... Großer Gefangenenaustausch – und mehr
Oct. 16, 2020: Yemen needs a rescue package – The EU and the Houthis – The UAE in Yemen – British sniper rifles in the Yemen War – The US as largest arms dealer – Great prisoner swap – and more
Schwerpunkte / Key aspects
Kursiv: Siehe Teil 2 / In Italics: Look in part 2: https://www.freitag.de/autoren/dklose/jemenkrieg-mosaik-686b-yemen-war-mosaic-686b
Klassifizierung / Classification
Für wen das Thema ganz neu ist / Who is new to the subject
cp1 Am wichtigsten / Most important
cp1a Am wichtigsten: Coronavitrus und Seuchen / Most important: Coronavirus and epidemics
cp1b Am wichtigsten: Großer Gefangenenaustausch / Most important: Great prisoner swap
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
cp8a Jamal Khashoggi
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
cp12a Katar-Krise / Qatar crisis
cp12b Sudan
cp13a Waffenhandel / Arms Trade
cp13b Kulturerbe / Cultural heritage
cp13c Wirtschaft / Economy
cp14 Terrorismus / Terrorism
cp15 Propaganda
cp16 Saudische Luftangriffe / Saudi air raids
cp17 Kriegsereignisse / Theater of War
cp18 Kampf um Hodeidah / Hodeidah battle
cp19 Sonstiges / Other
Klassifizierung / Classification
***
**
*
(Kein Stern / No star)
? = Keine Einschatzung / No rating
A = Aktuell / Current news
B = Hintergrund / Background
C = Chronik / Chronicle
D = Details
E = Wirtschaft / Economy
H = Humanitäre Fragen / Humanitarian questions
K = Krieg / War
P = Politik / Politics
pH = Pro-Houthi
pS = Pro-Saudi
T = Terrorismus / Terrorism
Für wen das Thema ganz neu ist / Who is new to the subject
Ältere einführende Artikel u. Überblicke für alle, die mit den Ereignissen im Jemen noch nicht vertraut sind, hier:
Yemen War: Older introductory articles, overviews, for those who are still unfamiliar with the Yemen war here:
https://www.freitag.de/autoren/dklose/jemenkrieg-einfuehrende-artikel-u-ueberblicke
cp1 Am wichtigsten / Most important
(** B H)
Opinion: Yemen needs a rescue package — before it's too late
This is a tale of three crises. The first is the man-made war and the second is the floods. The third is COVID-19.
For most people in Yemen, the coronavirus is not their main worry. It is catastrophic, yes, but we already live in a catastrophe. How can we face a pandemic when our health workers have not been paid for years? Or when our biggest health problem is not having enough food?
I have been a humanitarian worker for eight years in my home country of Yemen.
Then one day, we were the ones fleeing. I packed my family into a rented car with some mattresses and water jugs, thinking it would only be for a few days. I stayed behind to close the apartment, and I remember the feeling when everyone started leaving the city on foot. No cars on the road — just people. There wasn’t time to think; I left everything, grabbing only my laptop bag. I even forgot my shoes.
The Norwegian Refugee Council started its rapid response project in July 2018, two years ago. I remember meeting a family sheltering under a tree, after the fighting had reached Medi and Hairan. They had an empty flour bag that they were using as a bed. No blankets, no mattresses, no food. Just that empty flour packet.
We all cried when we saw that. I went back to our management team and said we must do something.
That first group we helped had over 900 people. Since then, this has become a big part of what the Norwegian Refugee Council does — according to our internal reports, we have now reached over 50,000 people immediately after displacement. We rent warehouses and position supplies in advance, ready for a new alert.
I go out for the distributions myself. Qarah is one of the hardest-to-reach locations, high in the mountains. The roads are so bad that we have to get out of the vehicle so it doesn’t get stuck. It’s just sky up there; you can see all the way to the border.
This rainy season is not like others. Day and night, it rains. Sixty thousand people have been affected here in the Hodeida area. I have met people living in the valleys of al-Zuhrah district, and their roofs have been swept off. One brother drowned trying to save the other. It is hard to sleep sometimes after hearing these stories. An old man told me his family has been living here for generations and they have not seen floods like this in 100 years.
We have had to change all our plans. Families we already helped are homeless again.
I want to tell the international community, especially those countries on the United Nations Security Council: We need this war to be over. The longer it goes on, the worse our situation becomes. The EU Humanitarian Air Bridge for flying in medicines and other urgent goods is a positive step, but what we really need is an agreement to remove the restrictions on our borders, ports, and airports, so enough food and fuel can enter and jobs have a chance to recover.
There must be a plan to pay doctors and other public employees their salaries so that Yemen can fight COVID-19. And aid organizations need enough funding to continue our work.
I told my team to stay home if they feel unsafe because of the coronavirus, but they want to continue. I have never thought about stopping. People need this assistance. But we can’t do it alone – by Ali Alhajori (with photos)
https://www.devex.com/news/opinion-yemen-needs-a-rescue-package-before-it-s-too-late-98285
(** B K P)
Talking to the Houthis: How Europeans can promote peace in Yemen
Summary
Early Houthi promises to Yemenis of fairer and more transparent government have come to nothing, and the group exerts a rule of brutal suppression.
The Houthis now govern over most of Yemen’s population and should be included in efforts to end the conflict and restore peace to the country.
The Houthis seek international recognition, face growing internal challenges, and may no longer want to extend their control over southern Yemen. This provides some negotiating space.
While the Houthis benefit from Iranian support, they are driven by their own interests and will wage war regardless of Tehran’s position.
European states should now increase conditional engagement with the Houthis, looking to widen political and humanitarian space on the ground, while pushing all sides to the negotiating table.
from Introduction
For the European Union to assess developments in Yemen and create a strategy to restore some kind of stability and peace to the country, it is essential to understand different aspects of the Houthi movement: its ideological development, the mechanisms it uses to control the population, and the sources of its financial resilience. These are all relevant to explaining its successful resistance to the Saudi-led coalition. Moreover, an understanding of the internal dynamics of the Houthi movement can give European policymakers insight into better ways of dealing with the group.
This paper seeks to explain how and why the Houthis – or “Ansar Allah”, as they call themselves – have achieved their current dominance of the Yemeni political and military landscape. It examines what this means for the future of the country and ending the current war. The paper paints a worrying picture of Houthi control and governance, but nonetheless recommends that the EU and its member states recognise the need to more proactively engage the Houthi movement if political progress is to be made. This engagement should include pushing back against current attempts by the US and Saudi Arabia to designate the Houthis a terrorist organisation, which would only serve to cement the position of hardline forces within the group. European actors should better leverage this engagement to achieve behavioural change on the part of the Houthis, with an immediate focus on the humanitarian space. This would represent a necessary first step towards improving immediate conditions on the ground and strengthening the prospects for a more inclusive political track that involves all parties to the current conflict.
Encourage Houthi-Saudi and intra-Yemeni negotiations
Europeans should double down on their support for negotiations between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis. Over the past year, the UK has already assumed an increasingly important role in doing so to halt Saudi airstrikes and Houthi drone attacks.[2]Ultimately, the disarray prevailing within the anti-Houthi front may encourage Saudi Arabia to want a deal that would secure its border and end missile strikes and other military incursions in its territory. (The UAE’s military retreat from the war, the financial burdens of covid-19, and low oil prices, as well as the extremely high cost of the Yemen war, increasingly strain Saudi finances.) In return, the Houthis could be incentivised to see the gains they would make from securing an agreement that initially acknowledges their control over the north and provides them with international recognition, as part of a package that aims to support a wider, UN-led political process. Although some Houthis favour ongoing conflict, international actors should make greater efforts to persuade all parties to see this as the necessary and best outcome still available, including by laying out the prospects for more international support to the country if a ceasefire and political process makes progress. Here, the possibility of a new US administration under Joe Biden could provide an opening for a joint US-European push, given the widespread desire among US Democrats to end the war and re-energise diplomatic pathways out of conflicts in the Middle East. The devastation resulting from the Marib offensive should lend urgency to these efforts.
While their focus may initially be on Houthi-Saudi talks, Europeans should make an explicit link with the need to subsequently restart the UN process.
CONCLUSION
Six years into the internationalisation of Yemen’s civil war, Europeans’ diplomatic involvement in the crisis is still formally based on the situation prevailing in 2015. UN Security Council Resolution 2216, adopted in April 2015, is long out of date – as demonstrated by the Houthis’ increasing power in Yemen. The Houthis now play a dominant role in the country and, despite some internal political differences, they remain a close-knit, effective force. The group is unlikely to soften its approach or reveal internal differences so long as the fighting continues.
The Houthis, with all their terrible characteristics, are an inescapable part of the political landscape in Yemen and will be an unavoidable partner in securing desperately needed progress in the country. The international community’s priority must therefore be to broaden its engagement with the Houthis, engaging regional actors as it does so – with the ultimate aim of bringing Yemeni actors to the negotiating table, while pressing for improved conditions for the populace at large – by Helen Lackner and Raiman Al-Hamdani
(** B K P)
The UAE in Yemen: From Surge to Recalibration
Despite its small size, the United Arab Emirates has emerged as one of the most important players in the Middle East. It has done so by shrewdly strengthening its alliances with the United States and Saudi Arabia while intervening militarily and financially throughout the region. Thomas Juneau of the University of Ottawa explains the logic of the UAE’s emergence as a major player, with a focus on how the UAE calibrates its strategy in Yemen, one of the region’s hotspots.
The growing foreign policy assertiveness of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has attracted much attention in recent years, as witnessed by its deal in August 2020 to normalize relations with Israel. The UAE has also been especially visible in Yemen.
As I argue in a recent article in Survival, the UAE can plausibly claim to have reaped significant benefits from its intervention in Yemen. It established a strong foothold in the south; learned much about projecting power in a war-torn country with which it shares no land border; and, so far, mostly managed its most important bilateral relationships, with Saudi Arabia and the United States. At the same time, the Emirati investment in Yemen has proved costly, which led it to partially withdraw its forces in 2019.
Ramping Up, 2015-2019
The UAE’s key objective in Yemen is to manage its most important foreign policy priority: its often-difficult relations with Saudi Arabia. The Emirati crown prince and de facto ruler, Mohammed bin Zayed, has decided that bandwagoning with its bigger neighbor can act as a force multiplier: It allows the UAE to carve out a space alongside Saudi Arabia to pursue its own objectives.
Managing relations with Washington is the UAE’s other fundamental priority. The Emiratis have achieved greater alignment with the Trump administration, notably on Iran policy, but after early enthusiasm, Emirati leaders have become disillusioned with Trump’s erratic and unreliable policies, in particular his vow to disengage from the Middle East.
The UAE also realized more quickly than Saudi Arabia that, despite steadfast support from the Trump administration, the intervention in Yemen was facing mounting criticism from Congress and the U.S. media. The UAE was keenly aware that this public relations challenge could intensify, even if it has been adroit in deflecting negative press coverage toward Saudi Arabia.
The main threats that the UAE perceives to its security converge in Yemen. First, one of the main drivers of Emirati foreign policy is its opposition to the Muslim Brotherhood. The UAE fears, in particular, the Brotherhood’s alternative blueprint for state power derived from political Islam and the challenge it poses to hereditary monarchies. In Yemen, this has translated into systematic efforts to weaken Islah, roughly the Yemeni branch of the Brotherhood and a key partner of the Hadi government. The UAE is also concerned with the actions of Qatar, which supports Brotherhood-aligned groups throughout the region, including possibly Islah.
