Latest news with #RedSea
Asharq Al-Awsat
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Yemen Urges End to UN Mission Overseeing Hodeidah Agreement
Yemen's internationally recognized government has called for the termination of the United Nations mission tasked with overseeing the 2018 Hodeidah Agreement, just days ahead of a UN Security Council vote on whether to extend its mandate for another six months. The government accused the UN Mission to Support the Hodeidah Agreement (UNMHA) of legitimizing Houthi control over Red Sea ports and failing to prevent the group from exploiting the area militarily and politically. Information Minister Moammar al-Eryani said in a statement that UNMHA has 'become a burden and an enabler of Houthi dominance,' offering political cover for their military presence and 'blackmail' tactics. UNMHA was established under Security Council Resolution 2452 in January 2019 to monitor the Stockholm Agreement, which included a ceasefire in the strategic port city of Hodeidah and a mutual redeployment of forces from the city and its three ports—Hodeidah, Salif and Ras Issa. Six years on, Eryani said, the mission has failed to deliver any tangible results. 'Not militarily, not economically, not even humanitarian-wise,' he said. 'The developments on the ground have outpaced the mission.' He called on the Security Council to end what he described as 'international mismanagement' that undermines Yemen's sovereignty and hampers efforts to restore state institutions. Accusations of Bias and Inaction Eryani accused the UN mission of failing to uphold the core tenets of the Stockholm Agreement. While government forces redeployed as required, he said, the Houthis refused to comply and instead reinforced their military positions, smuggled in weapons and fighters, and continued rocket launches from within the city. Despite these violations, the minister said, UNMHA 'remained silent.' He also criticized the mission for becoming a 'political shield' for the Houthis, enabling the group to consolidate military and economic control across western Yemen. Eryani claimed that since late 2018, UNMHA has failed to monitor or verify redeployment, enforce the ceasefire, or reduce the visible armed presence in Hodeidah. Hostage to Houthi Restrictions In 2022, the Yemeni government formally requested that the UN relocate the mission's headquarters to a neutral location, citing increasing Houthi restrictions. Eryani said the Redeployment Coordination Committee - set up under the agreement -has not convened since 2020, and that the Houthis continue to occupy UNMHA offices and housing facilities, turning the mission staff into 'hostages to the group's pressure and extortion.' The minister also criticized the UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism (UNVIM), saying it failed to prevent weapons smuggling through the ports or to reopen roads between Hodeidah's districts. He added that the Houthis have not transferred port revenues to the central bank for civil servant salaries as stipulated in the Stockholm Agreement. 'War Machine Financed Under UN Watch' Eryani accused the Houthis of using the ports to finance their war machine. Citing government estimates, he said the group collected more than $789 million in port revenues between May 2023 and June 2024 - none of which was used to pay salaries or improve public services. Instead, he claimed, the funds were directed toward military efforts and buying loyalty, exacerbating the suffering of local populations. He also charged that the UN mission ignored repeated Houthi violations, including missile tests from the ports and attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea. 'The Houthis have turned Hodeidah into a safe haven for Iranian and Hezbollah experts, a hub for assembling drones and missiles, and a corridor for arms smuggling -all under the nose of the United Nations,' Eryani said. US Signals Support for Ending Mission In a recent Security Council session, the United States implicitly endorsed Yemen's position. Acting US Ambassador Dorothy Shea described the UN mission as 'paralyzed' and said it no longer reflects the situation on the ground. According to the Council's agenda, members will vote on Monday at 10 a.m. New York time on a draft resolution to extend UNMHA's mandate until January 28, 2026. Eryani urged the international community to take 'a firmer stance' and shut down the mission, arguing that it now poses an obstacle to peace efforts and prolongs the humanitarian crisis. 'The Yemenis are not the only ones paying the price for the mission's failure,' he said. 'So is the region - and the world.'
Al Mayadeen
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Al Mayadeen
Sanaa shares footage of Israeli-linked Magic Seas vessel sinking
The Yemeni Military Media on Tuesday released exclusive footage documenting the targeting and sinking of the Magic Seas vessel in the Red Sea. The operation followed the ship owner's violation of a directive issued by the Yemeni Armed Forces, which bans vessels from entering ports in occupied Palestine. The released footage shows the ship's crew ignoring repeated warnings issued by Yemen's naval forces. It captures the precise moment the Magic Seas was struck by unmanned naval boats, followed by a boarding operation carried out by Yemeni naval special forces, leading to the complete submersion of the vessel. #WATCH | Footage shows the targeting and sinking of the Magic Seas ship in the #RedSea during an operation carried out by the Yemeni Armed the footage from Yemeni military media shows that the ship's crew ignored repeated calls from the Yemeni naval forces prior… to a statement by the Yemeni Armed Forces, the complex operation involved two unmanned boats, five ballistic and cruise missiles, and three drones. The strike achieved a direct hit, resulting in the full sinking of the Magic Seas in the Red Sea. The action is part of Yemen's broader military campaign in support of Gaza, aimed at ending "Israel's" aggression and lifting the blockade. The Yemeni Armed Forces reaffirmed their commitment to defending Palestinian rights and stated they are fully prepared to respond to future developments in the region.
