militants clashed with Saudi-led coalition forces in Dhaleh governorate on the same day.[2]
(A K pH)
[Sanaa gov.] Army breaks 4 infiltrations, foils 2 others for Saudi enemy
failure of two attempts to infiltrate the Saudi enemy in the fronts of the border and the provinces of Jawf, Taiz and Bayda, Sarie told Saba on Thursday.
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3095008.htm
and also https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=12489
(A K pS)
Pro #Iran #Houthi militia attacked al-Jaffra hospital in #Marib yesterday w/ Katyusha missiles. Four civilians were killed. This is the second time the hospital is targeted by Houthis despite appeals to de-escalate amid #COVID19 concerns (photo)
https://twitter.com/YemeniFatima/status/1252989240360808459
More photos: https://twitter.com/ycmhrv/status/1252967079784992769
https://twitter.com/ycmhrv/status/1252969859622866944
(A K pS)
Yemen’s Southern Joint Forces drive Houthis from strategic sites
(A K)
8 killed in clash between gov't army, Houthis in central Yemen: source
http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-04/22/c_138996849.htm
(* A K)
Heftige Kämpfe im Jemen - über 500 Tote
Bei heftigen Kämpfen im Jemen sind mehr als 500 Menschen ums Leben gekommen. Das berichten die beiden Konfliktparteien, die schiitischen Huthi-Rebellen und Vertreter der Regierung
https://www.swr.de/swraktuell/tote-bei-kaempfen-im-jemen-100.html
Mein Kommentar: Im Jemenkrieg sind bisher nicht „mehr als 10,000“, sondern mindestens das Zehnfache, und wenn man die Kriegsfolgen mit einrechnet, etwa 240,000 Menschen umgekommen.
(* A K)
Fighting in several parts of Yemen kills hundreds in April
Heavy fighting in Yemen between pro-government forces and Houthi rebels has killed hundreds of people this month in several parts of the country, Yemeni officials and tribal leaders said Tuesday.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/ap/article-8241803/Fighting-parts-Yemen-kill-hundreds-April.html
My comment: The war has nit killed “over 10,000 people”, but at least 10 times as much; reckoning all victims of the war’s consequences, it will be 240,000 now.
(A K pH)
Saree: Armee [der Sanaa-Regierung] wehrt den Vormarsch der Aggressionstruppen in Al-Bayda ab
https://www.saba.ye/de/news3094904.htm
(A K pH)
[Sanaa gov.] Army repels aggression forces in Bayda: Brig. Gen. Sarie
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3094884.htm
(A K pS)
[Hadi gov.] Army thwarts militia attacks in Serwah & Nihm
http://en.26sepnews.net/2020/04/21/army-thwarts-militia-attacks-in-serwah-nihm/
(A K pS)
[Hadi gov.] Army repels Houthi militia attacks in Nihm & Al-Dhale
http://en.26sepnews.net/2020/04/21/army-repels-houthi-militia-attacks-in-nihm-al-dhale/
(A K pS)
Despite truce, Houthi militia continues to push large reinforcements to front lines
(* A K)
[Hadi gov.] Yemeni gov't forces attempts to reduce Houthi pressure on Marib without results
The battles between the Yemeni government forces and the Ansar Allah group (Houthis) have been intensifying in three governorates for weeks.
Government forces are trying to attack the Houthis on many fronts with heavy support from coalition aircraft to save the northeastern province of Marib from falling, but they are still trying and there are no indications that they may succeed.
The military spokesman of the Houthis tweeted on Tuesday evening, that his group's forces were able to repulse a large-scale wide encroachment from two tracks in Al-Bayda Governorate, central Yemen.
He pointed out that the first track of the advance by the forces of the internationally recognized Yemeni government was towards the Al-Dahaki network, while the second track was towards the locations of the group's fighters from the Al-Okla area in the Arqoub network in the al-Saoma'a District.
Saree claimed that their fighters had inflicted heavy losses on government forces and equipment, as well as dozens of deaths and injuries.
https://debriefer.net/en/news-16648.html
(A K pH)
Aggressionskräfte setzen Verstöße und Bombardierungen von Zivilisten in mehreren Provinzen fort
https://www.saba.ye/de/news3094843.htm
(A K pS)
De-mining worker killed by landmine in Taiz
Twenty-one people have been killed and at least 16 wounded from the organization while carrying out their de-mining work
Col. Ali Saeed Al-Kaldi, a member of the Saudi-backed initiative to free Yemen of landmines known as MASAM, was killed by a landmine in the Mawza district of Taiz governorate, according to a statement released by the group.
Al-Kaldi was the leader of a team of de-mining workers in the Al-Hamili area of Mawza
https://al-masdaronline.net/national/676
cp18 Sonstiges / Other
(A)
Marine earthquake hits coasts of Hadramaut, Mahra and central Gulf of Aden
https://debriefer.net/en/news-16670.html
and also https://al-masdaronline.net/national/684
Vorige / Previous:
https://www.freitag.de/autoren/dklose/jemenkrieg-mosaik-644-yemen-war-mosaic-644
Jemenkrieg-Mosaik 1-644 / Yemen War Mosaic 1-644:
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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