The UAE and Saudi Arabia grew increasingly alarmed in 2014 and 2015 as the Houthis expanded their power. Like Saudi Arabia, the UAE views the Houthis as close partners of Iran, but whereas Saudi Arabia inflates Iranian influence over the Houthis, the UAE has a more realistic view that recognizes that the Houthis are not Iranian puppets.
Finally, the UAE’s model of economic development is premised on its position as a logistics hub for regional trade. Maritime security is thus a vital interest, especially in the U-shaped area around the Arabian Peninsula encompassing the Persian Gulf, the Arabian and Oman seas, the Gulf of Aden, and the Red Sea. In Yemen, this has translated to the UAE seeking influence over ports and surrounding areas on the country’s southern and western coasts.
The UAE’s strategy has been premised on its ties to southern actors, especially the Southern Transitional Council, a coalition of separatists.
Recalibrating, 2019 and After
By 2019, the UAE had come to believe that the costs of its involvement in Yemen outweighed the benefits, and that this negative cost-benefit ratio might worsen in the future. It therefore announced in June 2019 a partial withdrawal of its forces from Yemen. It has, however, maintained a presence in the south, focused mostly on counterterrorism, and continues supporting some southern groups.
Those earlier gains were important. The UAE has built major influence in southern Yemen, much of which it has maintained even as it drew down its forces. It has also become skilled at mobilizing, training, and equipping non-state militias and exploiting them to project its power regionally, a valuable asset that Iran largely monopolized in the Gulf until recently. The UAE has also learned a lot by working closely with the United States in mounting counterterrorism operations in Yemen.
Yet despite these real successes, the war in Yemen was proving costly. The Emirati leadership, moreover, understood that the way ahead would likely become increasingly difficult to manage – by Thomas Juneau
https://www.lawfareblog.com/uae-yemen-surge-recalibration
(** B K P)
How British-made sniper rifles ended up in Yemen, Syria and Ukraine
UK sniper rifle sales to Saudi Arabia have increased in recent years, even as Saudi forces have engaged in a brutal conflict in neighbouring Yemen.
Documents submitted by the UK to the Arms Trade Treaty show that 663 sniper rifles were exported to Saudi Arabia in 2017. A year earlier, that figure stood at 290.
At the same time, data collected by the Campaign against the Arms Trade (CAAT) from UK Strategic Export Controls reports shows that 23 licenses have been granted for the sale of sniper rifles to Saudi Arabia since 2008. Of these, 18 are Standard licenses (SIELs: Standard Issue Export Licenses), which can be used to send a single shipment overseas, and five are ‘open’ licenses (OITCLs: Open Individual Trade Control License).
Of the five open licenses, end destination notes are available for two of them. A 2017 OITCL granted the sale of sniper rifles, among other things, for “anti-piracy operations. Civilian/commercial end use.” A 2016 OIEL was granted for: “for accessories / spare parts. Armed forces end use.”
Through data provided in response to Freedom of Information requests by CAAT, we were able to see that Accuracy International applied for a license to sell ML1a items (detailed in the image below) to Saudi Arabia at least seven times over the period between September 2007 and December 2015. Given the FOI request was submitted in 2016, it is possible that AI applied for more licenses to sell ML1a items after these dates.
Yet due to paucity of the data in the SIEL and OITCL end notes, it is not possible to say which, if any, of the approved licenses were awarded to Accuracy International.
But what if we were to take a look at the weapons that appear to be being used by the Saudi armed forces in training and in the field?
Images posted to unofficial and enthusiast Instagram pages that celebrate the Saudi army and navy appear to show uniformed men holding rifles that bear a very close resemblance to the AI Arctic Warfare series model (as seen below)
While this cannot be taken as full confirmation, given the unofficial nature of the Instagram pages, it does align with the hypothesis that AI rifles had been sold to the Saudi Navy.
Locating Accuracy International rifles in Yemen
On December 10, 2015, the Royal Saudi Navy released footage of an operation in the Hanish Islands, which belong to Yemen.
The original video is now unavailable and the Navy’s official social media accounts and website have been taken down, although the footage was also uploaded by other unofficial social media channels. The video bears the official logo of the Royal Saudi Navy and is consistent with the official material shared by the Navy with the international press. It can be viewed below.
Conclusion
What seems apparent from our research is that UK-made sniper rifles from Accuracy International are in the hands of Saudi forces, some of whom have operated in Yemen.
It has also been possible to find export licenses for sniper rifles the UK has granted after the start of the conflict there, including to the Saudi Navy. These licenses, however, do not name the manufacturer or the specific items that were approved for sale.
Saudi Arabia has been widely criticised for its role in the Yemen conflict and human rights groups have accused it of reckless and indiscriminate attacks on civilians.
Whether the UK should have granted licenses for the sale of sniper rifles after Saudi Arabia became involved in Yemen given its commitments and rules on arms control – which include taking caution in granting licenses for sale to countries where human rights abuses have been established – would also appear to be a pertinent question and call into doubt UK claims of a “strict” export licensing criteria.
It seems similarly relevant to ponder if and when Accuracy International sniper rifles were approved for sale to buyers in Saudi Arabia in order to discover how these weapons ended up on the field of battle in Yemen.
(** B K P)
The Art of the Weapons Deal in the Age of Trump
The United States has the dubious distinction of being the world’s leading arms dealer. It dominates the global trade in a historic fashion and nowhere is that domination more complete than in the endlessly war-torn Middle East. There, believe it or not, the U.S. controls nearly half the arms market. From Yemen to Libya to Egypt, sales by this country and its allies are playing a significant role in fueling some of the world’s most devastating conflicts. But Donald Trump, even before he was felled by Covid-19 and sent to Walter Reed Medical Center, could not have cared less, as long as he thought such trafficking in the tools of death and destruction would help his political prospects.
Look, for example, at the recent “normalization” of relations between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Israel he helped to broker, which has set the stage for yet another surge in American arms exports. To hear Trump and his supporters tell it, he deserves a Nobel Peace Prize for the deal, dubbed “the Abraham Accords.” In fact, using it, he was eager to brand himself as “Donald Trump, peacemaker” in advance of the November election. This, believe me, was absurd on the face of it. Until the pandemic swept everything in the White House away, it was just another day in Trump World and another example of the president’s penchant for exploiting foreign and military policy for his own domestic political gain.
If Trump had been honest for a change, he would have dubbed those Abraham Accords the “Arms Sales Accords.” The UAE was, in part, induced to participate in hopes of receiving Lockheed Martin’s F-35 combat aircraft and advanced armed drones as a reward.
Jobs, Jobs, Jobs
This wasn’t the first time President Trump tried to capitalize on arms sales to the Middle East to consolidate his political position at home and his posture as this country’s dealmaker par excellence. Such gestures began in May 2017, during his very first official overseas trip to Saudi Arabia.
Nor will it surprise you that Trump’s jobs claims from those Saudi arms sales are almost entirely fraudulent. In fits of fancy, he’s even insisted that he’s creating as many as half a million jobs linked to weapons exports to that repressive regime. The real number is less than one-tenth that amount — and far less than one-tenth of one percent of U.S. employment. But why let the facts get in the way of a good story?
American Arms Dominance
Donald Trump is far from the first president to push tens of billions of dollars of arms into the Middle East. The Obama administration, for example, made a record $115 billion in arms offers to Saudi Arabia during its eight years in office, including combat aircraft, attack helicopters, armored vehicles, military ships, missile defense systems, bombs, guns, and ammunition.
Devastating Consequences
None of the key players in today’s most devastating wars in the Middle East produce their own weaponry, which means that imports from the U.S. and other suppliers are the true fuel sustaining those conflicts. Advocates of arms transfers to the MENA region often describe them as a force for “stability,” a way to cement alliances, counter Iran, or more generally a tool for creating a balance of power that makes armed engagement less likely.
In a number of key conflicts in the region, this is nothing more than a convenient fantasy for arms suppliers (and the U.S. government), as the flow of ever more advanced weaponry has only exacerbated conflicts, aggravated human rights abuses, and caused countless civilian deaths and injuries, while provoking widespread destruction.
Who Benefits?
Just four companies — Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and General Dynamics — were involved in the overwhelming majority of U.S. arms deals with Saudi Arabia between 2009 and 2019. In fact, at least one or more of those companies played key roles in 27 offers worth more than $125 billion (out of a total of 51 offers worth $138 billion). In other words, in financial terms, more than 90% of the U.S. arms offered to Saudi Arabia involved at least one of those top four weapons makers – by William D. Hartung
https://truthout.org/articles/the-art-of-the-weapons-deal-in-the-age-of-trump/= https://www.thenation.com/article/world/trump-military-arms-sales/ = https://www.tomdispatch.com/post/176761/tomgram%3A_william_hartung%2C_how_to_stuff_the_middle_east_with_weaponry/
cp1a Am wichtigsten: Coronavirus und Seuchen / Most important: Coronavirus and epidemics
(* B H K P)
War and COVID-19 in Yemen
In a context where civilians have been deliberately attacked by all sides, COVID-19 has added a new layer to the unspeakable suffering for millions of civilians in Yemen, whilst Europe has reacted with development aid but has thus far failed to support need for accountability in the conflict.
As the Yemeni civilian population is already suffering in an enormous man-made humanitarian crisis, the COVID-19 crisis has added a new stress to a health system which has already been shattered by war. Under-resourced and buffeted by years of conflict, it is inadequately prepared to care for COVID-19 patients and contain the spread of the virus. Nonetheless, the pandemic has been only one of Yemenis’ many health concerns.
Prior to COVID-19, several other notable disease outbreaks including cholera, diphtheria, measles and dengue fever were reported in Yemen. Cholera alone has affected nearly every Yemeni family in some way, with almost two million suspected cases since 2016.
Yet, more than half of Yemen’s health facilities are closed or partially functioning. Since 2015, parties to the conflict have targeted not only medical facilities but also medical personnel, as health workers have been threatened, injured, abducted, detained and killed.
Consequently, many medical professionals have fled Yemen, further damaging the healthcare response. The Houthis have severely hampered and diverted international aid in areas under their control. Parties to the conflict have also possibly used starvation as a weapon of war, further weakening Yemenis’ health. In 2017, the UN humanitarian chief Stephen O’Brien called Yemen the greatest humanitarian crisis since the end of World War II.
In light of these serial abuses, the pandemic adds a new layer of misery for Yemenis whose mental and physical health and access to healthcare infrastructure has already been severely depleted. The country’s first confirmed case were recorded on 10 April 2020.
While the European Union continues its humanitarian aid to Yemen, €484 million since 2015, it has made limited efforts to suspend arms sales to the coalition, despite a legally binding EU Common Position stating that arms exports to countries that “use the military technology or equipment [...] aggressively against another country" should not be granted an export license.
The atrocities committed cannot be swept under the rug, but the unwillingness of states involved in the conflict to acknowledge the gross human rights abuses and international humanitarian violations committed in Yemen makes it difficult to believe that the victims will one day find justice and redress.
As most of the world is preoccupied with the pandemic in their own countries, the disastrous humanitarian situation in Yemen has received even less attention – by Afrah Nasser
https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/10/14/war-and-covid-19-yemen
(B H)
COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Monthly Report (September 2020)
In September, 76 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 were reported, 21 deaths and 155 recoveries, bringing the total number of reported cases to 2,038 with 588 deaths and 1,288 recoveries. The numbers of reported cases show a decline from 230 new cases reported in August and 570 new confirmed cases reported in July. Health partners remain concerned that under-reporting continues for various reasons and that the official epi-curve underestimates the extent of COVID-19 in Yemen.