Khaleej Times
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Khaleej Times
Saudi authorities rescue Indian from Houthi-attacked ship in Red Sea
The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia expressed its gratitude to authorities in the Kingdom for rescuing an Indian national who was aboard the merchant vessel Eternity C, which recently sank in the Red Sea after a hostile attack by Yemen's Houthi rebels. Augustin Dassayan was working as a security guard aboard the ship and he was safely evacuated, thanks to the quick efforts of the Saudi authorities. The mission shared a post on X confirming that Dassayan was safely brought to Jizan, Saudi Arabia, along with other survivors. "A team from the Indian Consulate in Jeddah met him, ensured his well-being, and facilitated his return to India," the Embassy said in the post. "We thank the Saudi authorities @KSAMOFA for their support and assistance in the matter," the mission added. According to Reuters, the Greek operator of the vessel, Cosmoship Management, confirmed that 10 crew members have been rescued so far, while 10 others remain missing. The Eternity C was the second Greek-owned ship to be attacked and sunk by the Iran-backed Houthis last week. The attack is part of the group's continuing attempts to disrupt global shipping through the Red Sea, which is a crucial trade route for oil and other commodities.
Times of Oman
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Times of Oman
Indian Embassy expresses gratitude to Saudi Arabia for rescuing Indian from Houthi-hit ship, facilitates his return to India
Jeddah: The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday expressed gratitude to the Saudi authorities for rescuing an Indian national who was aboard the merchant vessel Eternity C, which recently sank in the Red Sea after a hostile attack by Yemen's Houthi rebels. The update was shared by the embassy in an X post (formerly Twitter), confirming that the Indian citizen, Augustin Dassayan, was safely brought to Jizan, Saudi Arabia, along with other survivors. "A team from the Indian Consulate in Jeddah met him, ensured his well-being, and facilitated his return to India," the Embassy said in the post. According to a Reuters report, the Greek operator of the vessel, Cosmoship Management, confirmed that 10 crew members have been rescued so far, while 10 others remain missing. The Eternity C was the second Greek-owned ship to be attacked and sunk by the Iran-backed Houthis last week. The attack is part of the group's continuing attempts to disrupt global shipping through the Red Sea, which is a crucial trade route for oil and other commodities. The Indian Embassy also noted that Dassayan was working as a security guard aboard the ship and he was safely evacuated thanks to the quick efforts of the Saudi authorities. As per Al Jazeera the incidents are a revival of a Houthi campaign launched in November 2023 after the start of Israel's war on Gaza. More than 100 ships have since been attacked in operations the Houthis say are in solidarity with Palestinians, the outlet reported. The Red Sea region has seen repeated attacks by Houthi militants in recent months, targeting vessels they claim are linked to Israel, the US, or allied nations.
Gulf Business
18 hours ago
- Business
- Gulf Business
Saudi Arabia tops global tourism revenue growth in Q1 2025, shows report
Image: Getty Images Saudi Arabia ranked first globally in the growth of international tourism receipts in Q1 2025 compared to the same period in 2019, according to the latest The kingdom also placed third worldwide and second in the Middle East in growth of international tourist arrivals, highlighting its expanding role on the global tourism map. During Q1 2025, Saudi Arabia recorded a 102 per cent surge in international arrivals compared with Q1 2019, far exceeding the global average of 3 per cent and the Middle East's 44 per cent, the UN report showed. 'This outstanding growth underscores Saudi Arabia's position as a key player in both regional and global tourism and underlines its unwavering commitment to advancing the sector,' the report noted. Growth aligned with Saudi' Vision 2030 goals The gains reflect Vision 2030 strategy to diversify the economy and attract 100 million annual visitors by the end of the decade. The kingdom has significantly ramped up investment in tourism infrastructure, from mega projects like NEOM and the Red Sea to hosting major sporting and cultural events. A recent report by the World Economic Forum (WEF), produced in collaboration with Kearney and Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Tourism, said tourism is set to outpace global economic growth. The sector is forecast to contribute $16tn to global GDP by 2034 — more than 11 per cent of the world economy, according to WTTC estimates. Saudi Arabia is positioned at the forefront of this shift. 'With its bold Vision 2030, strategic leadership, and record-breaking visitor numbers, Saudi Arabia is redefining how countries can leverage tourism for inclusive prosperity, cultural diplomacy, and long-term resilience,' the Read:
