Security Council rejects bid to stop offensive
Al Houthis’ grip on the key port city only prolongs war in Yemen, UAE minister warns
The UN Security Council rejected a move to demand an immediate end to the fighting around Hodeida. The council failed to agree to a statement calling on coalition forces to implement a ceasefire, with the US and UK both voicing opposition.
The UN security council rejected a move to demand an immediate end to the fighting around the strategic Yemeni port of Hodeida.
The 15-strong body failed to agree to a statement calling on forces led by Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates to implement a ceasefire, with the US and UK both voicing opposition to the text introduced by Sweden.
The vote came as Yemeni government forces yesterday looked set to capture an airport in Hodeida as part of a major battle aimed at ending Iran-allied Al Houthi control of the coastal city, military sources reported.
The forces, supported by the Arab coalition, reached the perimeter of the airport after they advanced into the adjacent village of Manzra, the sources added.
Yemen’s pro-government news portal Aden Al Ghad reported that coalition-backed forces were already inside the airport where they were engaged in fierce clashes against Al Houthis.
On Wednesday, government forces, backed by the coalition air power, kicked off the offensive dubbed ‘Golden Victory’ aimed at liberating Hodeida from Al Houthi rule.
The militants have repeatedly threatened to attack oil tankers using Bab Al Mandab, a major waterway between the Arabian Peninsula and Africa, linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Suez Canal.
The UAE and Saudi Arabia are leading partners to the Arab Coalition, which started a military campaign against Al Houthis in 2015.
Crucial for ending war
Meanwhile, a UAE minister said yesterday that the ongoing battle for liberating Hodeida was crucial for ending the war in Yemen.
“For three years, Al Houthis have resisted multiple opportunities to engage in serious peace talks,” UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Anwar Gargash said in a series of tweets.
“If they keep Hodeida and its revenues and its strategic location, the war will last a long time so will the suffering of the Yemeni people,” he added.
“This deadlock must end. It is clear that for the UN-led political process to succeed, the situation on the ground must change.” Depriving Al Houthis of Hodeida’s port will stop them from imposing “their will from behind the barrel of a gun”.
A series of UN-brokered rounds of talks for Yemen’s peace have led nowhere.
“They will be one Yemeni group among others, jointly negotiating to decide the future of their country. That is the goal of our operations in Hodeida,” Dr Gargash said.
For three years, Al Houthis have resisted multiple opportunities to engage in serious peace talks ... This deadlock must end. It is clear that for the UN-led political process to succeed, the situation on the ground must change.”
Dr Anwar Gargash | UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs
Coup
In September 2014, Al Houthis carried out a coup in Sana’a, forcing the government of President Abd Rabbo Mansour Hadi to flee to Aden.
Hadi visited UAE and Saudi forces in Aden yesterday and congratulated them on the start of Eid Al Fitr.
The Yemeni leader also praised both countries for their support, Yemen’s official news agency Saba reported.“With your blood, you have recorded heroic epics that will remain vivid in the memory of the Yemeni people,” he said.
He added that the coalition campaign is necessary to put an end to Iran’s expansion and its “abominable project targeting Yemen and the region”.
Hadi returned to Aden on Thursday after months-long stay in Saudi Arabia.