Other factors that have had a negative impact on the COVID-19 response include a lack of adaptive behaviour by the population to reduce transmission, severe funding shortages for health workers and personal protective equipment (PPE) and long delays in importing COVID-19 response supplies. In order to pivot and improve the response, in September, partners continued working towards increasing surveillance; deploying dedicated COVID-19 staff within agencies; tracking the impact of the virus on routine priority health programmes; refining messaging to encourage behavioural change; and boosting intensive care unit (ICU) capacity.
(A H)
Sad to hear from #Yemeni doctors working in COVID-19 centres they still lack adequate PPEs.
https://twitter.com/Wesamqaid/status/1316000886875971584
(A H)
One new case of coronavirus reported, 2,053 in total
http://en.adenpress.news/news/27316
(A H)
No cases of COVID-19 nor recovery, 1 death in Hadramout
http://en.adenpress.news/news/27307
(B H)
Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and WHO join forces with the Government of Yemen to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic in the country
The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have joined forces with Yemen’s Ministries of Health and Population as well as Planning and International Cooperation to provide emergency support to assist the country respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Built on Yemen’s national strategy to counter COVID-19, the partnership aims to reduce the occurrence and to minimize morbidity and mortality rates of COVID-19 in Yemen by strengthening the operational capacity of 32 specialized COVID-19 treatment centres and the laboratory testing capacity of two medical universities in the country.
Improving the preparedness of the target facilities shall comprise supporting the activation and equipping of the 32 COVID-19 treatment centres through the provision of monitoring devices for severe cases, portable pulse oximeter devices, oxygen cylinders, oxygen refilling, nebulizer devices, ultrasound, and other biomedical equipment.
Strengthening the protection of healthcare workers is also given high priority in the project through the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and expanding laboratory testing capacity via the provision of 150,000 testing kits. Essential medicines and medical supplies will also be provided to facilitate the treatment of critical COVID-19 patients.
https://www.isdb.org/news/islamic-development-bank-isdb-and-who-join-forces-with-the-government-of-yemen-to-respond-to-the-covid-19-pandemic-in-the-country = http://www.emro.who.int/yemen/news/islamic-development-bank-isdb-and-who-join-forces-with-the-government-of-yemen-to-respond-to-covid-19.html
(A H)
Number of coronavirus cases rises in Yemen to 2,052
http://en.adenpress.news/news/27299
(A H)
Yemen: Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin (eDEWS) Volume 08, lssue39, Epi week 39 (21 - 27 September,2020)
During week no.39,2020, %88 health facilites provided valid surveillance data.
The total number of consultation reported during the week was 226849 compared to 232180 the previous reporting week 39 Acute respiratory tract infections lower Respiratory Infections (LRTI), Upper Respiratory Infections (URTI), Other acute diarrhea (OAD) and Malaria (Mal) were the leading cause of morbidity this week.
(A H)
Yemen: Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin: Volume 08, lssue 37, Epi week 37,(07-13 September 2020) [EN/AR]
The total number of consultation reported during the week was 229265 compared to 234541 the previous reporting week 37 Acute respiratory tract infections lower Respiratory Infections (LRTI), Upper Respiratory Infections (URTI), Other acute diarrhea (OAD) and Malaria (Mal) were the leading cause of morbidity this week.
(* B H)
Film: 200,000 cholera cases in Yemen in 2020
Although the number of cases is still high it marks a 72% drop from 2019
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20201013-200000-cholera-cases-in-yemen-in-2020/
(* B H)
Patterns and distribution of human exposed to rabies in Yemen, 2011–2018
During eight years 2011–2018, a total of 89,590 possible exposure cases that bitten by a suspected rabid animal were reported, of them (29%) 25,574 exposed to positively confirmed rabid animal and have Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), from those possible exposure cases (0.4%) 347 have human rabies and died. (68%) of exposed cases were males and (40%) were among age group of (4–15 years). More than (52%) of exposed cases were from three rural governorates Ibb, Dhamar, and Al – Hudaydah (32%, 12%, 8%) respectively. The overall incidence of person that exposed to rabies and have post exposure prophylaxis PEP was 17 per 100, 5558 000, and the overall incidence of deaths 2 per 1,000,000. The highest incidence of exposed cases that have PEP was in 2014 with 16 5560 per 100,000.
Conclusion: Rabies is still a neglected public health problem in Yemen. Strengthening rabies surveillance to ensure proper reporting and secure availability and affordability of vaccines and immunoglobulins are crucial. Increasing community awareness on rabies at high risk areas and integrated effort of health and agriculture sector to control rabies among animals are recommended.
https://www.ijidonline.com/article/S1201-9712(20)31408-9/pdf
(B H)
Yemen: Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin: Volume 08, lssue40, Epi week 40 (28 September - 4 October,2020)
The total number of consultation reported during the week was 237918 compared to 226849 the previous reporting week 40 Acute respiratory tract infections lower Respiratory Infections (LRTI), Upper Respiratory Infections (URTI), Other acute diarrhea (OAD) and Malaria (Mal) were the leading cause of morbidity this week.
cp1b Am wichtigsten: Großer Gefangenenaustausch / Most important: Great prisoner swap
(** A P)
Konfliktparteien im Jemen beginnen mit Gefangenenaustausch
Bereits 2018 hatten sich die Parteien auf einen Austausch geeinigt, umgesetzt wurde dieser bisher nur in kleinen Portionen
Die Konfliktparteien im Jemen haben am Donnerstag mit einem Ende September beschlossenen Gefangenenaustausch begonnen. Ein erstes Flugzeug mit freigelassenen jemenitischen Soldaten an Bord startete am Donnerstag auf dem von Houthi-Rebellen kontrollierten Flughafen von Sanaa, wie ein AFP-Korrespondent beobachtete. Organisiert wird der Austausch vom Internationalen Komitee vom Roten Kreuz (IKRK).
Insgesamt wollen die von Saudi-Arabien unterstützte Regierung im Jemen und die Houthi 1.081 Gefangene austauschen – es ist damit der größte Gefangenenaustausch seit dem Beginn des Konflikts im Jemen 2014. Auf den Schritt hatten sich beide Seiten im September unter UN-Vermittlung in der Schweiz geeinigt.
Laut den Houthi nahestehenden Medien sollten die ersten freigelassenen Kämpfer im Laufe des Tages am internationalen Flughafen von Sanaa ankommen.
(** A P)
Yemen's warring parties start swap of 1,000 prisoners
Planes carrying prisoners exchanged by the warring parties in Yemen took off from three airports on Thursday in an operation to return about 1,000 men home across the front lines, the International Committee of the Red Cross said.
Two airplanes carrying members of the Saudi-led coalition freed from detention took off from the airport in the Houthi-held capital, Sanaa, a Reuters witness said.
One of the airplanes was carrying Saudi and Sudanese detainees and flew to Saudi Arabia. The other plane flew to Sayoun airport in the government-held Hadramout region.
An airplane carrying Houthis released from captivity by the coalition departed Sayoun, and a second arrived from Abha airport in Saudi Arabia, another Reuters witness and sources said.
In a message posted on Twitter, the ICRC later said a total of five planes had taken off from Sayoun, Sanaa and Abha.
“This operation that means so much to so many families is under way,” Fabrizio Carboni, ICRC regional director for the Middle East, told Reuters, speaking from Sanaa airport.
“It is quite remarkable because they are doing this while a conflict is still active.”
Under the deal, part of trust-building measures aimed at reviving peace talks, the Iran-aligned Houthi group is to release around 400 people, including 15 Saudi soldiers and four Sudanese, while the coalition would free 681 Houthi fighters.
(** A P)
Hundreds of fighters head home in Yemen prisoner exchange
In the rebel-held capital of Sanaa, the returning fighters arrived to a red-carpet welcome, greeted by a military band and and senior officials standing together with family members.
"Death to America, Death to Israel," they shouted, the slogan of the Huthis who have battled the government and the might of the Saudi-led coalition.
The International Committee of the Red Cross, which is handling the logistics of the complex two-day operation, said that five planes had so far delivered more than 300 combatants to cities in Yemen and Saudi Arabia.
They travelled between Sanaa, the government-held city of Seiyun, and the Saudi city of Abha, it said.
The ICRC said its teams were stationed at the airports involved in the transfer, and had kitted out the detainees with clothes, hygiene supplies and money for their transport home.
"The ICRC has been conducting one-on-one interviews and medical checks with the detainees to be sure they want to be transported home and are healthy enough to do so," a spokeswoman said.
An AFP correspondent watched the first planes depart from the capital.
One of them was headed for the city of Abha in neighbouring Saudi Arabia with released prisoners of war from the ranks of the coalition that supports the Yemeni government, rebel officials said.
Those on board included 15 Saudis and four Sudanese.
https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20201015-hundreds-of-fighters-head-home-in-yemen-prisoner-exchange = https://www.rfi.fr/en/wires/20201015-hundreds-fighters-head-home-yemen-prisoner-exchange
(** A P)
Yemen: Over 1,000 prisoners to be freed in largest prisoner swap
The warring sides in Yemen will exchange some 1,081 prisoners on Thursday and Friday, under a deal struck last month, a rebel official said.
“The transaction will be executed, with God’s help, on the scheduled dates today and tomorrow,” Abdel Kader Mortaza, the rebel official in charge of prisoner affairs, said in a tweet on Thursday. “The preparations have been completed by all parties,” he added.
“The preparations have been completed by all parties,” he added.
UN envoy Martin Griffiths hailed it as a “very important milestone” when the agreement was struck after a week of talks in Switzerland last month.
A spokeswoman for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which is handling the logistics of the operation, said their teams were present at a number of different airports involved in the transfer.
“The ICRC teams are present in different airports. The preparations are ongoing,” ICRC spokeswoman Yara Khaweja told Reuters news agency.
“If everything goes as planned, the release operation will hopefully happen in the coming few hours,” she added.
An ICRC aeroplane which is expected to carry Houthis released from captivity by the coalition has landed in Sayoun airport in the government-held Hadramout region, a Reuters witness said.
On its part, Al Masirah TV, which is controlled by Houthis, said the first group of prisoners was expected to arrive on Thursday at the international airport in the rebel-held capital Sanaa.
Two other planes expected to take members of the Saudi Arabia-led coalition freed from detention by the Houthis landed in Sanaa airport, Reuters witnesses said.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/10/15/yemens-warring-sides-to-begin-swap-of-over-1000-prisoners
and also https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-54552051
(* A P)
Operational update on the release of detainees from the Yemen conflict
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) will be giving real-time updates for media during the release and transfer of detainees from the Yemen conflict.
Facts about the operation: More than 1,000 people detained in relation to the conflict in Yemen are to be transported back to their region of origin or to their home countries by the ICRC in the largest peration of its kind during the five-and-a-half-year war.
The process involves ICRC-operated flights into and out of several cities in two countries – Yemen and Saudi Arabia.
The ICRC has been conducting one-on-one interviews and medical checks with the detainees to be sure they want to be transported home and are healthy enough to do so. The ICRC is also providing the detainees with clothes, hygiene material and money for transportation home.
The ICRC is distributing personal protection equipment and carrying out social distancing measures in the airplanes and airports to protect against the transmission of COVID-19. Medical staff and volunteers from the Yemen Red Crescent Society and the Saudi Red Crescent Authority are assisting in the operation at the airports and on the flights, including helping infirm detainees on and off the planes and providing ambulance services.
https://www.icrc.org/en/document/operational-update-release-detainees-yemen-conflict
(A P)
4th plane carrying released prisoners arrives in Sana'a
The 4th plane carrying the released prisoners arrived in Thursday afternoon at the Sana'a International Airport.
The plane came from Sayun airport, which is carrying 110 prisoners of army and popular committees.
