Author: [yemenonline.info
Human Rights Watch reported that Houthi security forces have been conducting arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances in Yemen since May 31, 2024. Among those detained are at least 13 United Nations staff and employees of nongovernmental organizations. The arrests seem to be linked to the detainees’ current or past employment. The detainees have been held without access to lawyers or their families, raising concerns about enforced disappearances. Despite no charges being brought against them, the Houthis have a history of dubious charges, including espionage. Videos showing confessions of spying for the United States and Israel have been released, but there…
Yemen’s Houthis have made a shocking revelation, claiming to have arrested an “American-Israeli spy cell” involved in espionage and sabotage activities. The cell reportedly included former US embassy staff members who continued their activities even after the embassy left Sanaa. The Houthi intelligence chief, Abdel Hakim Al Khaiwani, accused the members of exploiting their positions to carry out their agendas. Israeli officials and the UN have yet to respond to the allegations, while the US State Department remains silent. The UN is actively working to secure the release of its 11 detained staff, along with others from US-funded organizations. Armed…
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has demanded the immediate release of all United Nations staff detained by the de facto Houthi authorities in Yemen. The recent detention of 13 UN personnel, along with four additional staff members held since 2021 and 2023, without communication access, has raised serious concerns. The Special Envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, met with Guterres in Jordan to discuss the escalating crackdown on civic space by Houthi authorities, leading to arbitrary detentions. The detained staff include personnel from various UN agencies like UNESCO, OHCHR, UNICEF, and others. Efforts are underway to secure their release. UN human rights…
The UN rights chief is calling for the immediate and unconditional release of detained UN staff and aid workers by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, rejecting accusations of espionage. The rebels claim those arrested were part of a US-Israeli spy network, working under the cover of international organizations. Volker Turk, the UN official, expresses concern over the treatment of those detained, including 13 UN personnel. The Iran-backed rebels have not disclosed the total number of arrests but have a history of targeting humanitarian workers in the war-torn country. Turk urges the release of all detainees and stresses the importance of upholding their…
The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) has announced that financial markets will be closed for Eid Al-Adha from Saturday, 15th June, to Tuesday, 18th June, with trading set to resume on Wednesday, 19th June. The Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange will determine the exact start and end of the holiday based on operational requirements and public interest. This decision aligns with Circular No. 06 of 2024 from the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources, outlining the holiday for Arafat Day and Eid Al-Adha for the year 1445 AH. The announcement comes after consultation and coordination with the Abu Dhabi Securities…
US intelligence has uncovered discussions between Houthi rebels in Yemen and the Somali militant group al-Shabaab about potentially providing weapons, posing a significant threat to regional stability. The US is now investigating whether Iran, a supporter of the Houthis, is involved in this agreement. The possibility of this alliance, despite ideological differences, could worsen the situation in Somalia and the Red Sea region. This potential deal could offer the Houthis a new source of income and provide al-Shabaab access to more advanced weaponry, including drones. While smuggling of small arms between groups in Yemen and Somalia is not uncommon, a…
The Yemeni riyal hit a record low of 1,770 against the dollar in government-controlled areas, a drop that is expected to lead to a rise in prices and potential unrest. Despite efforts to stabilize the currency, the riyal has steadily declined over the years due to various economic challenges, including currency speculation and disruptions in oil exports. The devaluation of the riyal has had a significant impact on the lives of Yemenis, with soaring costs of basic necessities pushing many into poverty. The Yemeni government and the central bank in Aden have implemented measures to address the crisis, but so…
Air Power and Red Sea Security Air Power and Red Sea Security In Yemen, the Houthi rebels have disrupted commercial shipping in the Red Sea since November, impacting global trade. The militants are using missiles and drones to pressure Israel over the conflict in Gaza, with support from Iran. The US-led coalition has conducted airstrikes to intercept these threats, but the attacks continue, highlighting the challenges of air power in modern warfare. The issue of locating and targeting mobile missile launchers has been a longstanding challenge, reminiscent of past conflicts like the Scud missile crisis in 1991. Advances in technology,…
The Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) has been actively working towards restoring legitimate institutions and unity in the war-torn nation since taking power on April 7. Led by Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi, the PLC recently made significant changes, including replacing key ministers and appointing new officials in various sectors. The appointment of new governors and ministers, along with discussions for further reforms, indicate a strong push towards restructuring and rebuilding Yemen’s civil and military institutions. The formation of a joint security and military committee, as well as plans for higher committees focusing on revenues, development, and reconstruction projects, highlight the PLC’s…
The Houthi group in Yemen released over 113 detainees in Sanaa, as confirmed by the International Committee of the Red Cross. The detainees, claimed by the Houthis to be government soldiers, were said by Yemen’s recognized government to be civilians kidnapped from various places. Despite the release, Yemen’s government maintains that the Houthis are responsible for crimes against humanity. The ICRC assisted in the humane and dignified release of the detainees from conflict-related situations. One of the released detainees, Murshed Al Jamaai, expressed relief and gratitude for being freed. Yemen has been in conflict since the Houthi takeover in 2014,…