Latest news with #ArabCoalition
Al Arabiya
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Al Arabiya
US strike on Yemen kills al-Qaeda members: Yemeni security sources
Five al-Qaeda members have been killed in a strike blamed on the United States in southern Yemen, two Yemeni security sources told AFP on Saturday. 'Residents of the area informed us of the US strike... five Al-Qaeda members were eliminated,' said a security source in Abyan province, which borders the seat of Yemen's internationally-recognized government in Aden. 'The US strike on Friday evening north of Khabar Al-Maraqsha killed five,' said a second source, referring to a mountainous area known to be used by al-Qaeda. The second security source added that, though the names of those killed in the strike were not known, it was believed one of al-Qaeda's local leaders was among the dead. Washington once regarded the group, known as al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), as the militant network's most dangerous branch. AQAP grew and developed in the chaos of Yemen's war, which since 2015 has pitted the Iran-backed Houthis against an Arab-led coalition backing the government. Earlier this month, the United States agreed a ceasefire with the Houthis, who have controlled large swathes of Yemen for more than a decade, ending weeks of intense American strikes on Houthi-held areas of the country. The Houthis began firing at shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden in November 2023, weeks after the start of the Israel-Hamas war, prompting military strikes by the US and Britain beginning in January 2024. The conflict in Yemen has caused hundreds of thousands of deaths and triggered one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, although fighting decreased significantly after a UN-negotiated six-month truce in 2022.
26-03-2025
- Politics
U.S. Airstrikes Against Houthis Ineffective Without Ground Forces — Calls to Replicate Southern Resistance Model
Military experts and analysts have warned that ongoing U.S. airstrikes targeting Houthi positions in Yemen, despite their precision and tactical impact, remain limited in long-term effectiveness without the support of ground forces. They argue that any serious effort to roll back Houthi control over northern Yemen must involve the deployment of effective and cohesive national forces capable of capitalizing on aerial operations to secure decisive ground gains. Analysts are urging the U.S. and its partners to consider leveraging local Yemeni forces to liberate strategic northern provinces such as Al-Bayda and Al-Hudaydah — the latter being a key port on the Red Sea and a launchpad for Houthi missile and drone attacks on international maritime routes. Observers point to the experience of the Saudi-led Arab Coalition, which ramped up airstrikes against the Houthis between 2015 and 2019. However, without reliable and unified ground forces in northern Yemen — particularly in areas nominally controlled by the internationally recognized government but heavily influenced by the Islamist Islah Party (Muslim Brotherhood affiliate) — the military campaign stalled. The lack of coordination and internal political rivalries among northern forces weakened operational performance, ultimately paving the way for the 2018 Stockholm Agreement. The deal allowed the Houthis to consolidate their grip over Al-Hudaydah under international protection. In stark contrast, experts highlight the success of the Southern Resistance, which, with logistical and air support from the UAE and Saudi Arabia, managed to liberate all southern territories from Houthi control. Backed by both Emirati and American forces, the same southern units also expelled Al-Qaeda from the city of Mukalla in Hadramawt — a landmark operation in Yemen's fight against terrorism. Analysts believe this southern model demonstrates the importance of working with local forces that possess clear loyalties and proven organizational and combat capabilities, rather than relying on fragmented factions tied to the agendas of political Islam. In this context, experts warn of the continued threat posed by Islamist political movements, including the Iran-backed Houthis and the Muslim Brotherhood-linked Islah Party. Both are seen as major destabilizing forces in the Arabian Peninsula and as threats to global interests, especially amid ongoing tensions in the Red Sea and surrounding maritime corridors. Some analysts place historical blame on the administration of former U.S. President Barack Obama, whose support for the 2011 'Arab Spring' uprisings helped empower Islamist factions across the region. Today, they argue, the world is bearing the consequences of those policies — policies that unleashed chaos and enabled the rise of radical militias and extremist ideologies throughout the Middle East.
Khabar Agency
20-03-2025
- Business
- Khabar Agency
Report Exposes Hodeidah Ports' Role in Funneling Hundreds of Millions to Houthis
As the Yemeni crisis persists, the ports of Hodeidah have become a critical financial lifeline for the terrorist Houthis. These strategic ports are a major source of revenue for the group, enabling them to fund military operations in direct violation of international resolutions banning financial support to the Houthis. A recent report by the "Recovering Stolen Assets – RgainYemen" Initiative, titled Ports of War, exposes how the Houthis exploit key Yemeni ports—particularly Hodeidah, Salif, and Ras Issa—to generate hundreds of millions of dollars. These funds are used to sustain their military activities, flouting international laws and UN Security Council resolutions. Between May 2023 and June 2024, the Houthis collected $789.9 million in customs duties and taxes on imports through these ports. This comes at a time when millions of Yemenis are grappling with severe humanitarian crises, including skyrocketing prices and shortages of essential goods. The report highlights that the Houthis impose exorbitant customs fees on petroleum products. Gasoline imports alone generated 332.6 million, while diesel taxes brought in 332.6 million, while diesel taxes brought in 173.9 million. Gas imports also contributed significantly, with the militias collecting $95.7 million in fees. These inflated costs have driven up transportation and energy expenses, worsening the country's economic and humanitarian situation. Instead of using these funds to improve public services or support the local economy, the Houthis channel the money into military operations and the purchase of smuggled weapons via the Red Sea. This has led to a 40% surge in prices, the closure of numerous businesses and factories, rising unemployment, and a deepening electricity crisis. The report calls for immediate action to curb the Houthis' exploitation of these ports. It recommends shutting down Hodeidah, Salif, and Ras Issa to imports and redirecting commercial activities to the ports of Aden and Mukalla to prevent the militias from benefiting from tax revenues. Additionally, the report urges stricter controls on shipments entering Yemen through the Arab Coalition to block the smuggling of fuel and goods into Houthi-controlled areas. It also demands sanctions against international companies and suppliers facilitating imports through Houthi-held ports and calls on global banks to restrict financial transactions linked to these operations. The report emphasizes the need to enforce UN Security Council resolutions and expand international sanctions against the Houthis, including measures to prevent them from using the global banking system to manage illicit revenues. It also stresses the importance of enhanced cooperation between the United States and the Arab Coalition to monitor Red Sea shipping activities and prevent the militias from exploiting humanitarian trade for funding. The report warns that the continued use of Hodeidah's ports to finance the Houthi war machine poses a direct threat to stability in Yemen and the broader region. It calls on the international community to act swiftly to ensure that port revenues are used to alleviate the humanitarian crisis rather than fuel the conflict.
20-03-2025
- Politics
Calls to Liberate Hodeidah in Western Yemen
Hodeidah: A Postponed Battle and Renewed Hope Yemeni politician Jamal Al-Awadhi, currently based in Paris, has called on the U.S. administration to begin supporting Yemeni forces with prior experience in fighting the Houthis—forces that were on the brink of liberating the strategic coastal city .The city was handed over to the Houthis under what was called a peace agreement, signed in Stockholm in December 2018 under UN sponsorship. Al-Awadhi stressed that airstrikes alone are insufficient, noting that civilians bear the brunt of the conflict, as Houthi leaders often hide among them. He also stated that liberating Hodeidah would severely disrupt the Houthi militia, as most of the missiles threatening international maritime security are launched from the city. A Strategic Stronghold in the Yemeni Conflict Hodeidah is the lifeline of the Houthis, serving as their primary economic and logistical hub. Through the city's ports, the group secures crucial military supplies and financial resources, sustaining their war effort. In 2018, the Joint Forces, backed by the Arab Coalition, were just steps away from reclaiming Hodeidah. However, political interference, mismanagement by the Yemeni government, and the complicity of former UN envoy Martin Griffiths prevented the mission from being completed. This setback gave the Houthis a golden opportunity to regroup, fortify their positions, and manipulate the Stockholm Agreement to their advantage. Stockholm Agreement: Peace or Surrender? The Stockholm Agreement, signed under UN mediation in December 2018, became a lifeline