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3112428.htm
(* A P)
470 prisoners of army, popular committees arrive at Sanaa Airport
A total of 470 war prisoners from the army and the popular committees arrived at Sanaa International Airport on Thursday, as part of the prisoner exchange deal.
The freed prisoners received an official and popular reception at the airport, in the presence of members of the Supreme Political Council, director of the presidential office, a number of ministers, governors of the provinces, members of the Parliament and the Shura Council, a number of military and security leaders, and social figures.
At the reception, Head of the National Committee for Prisoners Affairs, Abdulqadir Al-Mortada, explained that 250 prisoners of the army and popular committees had been freed from Saudi prisons, and 220 prisoners from Marib province.
He pointed out that 200 prisoners of the army and the popular committees would arrive tomorrow, Friday, from the prisons of the Saudi-led aggression coalition in Aden province, so that the total number of released would be 670 prisoners.
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3112444.htm
(* A P)
Al-Mortada: 3 planes carrying army captives arrive, one still to come
Three planes carrying 360 captives of the army and popular committees arrived at Sana'a airport, Head of the National Committee for Prisoners Affairs Abdulqadir al-Mortada stated on Thursday.
"A fourth plane will arrive in two hours carrying 110 captives," al-Mortada added in a press conference held in the airport during the official and popular reception of the released prisoners.
On Friday, 200 captives will arrive in Sana'a, coming from Aden province, where 150 prisoners released from Sana'a will arrive, he said.
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3112412.htm
(*A P)
First Plane Carrying First Batch of Freed Yemeni Prisoners Arrives at Sana’a International Airport
A short while ago, the first plane carrying the first batch of freed Yemeni prisoners of the Army and Popular Committees arrived at Sana'a International Airport.
An official reception ceremony was held for the released prisoners upon their arrival at Sana'a airport, while the honor guard played patriotic melodies.
A delegation from the office of the leader of the revolution, Sayyed Abdulmalik Al-Houthi, a large number of state leaders, civilians and military personnel with the member of the Supreme Political Council, Mohammad Al-Houthi., gathered to receive the prisoners.
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=15341
and preparations: https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=15340
Photos: https://twitter.com/mohammedalqadhi/status/1316682901296164864
https://twitter.com/afraa22511864/status/1316751535448059905
https://twitter.com/AbnaifMohamed/status/1316754269916270592
Films: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRoOr0pdn6Y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDps2Xxvy3M
https://twitter.com/A7medJa7af/status/1316713880228425729
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YExYG6om8wQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbKwdlyCVyQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWDXlX_4h2o
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOvpvRRbcrU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yExdqUGk79Q
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iH7oS22aXEI
(* A P)
Freed prisoners and detainees transferred to Sayoun
A plane carrying 109 prisoners and detainees arrived on Thursday in Sayoun Airport.
This is part of larger exchange of prisoners and detainees between the government and the Houthis rebels.
It is the biggest exchange ever sponsored by the United Nations (UN) and it is implemented by the International Committee and Red Cross (ICRC).
Government’s officials including deputy prime minister, Salem Al-Khanbashi, minister of Fishery Wealth, Fahd Kefayen, governor of Socotra, Ramzy Mahroos and commander of the first command, Saleh Tumais have lined up at the airport for welcoming the freed detainees.
One prisoner quoted by Al-Arabya said that he was vulnerable to assault, torture and was deprived from access to healthcare.
While some prisoners have been in captivity for only few months, others have been held captives for around three years.
Some freed prisoners said that the Houthis used them as human shields.
https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-42660
(* A P)
Not all released prisoners are equal. Prison exchange triggers fury
The exchange of hundreds of prisoners between the government and the Houthi theocratic militants on Thursday triggered wide fury over the torture of prisoners in jails.
A large number of [Hadi] government officials and social media users condemned the deal as “unfair” in terms of the difference in the health conditions of released prisoners on both sides.
Deputy Human Rights Minister Majed Fadhayel said that the governmental prisoners “suffer terrible health conditions including permanent disabilities and chronic diseases as a result of the torture they were subjected to in the Houthi militia-run jails and detention centers” unlike the Houthi backers released by the government.
In a facebook post that attracted 200 likes, Nabil Qayed said: “Most of the released pro-government prisoners were civilians including journalists who had been kidnapped from their homes and workplaces in Sana’a and other cities, whereas the pro-Houthi prisoners are radical fighters who were injured and arrested in the battlefield. Furthermore, the Houthis received their militants in Sana’a Airport with all of them in their best health conditions with every militant has springs in his steps. On the other hand the pro-government’s prisoners have arrived in the airport of Sayoon with almost all of them seen gaunt and frail. They went down the areophane’s stairs with the aid of crutches.”
https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-42665
(A P)
Photos: The moment the Red Cross plane arrived at Seiyun airport, it carried kidnapped and prisoners who were in the prisons of the Houthi group in Sana'a.
https://twitter.com/abducteesmother/status/1316693743592972293
https://twitter.com/mohammedalqadhi/status/1316696765496688641
(A P)
Unlike Houthi prisoners who were healthy & sound, vids & pics of #abductees released by #Houthi militia today show that they have been subject to severe physical & psychological torture. They all seemed exhausted & weak & many cannot even walk without walking crutches (photos)
https://twitter.com/Yemen24/status/1316747290271453184
and another phot, showing no crutches: https://twitter.com/BelqeesRights/status/1316796982669836288
more photos: https://twitter.com/SuaadS/status/1316831227513655297
(A P)
Five journalists among prisoners swapped by Houthis with government
Five journalists were released on Thursday among the prisoners swapped by the Houthi group with the Yemeni government, said Mohammed Qaysan, deputy information minister.
The journalists were Hisham Tarmoum, Hisham Al-Yusfi, Haytham Abdulrahman, Esam Balgayth and Hassan Annab, he said, adding that major efforts are being exerted to release the four other journalists.
The Houthi refused to release the other four within today's swap, he said.
The nine journalists have been detained for more than five years.
https://debriefer.net/en/news-20500.html
and also (photos) https://twitter.com/Alsakaniali/status/1316752828363350017
(A P)
The Joint Forces Command of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen: Arrival of 4 Sudanese and 15 Saudi Prisoners of War to King Salman Airbase in Riyadh
The returning War Prisoners were received at arrival at King Salman Airbase in Riyadh by His Excellency the Acting Joint Forces Commander LTG Mutlaq Bin Salem Al-Azima, Brig. Gen. Majdi Al-Samani the Military attaché to the Embassy of the Republic of Sudan to the Kingdom, a number of the Joint Forces Command’s Staff, brotherly Sudanese liaison officers at the Joint Forces Command and the families of the War Prisoners.
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2145003
(A P)
Planes carrying aggression's prisoners take off
Two planes carrying the aggression forces prisoners took off on Thursday from Sana'a International Airport.
One of the plane is heading for Abha airport carrying 15 Saudi prisoners and 4 Sudanese prisoners, and the other is flying to Sayun airport, Hadramout province, with 108 mercenary prisoners on board.
Simultaneously, two planes have took off from the airports of Sayun and Abha carrying the army and popular committees captives coming to Sana'a.
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3112408.htm
(A P)
Prisoners Committee: Exchange Deal Will Be Implemented on Date
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=15338
(A P)
ICRC delegation arrives Sana'a for prisoner swap application
An International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) delegation arrived in the Yemeni capital on Wednesday to observe the application of prisoner swap, expected to start Thursday, between the Yemeni government and the Houthi group.
The ICRC delegation is already in Sana'a, an official at the Houthi transport ministry told Anadolu Agency anonymously, adding that Sana'a airport would receive Houthi captives via many flights on Thursday and Friday.
https://debriefer.net/en/news-20482.html
cp2 Allgemein / General
(* A K P)
Interactive Map of Yemen War
(A K)
ANSAR ALLAH RECAPTURED MILITARY BASE IN NORTHERN YEMEN (MAP UPDATE)
https://southfront.org/ansar-allah-recaptured-military-base-in-northern-yemen-map-update/
(* B H K P)
Film: Geostrategische Interessen im Jemen-Krieg - USA, GB u.a. imperialistische Mächte liefern die Waffen
ZDF (19.8.2020)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-mh0wtVOis
(A P)
Joint Incidents Assessment Team Issues Statement Regarding Allegations against Coalition Forces
With regard to the Human Rights Watch report dated (21/08/2019), which included that on (16/10/2016), about (70) men were on a small boat and two large sailboats or (Sambuk), fishing off in front of the (Eritrean) coast near the (Davnin) island, Coalition Naval Forces stopped the boats throughout the day, the Coalition Forces arrested (12) persons, (9) men and (3) children, and detained them between (17) months and more than two and a half years, (8) fishermen are still detained.
The JIAT vetted the incident,
JIAT found that the Coalition Naval Forces received intelligence information stating that a large boat (name - defined) belonging to Al-Houthi armed militia, is located in a specific location in the international waters and used (the boat) to collect information and locate the coalition ships, in addition to control the smuggling of weapons, by many of boats, from African coast and the Yemeni coast, using fishing activity as a cover.
it became clear through investigations that the boat was used to gather information about coalition ships and smuggle weapons from African coast of to the Yemeni coast, thus the boat lost its protection status, based on article (137) of the (San Remo) Guide on International Law applicable to conflicts in the seas approved on (June 1994).
After questioning the captain of the boat, it turned out that he was (A.G.), a major arms smuggler, he admitted through interrogations that he was collecting information on coalition ships, smuggling weapons between the coast of Africa and the coast of (Al-Makha) in Yemen, and using fishing activity as a cover.
The detainees were handed over to the coalition authority in (Jazan) on (24/10/2016) to complete the investigation and detention procedures
https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2144711
and another case of a detained fishing boat https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2144713
My comment: The saudi coalition “whitewashing” team at work again. The claims made here cannot be proofed nor rejected. The crews of the boats can have had a military purpose or not. Keep in mind that this “Joint Incidents Assessment Team” had told a lot of tall stories and lies in the past.
(* B K P)
Film: The War In Yemen
The brutal Saudi war being waged against Yemen has caused the world's worst humanitarian crisis, and it is being facilitated by British arms sales and military personnel. It was against this background that Lance Corporal Ahmed Al-Batati staged his protest outside Downing Street, which led to his arrest and he now faces a possible court martial.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2f8eRuPfYow
(B P)
Disappearances in Yemen
Yemen’s warring parties, including the Houthis, UAE proxies and Yemeni government forces, have arbitrarily detained, tortured, and forcibly disappeared scores of people.
Given the proliferation of armed groups and unofficial detention facilities, many families do not know where or why their relatives are being held. Even when a detainee’s whereabouts are learned, families have little access. Mistreatment is rampant and conditions poor. There is little due process, though lawyers and activists may seek to intervene. The fate of many remains unknown.
Those responsible for abuses retain senior positions, and steps to hold perpetrators accountable have been limited.
https://www.hrw.org/tag/disappearances-yemen
(* B P)
Krieg im Jemen: Unsere moralische Kurzsichtigkeit
Warum sich unsere Empathie allzu oft nur auf den engsten „moralischen Kreis“ beschränkt und weshalb eine Erweiterung dieses Radius gerade im Fall von Jemen dringend notwendig wäre.
Wir leiden an moralischer Kurzsichtigkeit. Menschen neigen dazu, Mitgefühl nur mit ihrer eigenen Gruppe zu empfinden. Die Fürsorge bezieht sich auf ihren „moralischen Kreis“, ihren „Moral Circle“, wie ihn der Psychologe Adam Waytz nennt. Und dieser ist häufig diffus über Nähe definiert. Oft heißt das einfach: kulturelle Nähe. Anders als in USA kennen wir kaum Menschen aus dem Jemen, machen dort keinen Urlaub und wissen weniger über die Kultur. Dort ist es „irgendwie anders“ und dadurch „weit weg“. Wir begegnen Geschehnissen im Jemen mit kultureller Distanz.
Hinzu kommt ein politischer, fast zynischer Aspekt: In Europa interessieren wir uns vor allem für die Konfliktregionen, aus denen Geflüchtete zu uns kommen. Doch es gibt keine Fluchtroute aus dem Süden der arabischen Halbinsel.
Das verdeutlicht den zweiten Grund für unsere Gleichgültigkeit gegenüber dem Krieg im Jemen: die Armut an Bildern. In der Öffentlichkeit nehmen Bilder des Konflikts so gut wie keinen Raum ein. Die Berichte von Betroffenen vor Ort sind spärlich. Das ist ein Problem, denn oft ist uns nur präsent, was wir häufig sehen. Dabei gibt es unendlich viel Leid auf der Welt, das medial nicht auftaucht und das trotzdem nicht weniger Aufmerksamkeit verdient hat. Mit Susan Sontag kann man sagen, die Realität des Krieges schwindet, wenn es keine realistischen Fotos des Kriegsaktes gibt. Unsichtbares Leid kümmert uns zu wenig.
Wir müssen unsere Empathie, unseren „moralischen Kreis“ aktiv ausweiten, auch auf den Jemen – von Juliane Marie Schreiber
https://www.philomag.de/artikel/krieg-im-jemen-unsere-moralische-kurzsichtigkeit
Mein Kommentar: Die Rolle der Medien kommt hier zu kurz. Unsere Medien enthalten uns die Bilder aus dem Jemen bewusst vor – weil die Fortführung des Jemenkriegs im westlichen Interesse liegt.
(* A P)
U.N. access to decaying Yemen tanker could take weeks, say sources
A United Nations team will have to wait several weeks to access a deteriorating tanker off Yemen’s shore that is threatening to spill 1.1 million barrels of crude oil in the Red Sea, two U.N. sources told Reuters.
Yemen’s Houthi movement, which controls the area where the tanker is moored and the national oil firm that owns it, agreed in July to allow a technical team to assess the ship and conduct whatever repairs may be feasible.
But the two sources said that it could take another seven weeks to finalise details of the agreement and logistics, with the coronavirus pandemic further complicating planning.
The deal includes the eventual sale of the oil on board with proceeds divided between Houthi authorities and Yemen’s internationally recognised government, which the movement ousted from the capital, Sanaa, in late 2014.
Some diplomats say there are still doubts about the mission as Houthi officials had last year reneged on granting access.
(A P)
YJS documents 22 violations against press freedom over three months
The Yemeni Journalists Syndicate (YJS) said on Sunday that it has documented 22 violations inflicted on the press freedoms between July to late September of this year.
The YJS said that these new violations were being committed while 19 journalists remain in captivity for over five years. The Houthis hold 16 of the total detained journalists.
Two journalists are being held by the government; one in Marib and the other in Hadhramaut, according to the YJS.
The Al-Qaeda holds one journalist of the total abducted reporters in Yemen.
It said that it reported six cases of threatening against journalists and media organizations.
https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-42575
(A P)
STC says it is impossible for Yemen unity to continue to exist
The southern transitional council on Monday said it is impossible for the Yemeni unity to continue to exist in any form.
At a meeting with the German Charge d' Affaires, Jan Krauszer, at his residence in the Saudi capital Riyadh, the chairman of the council's negotiation unit, Nasser Al-Khubaji, said the future and success of the political process lie in recognising the legitimate aspirations of the southern people, including the right to self-determination.
https://debriefer.net/en/news-20428.html
(? B K P)
Yemen Peace Process Falters as Fighting Intensifies and Hunger Spreads
New fronts have opened in the six-year conflict where both sides use starvation as a weapon of war
This past week, Hodeidah saw the worst escalation in violence since the truce two years ago, according to international observers and both warring sides. The clashes included airstrikes from the Saudi-backed coalition and rebel shelling, which has also continued elsewhere in the country.
The number of civilian casualties nationwide in September was the highest since last November, with 67 killed and 123 injured, according to the Civilian Impact Monitoring Project, which collects data on Yemen’s armed conflict. (subscribers only)
(A B P)
Houthis say Saudi Arabia killed two Yemeni presidents
The Houthi group on Saturday accused Saudi Arabia of killing two Yemeni presidents and blatantly interfering in the country's internal affairs.
While it says it does not interfere in Yemen's affairs, the Kingdom "killed two presidents of Yemen; Martyr [Ibrahim] al-Hamdi and al-Sammad," a Houthi negotiator tweeted.
"The world knows forms of fragrant interference, but these did not amount to deliberately daring to kill top leaders," Abdul Malik Ajri added.
https://debriefer.net/en/news-20403.html
cp2a Saudische Blockade / Saudi blockade
(A P)
Film: This is part of the queue for women to get fuel in Sana’a... “Life in Yemen is unforgiving enough without forcing Yemenis to struggle even harder for their everyday needs that are connected to fuel such as clean water, electricity and transportation.”
https://twitter.com/jnbeuze/status/1316331364669628417
(A K P)
US-Saudi Aggression Continues to Detain 20 Oil Tankers: YPC
Yemen Petroleum Company announced, Monday, that the US-Saudi aggression continues to detain 20 tankers of oil derivatives.
In a posted statement on its Facebook page, the company said, the aggression forces are still holding 20 oil tankers, including two ships carrying diesel and two ships carrying domestic gas.
It reiterated its assertion that the aggression coalition continued to detain (16) oil tankers of (439,020) tons of gasoline and diesel, for about 197 days in unprecedented maritime piracy.
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=15311
(* A E K P)
Al-Ajri: US-Saudi Aggression Insist on Hodeidah Port Closure, 70% of Yemen’s Revenues Controlled by Aggression
Member of the [Sanaa gov.] national negotiating delegation, Abdulmalik Al-Ajri, said that the aggression insisted on continuing blockading the port of Hodeidah under the excuse that the port’s revenue goes to benefit Sana'a. The closure continues but they hardly cover any of the salaries of the state employees.
Al-Ajri explained that the Stockholm Agreement obliges the Pro-aggression government to cover the deficit to pay salaries per month, and that it exports two million barrels per month, or about $ 80 million.
He stressed that 70% of the revenues are controlled by the countries of aggression, and no one knows where it goes, pointing out that 70% of the employees are in the areas of the National Salvation Government.
Al-Ajri pointed out that oil and gas are the main resource for the budget, and salary is a fundamental right, and oil resources are sovereign and belong to the people. Therefore, allocating this resource for salary disbursement must be a priority.
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=15308
and also https://debriefer.net/en/news-20455.html
cp3 Humanitäre Lage / Humanitarian situation
(A H)
Pakistan’s teleclinic to provide health services to war-affected people of Yemen
Educast, a telehealth platform, is playing a pivotal role by providing maternity and childcare services
A Pakistan's health start-up will provide medical services through its online platform in Yemen amid ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis.
Amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, Educast – a telehealth platform – is playing a pivotal role by providing maternity and childcare services by female doctors based in Saudi Arabia, United States, United Kingdom, Canada and other countries through its online platform.
Educast's founder Abdullah Butt said his platform has been granted permission to operate at a government hospital in the Yemeni provincial capital, Zanjibar.
The e-clinic will provide medical care to children and women who are affected by war.
The online platform comprising Pakistani licensed female doctors based in 15 countries, is not only Yemen's first telehealth solution, but will also be the first project in any country in the world to provide medical and physiotherapy services to war-affected communities through telehealth clinics.
A telemedicine clinic set up in Yemen by Educast will also train paramedical staff to provide treatment to local communities in medical camps.
(B H)
After Suffering for A Long Time, Ahmed and His Family Live A Happy Life: Success Story
“My life was full of nightmares since I could not provide the simplest life needs for my family”, Ahmed Abdullah Hussien said. Ahmed, who is 27 years old, lives in Dhelaf sub-district, Wusab Al Alie district with his seven family members (6 sons and his wife). It was too difficult for them to move, get water to drink, and take patients to hospitals due to the bumpy road. Besides, Ahmed’s economic situation was too complicated that he could not even cover his family’s needs since he is jobless and has no source of income. “I felt sad because I could not afford my family needs, especially my sons, and when they asked to buy candies for them, I used to promise them that I would buy them some another time to prevent them from crying.”, Ahmed expressed.
“Life was tough, with three meals a day a pipe dream”, he recalls, "however, I was given a new lease of life by the cash transfer of the Food Assistance for Assets (FFA) Project
(B H)
UNDP Yemen Welcomes Republic of Korea Funding to Support Women’s Leadership in Peace and Security
The Republic of Korea (ROK) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Yemen have embarked upon a USD $500,000 partnership intended to empower Yemeni women as protectors and peacebuilders within their communities. Through UNDP Yemen’s Rule of Law project, the ROK’s support will help promote women’s leadership in peace and security by primarily targeting female police to improve their ability to respond to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and to facilitate local-level peacebuilding.
(B H)
Yemen Women Protection Sub Cluster Services, September 2020
https://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/yemen-women-protection-sub-cluster-services-september-2020
(B H)
food and medicine for #YEMEN
Our second relief campaign aims to help saving the children and families most affected by the war and blockade in Yemen, with food baskets.
One food basket every family, is not only giving life to those, who are fighting for survival, it is also giving hope!
Each food basket costs $25 and will be enough for 1 month.
1 food basket contains:
25 kg wheat
5 kg rice
5 kg of sugar and
2 liters of cooking oil (vegetable)
You can also help by
$15 is the cost of 3 cans of milk to feed one child for nearly a month.
https://chuffed.org/project/food-and-medicine-for-yemen
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Yemen Emergency Dashboard, September 2020
https://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/yemen-emergency-dashboard-september-2020
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Yemen: ESKs and NFIs Distributions in Ibb Governorate Infographic-YDN-Sep 2020
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The Saudis and Emiratis should pay blood money in Yemen
Even as the Saudis and the Emiratis continue to wage war in Yemen, they should step up and at least double the money they have been providing for humanitarian aid in the country. It is a moral duty and an ethical obligation, and although these are clearly not the main drivers of foreign policy for Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, they should nevertheless view such funding as a smart political move as well as a legal obligation.
Some humanitarians cringe when warring parties who kill thousands of innocent civilians and inflict untold misery on millions of people fork out money to their victims to ameliorate their suffering. “Blood money,” they scream. “Whitewashing,” they lament. They are probably right to abhor this apparent duplicity, especially if it is associated with a display of feigned magnanimity. The USA has blazed this hypocritical trail in many wars it has launched over the years.
Still, these funds are helpful and needed. They should not be celebrated. But they should not be discouraged either. In fact, they should be demanded.
Moreover, under the laws of war, combatants should allow, and even encourage and guarantee humanitarian aid for civilians. The opposite is sadly taking place in Yemen.
Regardless of the degree to which the Houthis are hampering aid operations — including their decision on September 7 to close down the Sanaa airport — the root of the humanitarian crisis is the naval and aerial blockade the Saudi-led coalition has imposed on Yemen since March 2015. This siege severely restricts the flow of food, fuel and medicine to all Yemenis and is an incontrovertible violation of the laws of war.
The other four countries involved directly in Yemen or through arms sales and political support (the USA, the UK, France and Iran) would do well by initiating or increasing their support to aid operations. Aid does not resolve war. On the contrary, some analysts argue it prolongs conflict. Yet there is conversely no evidence that a lack of aid, and the consequent suffering civilians are forced to endure, does anything to help reduce or end the bloodshed.
Saudi and Emirati funding to aid agencies in Yemen has gradually declined since 2016.