for the Houthis. Instead of compelling their full withdrawal from Hodeidah, the deal provided them with a legal cover to maintain control. This allowed them to entrench their military presence, rearm their forces, and extend their influence. Many Yemenis consider the agreement not a peace deal but a surrender pact, which has enabled the Houthis to continue threatening Red Sea maritime security and launching terrorist attacks using missiles and drones. A Golden Opportunity to Restore Military Momentum With growing international pressure on the Houthis due to their escalated regional and global threats, and the possibility of revisiting the Stockholm Agreement, a real opportunity has emerged to complete the liberation of Hodeidah. The forces that previously advanced and nearly secured victory can be repositioned within a renewed military strategy, leveraging tactical advancements, battlefield experience, and upgraded weaponry. Liberating Hodeidah: A Strategic Turning Point Reclaiming Hodeidah would mark a pivotal moment in the conflict, delivering a crippling blow to the Houthis by: 1. Economically strangling the Houthis by cutting off their primary revenue streams from port activities. 2. Eliminating threats to maritime security in the Red Sea, a pressure point the Houthis have used to blackmail the international community. 3. Strengthening the Yemeni government militarily and politically, paving the way for further liberation operations across other regions. 4. Curtailing Iran's influence in Yemen, as Tehran relies on Hodeidah as a key gateway for smuggling weapons and military advisors. Decisive Military Action: A Necessity, Not an Option Given past experiences, any new attempt to halt military operations under the pretext of 'peace' may serve as another window of opportunity for the Houthis to reinforce their positions. Therefore, completing the liberation of Hodeidah is a critical step toward dismantling Houthi power. Without it, Yemen will remain trapped in a cycle of conflict and attrition. The next phase requires a genuine commitment from the legitimate government, along with coordinated military and security support from the United States and the United Kingdom. This must be executed within a decisive military strategy that avoids political compromises—compromises that risk repeating past failures.
The National
19-03-2025
- Sport
- The National
Best photos of March 19: SpaceX Dragon landing to the Wednesday Feast
Joe Root (captain), Dom Sibley, Rory Burns, Dan Lawrence, Ben Stokes, Ollie Pope, Ben Foakes (wicketkeeper), Moeen Ali, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes, Jack Leach, Stuart Broad 5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 80,000 1,400m National selection: AF Mohanak 5.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 90,000 1,400m National selection: Jayide Al Boraq 6pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 100,000 1,400m National selection: Rocket Power 6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Championship Listed (PA) Dh 180,000 1,600m National selection: Ihtesham 7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh 70,000 1,600m National selection: Noof KB 7.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 80,000 2.200m National selection: EL Faust UAE coins Dh5 note Dh10 note Dh20 note Dh50 note The UN-brokered ceasefire deal for Hodeidah will be implemented in two stages, with the first to be completed before the New Year begins, according to the Arab Coalition supporting the Yemeni government. By midnight on December 31, the Houthi rebels will have to withdraw from the ports of Hodeidah, Ras Issa and Al Saqef, coalition officials told The National. The second stage will be the complete withdrawal of all pro-government forces and rebels from Hodeidah city, to be completed by midnight on January 7. The process is to be overseen by a Redeployment Co-ordination Committee (RCC) comprising UN monitors and representatives of the government and the rebels. The agreement also calls the deployment of UN-supervised neutral forces in the city and the establishment of humanitarian corridors to ensure distribution of aid across the country. Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami. Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle. Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica. Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, Leon. Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan. Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns. Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus. Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg. Suspend strict budget rules to allow member countries to step up defence spending Create new "instrument" providing €150 billion of loans to member countries for defence investment Use the existing EU budget to direct more funds towards defence-related investment Engage the bloc's European Investment Bank to drop limits on lending to defence firms Create a savings and investments union to help companies access capital Send 'thenational' to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999 2289 – Dh10 2252 – Dh 50 6025 – Dh20 6027 – Dh 100 6026 – Dh 200 Name: Kumulus Water Started: 2021 Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid Based: Tunisia Sector: Water technology Number of staff: 22 Investment raised: $4 million Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE) Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman) Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman) On sale: Now Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh132,000 (Countryman) Saturday (All UAE kick-off times) Valencia v Atletico Madrid (midnight) Mallorca v Alaves (4pm) Barcelona v Getafe (7pm) Villarreal v Levante (9.30pm) Sunday Granada v Real Volladolid (midnight) Sevilla v Espanyol (3pm) Leganes v Real Betis (5pm) Eibar v Real Sociedad (7pm) Athletic Bilbao v Osasuna (9.30pm) Monday Real Madrid v Celta Vigo (midnight) Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel Power: 579hp Torque: 859Nm Transmission: Single-speed automatic Price: From Dh825,900 On sale: Now Started: 2016 Founders: Hussein Nasser Eddin, Laila Akel, Tayeb Akel Based: Ramallah, Palestine Sector: Technology, Security # of staff: 13 Investment: $745,000 Investors: Palestine's Ibtikar Fund, Abu Dhabi's Gothams and angel investors Directors: Carol Mansour and Muna Khalidi Stars: Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah Rating: 4/5 England 2 Cahill (3'), Kane (39') Nigeria 1 Iwobi (47') The Library: A Catalogue of Wonders Stuart Kells, Counterpoint Press %3Cp%3EMuhammad%20Waseem%20(captain)%2C%20Aayan%20Khan%2C%20Aryan%20Lakra%2C%20Ashwanth%20Valthapa%2C%20Asif%20Khan%2C%20Aryansh%20Sharma%2C%20CP%20Rizwaan%2C%20Hazrat%20Billal%2C%20Junaid%20Siddique%2C%20Karthik%20Meiyappan%2C%20Rohan%20Mustafa%2C%20Vriitya%20Aravind%2C%20Zahoor%20Khan%20and%20Zawar%20Farid.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A Name: Started: January 2018 Founder(s): Pishu Ganglani and Ricky Husaini Based: Dubai Sector: FinTech, micro finance Initial investment: $1 million Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia The Lebanese state is going after social media activists The Baghdad Clock Shahad Al Rawi, Oneworld Engine: 3-litre twin-turbo V6 Power: 400hp Torque: 475Nm Transmission: 9-speed automatic Price: From Dh215,900 On sale: Now Director: Ali Abbas Zafar Starring: Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Sunil Grover Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars Their favourite city: Dubai Their favourite food: Khaleeji Their favourite past-time : walking on the beach Their favorite quote: 'we rise by lifting others' by Robert Ingersoll Most wins by a trainer: Godolphin's Saeed bin Suroor(9) Most wins by a jockey: Jerry Bailey(4) Most wins by an owner: Godolphin(9) Most wins by a horse: Godolphin's Thunder Snow(2) The flights Etihad flies direct from Abu Dhabi to San Francisco from Dh5,760 return including taxes. The car Etihad Guest members get a 10 per cent worldwide discount when booking with Hertz, as well as earning miles on their rentals. A week's car hire costs from Dh1,500 including taxes. The hotels Along the route, Motel 6 ( offers good value and comfort, with rooms from $55 (Dh202) per night including taxes. In Portland, the Jupiter Hotel ( has rooms from $165 (Dh606) per night including taxes. The Society Hotel has rooms from $130 (Dh478) per night including taxes. More info To keep up with constant developments in Portland, visit Good guidebooks include the Lonely Planet guides to Northern California and Washington, Oregon & the Pacific Northwest. Friday Real Sociedad v Villarreal (10.15pm) Real Betis v Celta Vigo (midnight) Saturday Alaves v Barcelona (8.15pm) Levante v Deportivo La Coruna (10.15pm) Girona v Malaga (10.15pm) Las Palmas v Atletico Madrid (12.15am) Sunday Espanyol v Leganes (8.15pm) Eibar v Athletic Bilbao (8.15pm) Getafe v Sevilla (10.15pm) Real Madrid v Valencia (10.15pm) Something of a fashion anomaly, normcore is essentially a celebration of the unremarkable. The term was first popularised by an article in New York magazine in 2014 and has been dubbed 'ugly', 'bland' and "anti-style" by fashion writers. It's hallmarks are comfort, a lack of pretentiousness and neutrality – it is a trend for those who would rather not stand out from the crowd. For the most part, the style is unisex, favouring loose silhouettes, thrift-shop threads, baseball caps and boyish trainers. It is important to note that normcore is not synonymous with cheapness or low quality; there are high-fashion brands, including Parisian label Vetements, that specialise in this style. Embraced by fashion-forward street-style stars around the globe, it's uptake in the UAE has been relatively slow. Globalization and its Discontents Revisited Joseph E. Stiglitz W. W. Norton & Company Updated: March 19, 2025, 5:31 PM