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Clean-up Campaign: Residential Area, Rada’a District, Al-Baidha Governorate
Project: Communication for Cholera Prevention and Control
Donor: UNICEF
The project in partnership with UNICEF, focuses on improving knowledge and awareness as well as creating an enabling environment for behavior change and adoption of the positive practices among beneficiaries in the targeted area. A total of 60 Community Volunteers and Youth were trained on key disease-preventing practices, interpersonal communication and community engagement techniques to conduct awareness raising sessions and encourage community members to adopt preventative practices against Cholera and Acute Watery Diarrhea.
Shocking amounts of accumulated waste
Reports and photos taken by the Community Volunteers were alarming and indicated that residential and public areas within the city of Rada’a were overridden by waste. “I was shocked to see the amount of trash and waste randomly laying everywhere in the city”, a statement by Aisha Al-Redha, a Community Volunteer disseminating messages in different neighborhoods around the city.
She knew that actions were needed in order to save her city and decided to take it upon her shoulder to convince her team members that a clean-up campaign was the only way to go about solving this problem. Accordingly, she started targeting her own neighborhood and bought broom, gloves and trash cans. Along with her team members, they started lifting the waste spread around houses. To her surprise, members of the community joined and the momentum was unstoppable. Men, women, boys and girls were all working together to clean their community and in no time, the streets were clean. “I’ve never seen our street so clean before” said a 10-year-old girl from the community.
Residents showered Community Volunteers with praise and vowed never to randomly dispose waste on the streets.
and from other places: https://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/clean-campaign-rada-district-hospital-rada-district-al-baidha-governorate
https://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/clean-campaign-al-basiri-area-rada-district-al-baidha-governorate
https://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/clean-campaign-al-noor-area-rada-district-al-baidha-governorate
https://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/clean-campaign-al-jabni-area-rada-district-al-baidha-governorate
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Yemen Food Security and Price Monitoring 15 August - 14 September 2020
The underlying drivers of food insecurity warn of a severe food security crisis in Yemen. Key underlying assumptions of the IPC 2020 prediction (July-December) for the 133 districts in areas under control of the Internationally Recognised Government of Yemen (IRG) most likely scenario have been overpassed. This includes the assumed continued scale of humanitarian operations and replenishment of foreign currency reserves. Two additional assumptions, the depreciation of the USD/YER exchange rate to reach YER 1,000/USD and displacement in conflict areas are close to being reached.
Therefore, IPC figures of food insecure people risk being underestimated and rendering a review.
The accelerating depreciation of the Yemeni rial in areas under has reached unprecedented levels, i.e. YER 841/USD 1 by 21 September. Consequences for the capacity and costs of food and fuel imports are dire and have contributed significantly to inflationary trends of food prices in 2020.
Since the beginning of 2020 and until mid of September, the cost of the Minimum Food Basket (MFB) crossed the 2018 crisis-level benchmark by 23 percent. For households who could barely afford the MFB at the start of the year, the 38 percent cost increase in IRG areas means that a household of seven people would share the same food that originally only four and a half members shared. It is likely that inferior diets and poor food consumption will rise also triggered by reduced income levels.
The fuel crisis, which erupted in the second week of June has continued to limit the availability of both petrol and diesel on official markets throughout July and August. With price increases for petrol of more than 70 percent and diesel between 52 percent in IRG and 67 percent in areas under Sana’a-based authorities (July to mid-September), transport of essential goods including food and water as well as access to income opportunities are becoming more constrained.
The proportion of households with inadequate food consumption remained on average at 39 percent during July and August.
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The Child Hanadi …The pain that turned into hope
The story of the child Hanadi Mahmoud Al-Rasai is unique, who suffered psychological torment and emotional deprivation due to the death of her mother while she was still a breastfeeding child below her second year. Then suffered a severe malnutrition with effects that began to appear on her exhausted little body.
Tragedy of the child Hanadi
The pain began to distress Hanadi's family members since their displacement from Hajjah governorate to escape the war there. They then settled in Al-Jufaina camp in Marib governorate, which many IDPs consider a safe haven. The displacement alone was a burden on the family’s neck with many other burdens, such as fear of the unknown fate, poverty, unemployed family guardian, and the incurable illness of mother.
However, the great calamity that broke the family’s back was the death of the mother days after displacement due to her illness, leaving behind a little girl of one year and a half of age, crying for maternity and milk.
The death of the mother caused a great void in Hanadi's life.
https://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/child-hanadi-pain-turned-hope
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More than half a million beneficiaries - CSSW and WFP fight malnutrition of children and women in 21 Yemen’s districts
As the living conditions of Yemenis became difficult with the war that has been going on for years, access to health care is limited. CSSW, in partnership with WFP, rapidly responded to tackling some of the devastating effects of the ongoing conflict.
Such response is effected by addressing the following cases: Cases of moderate acute malnutrition for under-5-year children, and pregnant and breastfeeding mothers with moderate acute malnutrition.
These measures are consistent with the project tackling acute malnutrition and provision of preventive food for the most vulnerable groups including under-5-year children, pregnant and lactating women and wrong home feeding practices.
Direct interventions and support
In a press statement, Dr. Abdulwase Alwasai, Secretary General of CSSW, said, "During the period January - June 2020, the Project contributed to treating under-5-year children with cases of moderate acute malnutrition, and pregnant and lactating mothers with moderate acute malnutrition.
In this connection, the services provide included the following:
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Film: Interview mit Tankred Stöbe-"Die Menschen haben keine Chance"
Die humanitäre Lage im Jemen hat sich durch das Coronavirus noch einmal deutlich verschärft. Intensivmediziner Tankred Stöbe gibt Einblick in ein Land ohne Hoffnung.
Stöbe: Malaria und Dengue-Fieber passieren weiter. Und auf Covid-19 war das Land überhaupt nicht vorbereitet und es gab auch nicht die entsprechenden Behandlungsmöglichkeiten.
Wir hatten im Covid-Center, was wir im Mai mit 40 Betten inklusive einer Intensivstation eröffnet haben, keinen Sauerstoff. Wir mussten diesen in Sauerstoffzylindern einzeln transportieren und im Stunden-Rhythmus austauschen. Die Menschen dort waren nicht adäquat behandelbar.
Die sozialen Traditionen in diesem Land erschweren alles, was "social distancing" angeht oder auch Hygienemaßnahmen. Aber es gibt dramatischere Mangelzustände: Erstens, es gibt kein Wasser. Die Menschen aufzufordern sich die Hände zu waschen ist fast zynisch, wenn es kein Wasser gibt.
Zweitens sind natürlich in einem Land, in dem dauernd Bomben explodieren und in dem geschossen wird, diese Gefahren für die Menschen sehr viel plastischer, bedrohlicher, auch eben tödlicher.
Insofern habe ich fast eine gewisse Sympathie, dass diese Menschen sich auf das fokussieren, was sie sehen und das ist eben der Bürgerkrieg. Und wenn dann noch ein unsichtbares Virus ungebremst durch die Gesellschaft geht, dann ist jede Hilfe zu spät.
https://www.zdf.de/nachrichten/panorama/jemen-coronavirus-pandemie-buergerkrieg-medizin-100.html
und ein weiteres Interview, nur bis 20.10.: https://www.ndr.de/media/Aerzte-ohne-Grenzen-im-Jemen-Die-Situation-war-furchtbar,audio761862.html
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I was on a field visit to Al-Mahra governorate and I was shocked when I saw how the fisherman suffering when the ferryboat engine broke down, they need to travel around 524 kilometers from Al-Ghitha to Al-Mukalla in order to repair it.
https://twitter.com/wafa76732420/status/1315515669522325504
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Film: Oxygen of Your Life " Center holds the second conference of the World Mental Health Day in Aden.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUYAsMUf1Tw
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QRCS provides clean water for Yemenis in Taiz, Al-Hudaydah
https://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/qrcs-provides-clean-water-yemenis-taiz-al-hudaydah-enar
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Yemen: Flood Snapshot (As of 28 September 2020)
Yemen has been hard-hit by heavy rains and flooding this year. Heavy rains first hit the country in April, more rainfall followed in June – mainly in southern and eastern governorates – and continued in July intensifying at the end of the month and into August. Hajjah Governorate was again hit by heavy rainfall in mid-September. The rains and flooding have caused devastation, resulting in deaths and injuries, destroying homes and shelters, damaging infrastructure, spoiling crops and killing livestock. The lives of tens of thousands of people, many of them already displaced, have been disrupted. Partners report that nearly 96,000 families were affected in 189 districts in 19 governorates, and that 44 people died as a result of the rains and flooding. Marib, Hajjah, Al Hudaydah, and Sana’a governorates and Sana’a City were particularly badly affected.
https://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/yemen-flood-snapshot-28-september-2020-enar
cp4 Flüchtlinge / Refugees
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Before and after
@monarelief helped 100 to repuild their own houses after being destroyed due to flood and rainfall with the support of Partners Relief and Development and Karmagawa. I'm glad to share with you what we did last week in Hajjah governorate in northern #Yemen (photos)
https://twitter.com/monarelief/status/1316836266009296899
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Is Ethiopia ignoring its citizens stranded on the Saudi-Yemen border?
Addis Ababa appears to be doing very little to protect its migrant citizens who are facing brutality of both the Saudi government and Yemen’s Houthis rebels.
Tens of thousands of Ethiopian migrants have been living in inhumane conditions across the Arabian Peninsula for the last six months, as both the Saudis and their rivals in Yemen, the Houthis, have rendered their living conditions unbearable, according to human rights groups.
The Ethiopian government is yet to own the responsibility for their stranded citizens and save them from the abuse and squalid conditions, as they continue to be stuck between the two warring sides in the Yemen conflict.
“The Ethiopian government must intervene now. I remember being in Addis Ababa a while back and seeing a plane load of sort of evacuees coming from the Middle East - particularly, I think those from Saudi Arabia and not anywhere else - destitute in their looks,” says Abdi Samatar, professor of geography at the University of Minnesota and a research fellow at the University of Pretoria.
More than 30,000 Ethiopian migrants have been held in Saudi detention centres, where living conditions are poor and unhealthy, according to a recent EU Parliament resolution.
The Ethiopian government needs to take responsibility for its own citizens and find ways to bring back migrants from both Saudi Arabia and Yemen and other places, Samatar, who's an expert on eastern Africa, tells TRT World.
But Addis Ababa hasn't yet chalked out a concrete plan to repatriate its citizens from the Arabian Peninsula in the near future.
“With the high number of migrants in various host countries, the government will not have sufficient resources to repatriate everyone at the same time,” said Tsion Teklu, an Ethiopian state minister for foreign affairs, last month.
In the past few months, the living conditions of Ethiopian migrants in Saudi Arabia have deteriorated to an extent that several human rights groups have taken note of it, prompting the European parliament to condemn the Saudi government.
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Photos: You can think about more than 3.6 mio how they are lives ?????? I'll let for you imagine their life in the open. Give them some hope via link
https://chuffed.org/project/food-and-medicine-for-yemen
https://twitter.com/ghalebalsudmy/status/1316418246678130688
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Three families, who got displaced by the recent #Houthi escalation in #Mareb and Al-Jawf provincs, are living under a tree located on the border line of Madghal and Raghwan districts. None seems to care about them nor provide them with shelter and foodstuffs.
https://twitter.com/Yemen24/status/1316207654985969664
Photo: https://twitter.com/taha_derhem/status/1315743008290230272
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Internally displaced people in Muhaifif in Al-Maharah governorate complain of the high house rents, the absence of relief efforts, and the difficulty enrolling their children in schools due to the lack of income.
https://twitter.com/BelqeesRights/status/1316069690620276736
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Ethiopian migrants are stuck in hell between Saudi Arabia and Yemen
Both Yemen’s Houthis and Riyadh have committed horrible atrocities against Ethiopian migrants, rights groups say.
The terrible dilemma of Ethiopian migrants across Saudi Arabia and Yemen has shown once again how the fight for political power is creating insurmountable tragedies across the world.
Tens of thousands of Ethiopian migrants, who are merely seeking job opportunities across the Arab peninsula, have literally been caught in the crossfire between Saudi Arabia and its Yemeni enemies, the Houthis, who have been fighting with a Riyadh-led Gulf coalition since 2014.
First, they were expelled from northern Yemen to the Saudi border by the Houthis, who attacked them with rockets, and then, the migrants were shot at by the kingdom’s border guards ending with them languishing in detention centres in very poor conditions.
“What these people have gone through is unimaginable. Aside from conditions they are in now, they were shot out by rockets [launched by the Houthis] that pushed from where they were living in northern Yemen,” says Nadia Hardman, a leading Human Rights Watch (HRW) researcher, who has conducted in-depth interviews with the Ethiopian migrants in Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Ethiopia.
My remark: There already had been several reports on this subject.
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[UAE-backed] Joint Forces Arrest 130 Illegal Migrants in Bab-el-Mandeb
The forces forces intercepted in Bab-el-Mandeb on Sunday, a boat carrying 130 African migrants coming by sea from Djibouti after they illegally entered the Yemeni territory, Al-Amalika Media Centre reported.
http://en.adenpress.news/news/27293
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IOM Yemen | Rapid Displacement Tracking (RDT) - Reporting Period: 04 - 10 Oct 2020
Between 4 and 10 October, newly displaced households were recorded in Marib (107 HH), Taizz (62 HH), and Al Dhale'e (42 HH). Most of these displacements were the result of increased fighting in Marib (103 HH), Al Dhale'e (42 HH) and Al Hudaydah (39 HH).
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UNHCR Yemen: IDP Protection Monitoring Update (1 Jan 2020 – 30 Sep 2020)
cp5 Nordjemen und Huthis / Northern Yemen and Houthis
Siehe / Look at cp1
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Press sources on @Twitter are talking about the arrival of the new Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of #Iran to the capital of #Yemen Sana'a.
https://twitter.com/BashaReport/status/1316841460558372864
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Parliament to resume its sessions Saturday
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3112427.htm
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Rival al Houthi factions clashed in northern Yemen’s al Jawf governorate on October 13, according to anti–al Houthi media. Al Houthi militants aligned with the al Houthi governor of al Jawf reportedly assassinated the al Houthi director of al Jawf’s al Matun district after an unspecified disagreement. Al Houthi militants previously clashed among themselves in Yemen's capital, Sana’a, in mid-July.[ii]
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Houthis say to reveal surprises within legitimate self-defence
President of the Houthi supreme political council, Mahdi Al-Mashat, has said that his group would reveal new surprises within the legitimate defence of the nation and in accordance with what the national interest and the nature of circumstances require.
In a speech on the 57th anniversary of the 14th October revolution on Tuesday, he stressed the importance of getting rid of the wrong understanding of this national occasion.
https://debriefer.net/en/news-20474.html
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Audio: Episode 20: Maysaa Shuja Al-Deen on the Houthi Movement
In this episode, we speak with Ms Al-Deen who is a non-resident fellow at the Sana'a Centre for strategic studies on the evolution of the Houthi Movement in Yemen. We cover how the Houthi's have impacted the geopolitical state of Yemen today and what their control of Sana'a means for the state apparatus of Yemen. We cover the interaction of the Houthi's with other actors in the conflict including Iran and the Southern Transitional council and gain a better understanding of the demands and motives of the Houthi leadership today. The episode serves as one of the best available primers in English to survey and understand the contemporary Houthi movement.
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Sana’a Intl. Airport Confirms Readiness to Receive Released War Prisoners
The director of Sana'a International Airport, Khaled Al-Shayef, confirmed, Tuesday, that Sana'a airport is ready to receive the released war prisoners. Al-Shayef said in a statement to Almasirah that the airport administration is working to organize a decent reception for the released war prisoners who will arrive on Thursday, indicating that there will be a popular and official reception for them upon their arrival.
He added, "There are two batches, on Thursday the first batch, 480 prisoners, and on Friday, 200 prisoners will arrive in the second batch."
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=15319
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Film: Citizens express their dissatisfaction with Houthis’ ban of WhatsApp.
Citizens in Aden Governorate, southern Yemen, expressed their dissatisfaction after the Houthi group announced the ban on the use of "WhatsApp" in the town of Jabla in the Ibb governorate, northern Yemen, considering that this measure falls within the framework of restricting personal freedoms, human violations and silencing voices through their confiscation of various media outlets and making their media outlets the only means of reporting news in the governorates under their jurisdiction.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkxgP2ZPYkw
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Hamed: US Head of Evil, Mother of Terrorism, Main Cause of Yemeni People Suffering
Director of the President's Office, Ahmed Hamed, declared today, Tuesday, that the US is the head of evil, the mother of Terrorism and the maker of the crises that the Yemeni people are going through. During the official media campaign to expose the US crimes against the Yemeni people, Hamed stressed the major task entrusted to the national media and to promote awareness of the crimes of US-Saudi aggression against the Yemeni people.
https://english.almasirah.net/details.php?es_id=15320
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Mwatana for Human Rights and the Columbia Law School Human Rights Clinic call for UN to support unjustly detained and sentenced Yemeni journalists
Ansar Allah (Houthis) should immediately release those who remain in detention and disappeared since 2015, vacate death sentences, and ensure accountability
Ansar Allah (Houthis) continue to arbitrarily detain nine journalists in Sana’a, said Mwatana for Human Rights and the Columbia Law School Human Rights Clinic today in a joint letter addressed to UN Special Rapporteurs and Working Groups. A tenth journalist who was disappeared in April 2015 remains missing. Mwatana and the Human Rights Clinic asked the UN to continue calling for the journalists’ immediate release, to vacate the death sentence four of them face, and to seek accountability for the abuses they faced in custody.
“After nearly six years of unjust detention in Ansar Allah (Houthi) prisons, and with the death sentence hanging over four of them, these journalists deserve and need international support at the highest levels,” said Samah Subay, Director of the Legal Support at Mwatana. “They have faced torture and abuse, and have now been sentenced in proceedings that met neither Yemeni nor international standards.”
Mwatana for Human Rights and the Columbia Law School Human Rights Clinic sent a submission to the United Nations, including the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, and the Special Rapporteurs on torture, summary or extrajudicial executions, and freedom of expression, calling on them to communicate with Ansar Allah about the journalists’ cases, and to ask high-level officials responsible for detention facilities, as well as for judicial oversight, to provide answers about their cases. It also described how judicial proceedings in their cases failed to meet either Yemeni legal requirements, or international fair trial standards.
https://mwatana.org/en/call-for-un/
and
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Urgent Appeal: Arbitrary Detention, Enforced Disappearance and Torture of Yemeni Journalists in Sana’a by Ansar Allah; Four Sentenced to Death
We are writing to bring your attention detailed information regarding the arbitrary detention, disappearance and abuse of ten journalists in Yemen’s capital, Sana’a, by Ansar Allah, also known as the Houthi armed group. We welcomed the High Commissioner of Human Rights’ statement of August 6, 2020 highlighting violations against journalists in Yemen, and request that you use the information in the submission below to raise these cases with Ansar Allah authorities, if you have not already done so, and to continue to advocate both privately and publicly for their release, as well as for the investigation.
Ansar Allah forces forcibly disappeared or arbitrarily and abusively detained the journalists at various points since June 2015. Ansar Allah officials also appear to have subjected some of the men to torture. In April 2020, a court in Sana’a sentenced four of the journalists to death. Many of the men have suffered multiple health complications as a result of physical abuse and poor conditions of detention.
Nine of the journalists discussed in this submission remain detained. One is disappeared. Mwatana has put forward this submission after discussing and sharing the intended communication with the journalists’ appointed lawyer, Abdulmajeed Sabra, and being granted his informed consent to proceed with the submission. Mwatana discussed with Sabra, and obtained consent for, possible outcomes including the journalists’ names appearing in a public report to the Human Rights Council, and their names being disclosed to relevant authorities. Sabra was granted authority by each journalist or their relatives to engage on their behalf in questions related to advocacy and legal action on their case. Mwatana also received informed consent from the journalists’ families to publish on their case for previous publications. The journalists’ names and case have been highly publicized in the media over the last five years, and in connection with international advocacy campaigns by NGOs like Amnesty International, Pen International and the Committee to Protect Journalists.
https://mwatana.org/en/urgent-appeal/
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President Almashat : I congratulate what has been achieved by the office of the United Nations special envoy and our technical national team of understanding and advanced steps especially the oil floating vessel"Safer"
https://twitter.com/ealseraji/status/1316105703489179648
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Yemen admires Iran’s support
The foreign minister of the Yemeni National Salvation Government praised Iran for providing political and humanitarian support for the people of Yemen amid the Saudi-led military aggression.
According to Tasnim news agency, in a video-conference with senior Assistant to the Iranian Foreign Minister, Ali Asghar Khaji, Hisham Sharaf Abdullah expressed gratitude to the Islamic Republic for its political support and humanitarian aids for the Yemeni people.
https://parstoday.com/en/news/iran-i127941-yemen_admires_iran%E2%80%99s_support
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The Houthi group has demolished the main gate of one of the biggest mosques in Sana'a with the intent to take control of the land.
The founder and the Imam of Al-Firdous mosque said in a Facebook post,"The #Houthi group is demolishing and digging at the main gates," accusing them of taking control of the land and a charity foundation belonging to the mosque
https://twitter.com/BelqeesRights/status/1315493309503209472
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New enforced collection of illegal taxes in Sana’a
The Houthis have started a gain collection of illegal taxes from small and large businesses in the capital Sana’a.
Sources quoted by the London-based Asharq Al-Awsat daily Newspaper, said that the Houthis militants carried out field surprise visits to commercial shops and offices of companies asking for enforced payment of illegal taxes.
Businesses have been asked to pay between YR5,000 to 60,000 according to the size of the business.
Dozens of merchants and staff members were arrested for rejection to pay the illegal taxes.
“We barely took breath form the previous collection of illegal taxes to be surprised by new one,” one business owner who requested anonymity said.
https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-42574
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Eryani criticizes Sana'a-based fellows involved in selling party assets
The [Hadi gov.] Yemeni information minister has deplored the Sana'a-based leaders of his General People's Congress (GPC) for involvement in massive sales of the party's assets through sanctions smelling corrupt.
While they kept justifying their alignment with the Houthi group and the Iranian project in the pretext of preserving the GPC, these leaders were unfortunately involved in suspected sales, Moammar al-Eryani added in remarks carried by the Riyadh-based Saba.
https://debriefer.net/en/news-20434.html
Report: Houthi-controlled courts issued 200 death sentences since 2017
Sam Organisation for Rights and Freedoms said courts controlled by the Houthis in Yemen have issued more than 200 death sentences against political and civil opponents including four journalists in politically motivated cases since 2017.
“When observing and following up on these the proceedings of these trials, that reached into these rulings, SAM found that they entirely violated the guarantees and standards of fair trials,” the Geneva- based watchdog said in a statement issued on the International Day Against the Death Penalty.
According to the statement: “There are more than 50 civilians are standing trials before flawed judiciary, where the judges playing roles in predetermined trials, including the rulings which are in clear contradiction with the laws.”
cp6 Südjemen und Hadi-Regierung / Southern Yemen and Hadi-government
Aden verbleibt in der Hand der Separatisten im Süden. Ihre medien verbreiten eine große Menge von parteiischen Berichten, die das Narrativ der Separatisten überihren Hauptgegner, die Islah Partei (genannt "Muslim-Bruderschaft"), über die Kämpfe in Abyan und Shabwa, ihre Herrschaft in Aden und den von ihnen kontrollierten Gebieten verbreiten. Der Versuch der Saudis, die Hadi-Regierung und die Separatisten zur Umsetzung des Abkommens von Riad zu zwingen, ist wohl zum Scheitern verurteilt.
Aden remains in the hands of southern separatists. Their media are spreading a bulk of biased reports, showing their narrative of their foes from Islah Party (labeled “Muslim Brotherhood”), the fighting at Abyan and Shabwa, their self-rule at Aden and the areas under their control. The Saudi attempt to force the Hadi government and the separatists to implement the Riyadh agreement, seems to fail.
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Security vacuum deepens in Aden as new police chief still unable to assume post
Security vacuum is deepening in Yemen's interim capital Aden as the southern transitional council is preventing the new police chief from taking his post.
Brig. Gen. Ahmed Al-Hamidi was appointed by president Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi as the new police chief for Aden two months ago in accordance with a mechanism presented by Saudi Arabia to accelerate the implementation of the Riyadh agreement between the government and the UAE-backed council.
Reports said the council will not allow him to assume his duties until the future of the former police chief Shalal Shaye'a is determined.
The United Arab Emirates is proposing that Shaye'a be appointed as interior minister or vice interior minister in the new government but president Hadi has turned down the proposals, Debriefer learnt.
https://debriefer.net/en/news-20498.html
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Government forces withdraw from bases around LNG plant after UAE threats
Government forces have withdrawn from their bases near the Balhaf LNG plant in Shabwa province in southeastern Yemen after the UAE threatened to strike them.
The development comes as the government is calling on the UAE to pull its forces and allow it to restart the production operations at the plant.
The UAE forces have been stationed at the plant since 2015.
On Monday, governor Mohammed Saleh bin Adyo accused the gulf country of preventing the Yemeni government from resuming the LNG production operations at the facility, laying off hundreds of its workers and turning it into a military barracks.
https://debriefer.net/en/news-20499.html
and
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Emirati seizure over Balhaf facility inflicts Yemen US$20-billion losses
Yemeni activists have called on official government to eject Emirati forces out of the Shabwa-based Balhaf facility and port used to export oil and liquefied gas, amid fears that a potential damage to the facility would deprive the country from billions of dollars annually.
The call comes days after press remarks by governor of the southern governorate of Shabwa, in which Mohamed Bin Adio said the United Arab Emirates continues to prevent gas exports.
The Emirati military presence in this economically vital facility has caused gross damages to the Yemeni economy already collapsing due to the 6-year-old war, says Yemeni researcher specialized in economy.
"The presence of Emirati troops and armed proxies in the port, preventing the official government from exporting gas, deprived Yemen from US$ 20 billion in the past five years," Abdul Rahman Hamid added in remarks to Debriefer, as the country suffers severe economic crisis.
Observers fear that Yemen could lose a key economic resource providing the public budget with more than 40 percent of the total revenues.
Overlooking the Arabian Sea, Balhaf is one of Yemen's vital ports exporting its crude oil and liquefied natural gas, and its largest investment projects that started oil production in 2009.
Since their seizure of the port in 2016, the Emirati troops have stopped the liquefaction and exportation of natural gas, before transforming the port into secret prison, according to western media reports.
https://debriefer.net/en/news-20502.html
(A P)
Judiciary pursues Yemeni journalist over false case filed by sports ministry
A Yemeni sports reporter sent an advice to the public opinion, saying that his life is at risk due to false, misleading reports over his establishment of a civil society organization concerned with sports media.
"My and my family's life is at risk because of a number of security reports in more than a country," Bashir Sinan said in a video posted on Facebook Wednesday.
He said he maintains many threats he received from persons (he preferred to keep unnamed) living in Saudi Arabia, Emirates and Bahrain.
"The Aden-based sports ministry disseminated information to all Yemeni crossings under the official government control," Sinan added.
He said he is willing to answer any call by the Public Prosecution in Aden, if he is assured that his life and safety would be secured, and actions taken against him would be based on justice, noting that he has already assigned an advocate to attend in his place.
Sinan's video on social media received wide solidarity form Yemeni journalists and activists.
https://debriefer.net/en/news-20492.html
(A P)
Yemenis protest against normalization with Zionist regime
Yemeni people have taken to streets of the southeastern province of Hadhramaut to protest against the normalization deals between some Arab regimes and Israel.
Protesters staged a rally in Hadhramaut on Wednesday, carrying banners reading that “We will only accept what satisfy the Palestinian people.”
The rally comes after the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain signed controversial agreements to normalize ties with Israel at the White House on September 15, amid outrage across Palestine and the Muslim world.
https://en.abna24.com/news//yemenis-protest-against-normalization-with-zionist-regime_1078363.html
(A K P)
Al-Naqib: Brotherhood's militias violate Abyan ceasefire
The pro-government Muslim Brotherhood's militias committed a new violation of the mutually-agreed truce by targeting the locations under the control of the southern armed forces in the province of Abyan in the early hours of Thursday.
http://en.adenpress.news/news/27328
(A P)
Hadi urges to implement all obligations under Riyadh agreement soon
Yemeni president Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi has stressed the importance of implementing all obligations of the Riyadh agreement as soon as possible because the suffering of the people requires all to live up to their responsibility.
In his address on the 57th anniversary of the 14th October revolution on Tuesday, he revealed that work is underway on a strategy for resuming the activities of all public institutions.
https://debriefer.net/en/news-20477.html
(A P)
Yemeni president advisor calls for Riyadh pact military application
Advisor to the Yemeni President on Wednesday called for application of the Riyadh Agreement's military section, in preparation for the expected cabinet members nomination.
https://debriefer.net/en/news-20480.html
My comment: Exactly this is the reason why the agreement has failed so far: The separatist militia refuse to leave Aden.
(A P)
Governor calls on UAE to pull forces out of Yemen LNG plant
Shabwa governor Mohammed Saleh bin Adyo has called on the United Arab Emirates to pull its forces out of the Balhaf LNG Plant.
In a statement to Aljazeera on Monday, he accused the UAE of turning the plant into a military barracks and preventing the Yemeni authorities from reopening it.
The UAE stopped LNG exports from the plant five years ago and has laid off hundreds of workers, he said.
The statement came hours after the oil and minerals minister Aws Al-Awd announced that a number of oil blocks in the province would be resuming production and exploration operations soon.
https://debriefer.net/en/news-20470.html
(A T)
Attack on Yemeni gov't commander leaves one killed, two injured
One person was killed and two others injured on Tuesday, when the house of the fourth military region's commander was targeted by an armed attack in the Yemeni southern port city of Aden.
Unidentified gunmen attacked the house of General Fadhl Hassan al-Amri in the interim capital, Anadolu Agency quoted a military source as saying anonymously.
https://debriefer.net/en/news-20471.html
(A P)
Marib Military Court holds 4th session of Houthi militia leadership trial
The Military Court in Marib-headed by Judge Aqil Taj Addin, the Chairman of the Military Court at the Third Military Region- commenced Tuesday its fourth hearing of the major criminal case No.4 for 2020.
At the hearing, the prosecution stated that it was in the process of implementing the court’s decisions, providing documentary and written evidence, which had 175 files, in addition to the files of the victims, were attached to medical reports issued by government hospitals
My comment: Another trial show against absent enemy leaders.
(A P)
Beautiful Fireworks Mark South Arabia's Revolution Day
Beautiful fireworks exploded in the sky of Aden on Tuesday night to mark South Arabia's Revolution Day (October 14, 1963) against the British colonial rule.
https://twitter.com/RepYemenEnglish/status/1316130435055976448
and at Taiz: https://twitter.com/RepYemenEnglish/status/1316130435055976448
at Mukallah: https://twitter.com/mamashami/status/1316520885248024581
My comment: Separatists: Aden; Hadi government: Taiz, Mukalla. – Taiz never belonged to the british colony in Southern Yemen, but to Northern Yemen.
(A P)
Video recording shows a detainee tortured by armed men loyal to Saudi forces in Al-Mahrah
https://twitter.com/BelqeesRights/status/1316050091548049410
(* A K P)
UAE warplanes strike near sit-in camp of families protesting killing of relatives
UAE warplanes on Monday struck near a sit-in camp of families of 10 tribesmen killed last year by UAE-backed Al-Shabwani elite forces in Yemen's southeastern province of Shabwa, local sources said.
They first hovered at low altitude and broke the sound barrier and then fired missiles near the camp where hundreds of people have gathered to demand those responsible for the killings be brought to justice, the sources said.
There were no reports of casualties or a comment from the authorities.
Families from the Markhah district set up the camp at the Al-Alam military base where the UAE forces are stationed. They are also demanding the UAE be listed as a human rights violator because of its crimes against innocents.
https://debriefer.net/en/news-20447.html
(A K P)
Yemeni gov't forces foils arms smuggling to STC in Abyan
The Yemeni government forces on Saturday foiled arms smuggling on a ship, thought to be Emirati, heading for the Southern Transitional Council (STC) forces, local sources said Monday.
The vessel with arms onboard arrived in Hawrah area, between the two southern governorates of Shabwa and Abyan, but the Yemeni official troops forced the ship to return to its starting point, the sources added.
The troops then engaged with the Security Belt (SB) elements positioned in the area where the arms had to be discharged, the sources said. "The clashes left the SB Ahwar city-based forces' commander (called al-Habadhi, and two of his personnel injured."
https://debriefer.net/en/news-20430.html
(A P)
SB forces [separatist militia] kidnap Yemeni chemist, send him to UAE for probes
Security Belt (SB) forces have kidnapped a Yemeni expert specialized in analytical chemistry at a checkpoint in Aden, and airlifted him to Abu Dhabi for investigation at Emirati jails, a rights group said in a statement.
The Emirati-backed SB abducted Dr. Tahir Abdullah Abdul Jabar al-Qubati in his way back from Seyoun city with his wife, the Geneva-based SAM organization for rights and freedoms said without telling when the chemist was arrested.
On charges of plotting a coup, the Southern Transitional Council-affiliated SB forces tortured the Yemeni scientist so severely that he lost movement and speech, before he was airlifted to UAE, the group added.
The SB forces have previously stormed into Dr. Qubati's house in Aden and arrested 3 of his relatives who were by chance there.
https://debriefer.net/en/news-20417.html
(A P)
Textbooks with modified curriculum seized in Aden
The Security forces in the capital Aden arrested on Sunday, a number of school textbook sellers for promoting the sectarian ideology of the Iranian-backed Houthi terrorist militia.
The Security forces received a report about selling textbooks with modified curriculum for all levels of education in order to promote the Houthis' Rafidite approach in Aden.
http://en.adenpress.news/news/27298
(A P)
After torturing Dr. Al-Quabti until he lost movement and speech ability, STC militia transport him from Aden to Cairo. Source: Aden Net
https://www.alsahwa-yemen.net/en/p-42560
Fortsetzung / Sequel: cp7 – cp19
https://www.freitag.de/autoren/dklose/jemenkrieg-mosaik-684b-yemen-war-mosaic-684b
Vorige / Previous:
https://www.freitag.de/autoren/dklose/jemenkrieg-mosaik-685-yemen-war-mosaic-685
Jemenkrieg-Mosaik 1-685 / Yemen War Mosaic 1-685:
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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