Drone hits vessel off Yemen: UK maritime security agency

Drone hits vessel off Yemen: UK maritime security agency
The bulk carrier Gibraltar Eagle is seen off Kristiansand, Norway. Houthis fired a missile striking the US-owned ship Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, just off the coast of Yemen in the Gulf of Aden. (File/AFP)
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Updated 17 January 2024
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Drone hits vessel off Yemen: UK maritime security agency

Drone hits vessel off Yemen: UK maritime security agency
  • Houthis attacks on Red Sea shipping would continue following a US decision to redesignate group as “terrorist” entity

DUBAI: A drone hit a vessel in the Gulf of Aden off Yemen, a British maritime security agency said Wednesday, shortly after the Iran-backed Houthis vowed more attacks on shipping.
A “vessel has been hit on the port side by an Uncrewed Aerial System,” the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency said, adding that a fire on board had been extinguished and the “vessel and crew are safe.”
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, the agency said Wednesday’s incident happened 60 nautical miles southeast of the port of Aden, and added: “Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO.”
British maritime risk management company Ambrey said the vessel was a Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier.
It said it had been heading “east along the Gulf of Aden when it was struck by a UAV on the port side and on the gangway” which was damaged.
Ambrey said an Indian warship was in contact with the bulk carrier.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack.
However, earlier Wednesday, Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdelsalam told Al Jazeera TV the Houthis would keep up their attacks on Red Sea shipping following a US decision to put the group back on a list of “terrorist” entities.
“We will not give up targeting Israeli ships or ships heading toward ports in occupied Palestine... in support of the Palestinian people,” he told the Qatar-based broadcaster.
He said the Houthis would respond to new strikes on Yemen by the United States or Britain, despite already facing multiple rounds of air strikes in response to their targeting of merchant vessels.
The Houthis say their attacks are in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, where Israel is battling militant group Hamas.


UN Security Council urges peace amid mounting Mideast war fears

UN Security Council urges peace amid mounting Mideast war fears
Updated 4 sec ago
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UN Security Council urges peace amid mounting Mideast war fears

UN Security Council urges peace amid mounting Mideast war fears
  • Need to maintain security ‘more pressing than ever,’ joint statement says
  • Israeli strikes this week have killed more than 500 Lebanese, injured thousands

NEW YORK CITY: The UN Security Council has issued a statement warning against the “scourge of war” amid heightened fears of regional conflict in the Middle East.

It follows a significant escalation between Israel and Hezbollah this week, with Israeli strikes killing more than 500 Lebanese citizens and injuring thousands.

The UNSC’s focus is also on the Russia-Ukraine war and conflict in Sudan, with representatives from all three countries present in New York City this week for the 79th UN General Assembly.

“The Security Council recalls that the UN was established to save mankind from the scourge of war,” the statement said.

“The need to strengthen resolve to maintain international peace and security, consistent with the UN Charter, is more pressing than ever.”

Issued by the UNSC president for September, Samuel Zbogar, the statement described the UN Charter’s principles as “universal, indispensable and irreplaceable foundations of a more safe, peaceful, just, equal, inclusive, sustainable and prosperous world.” Achieving and sustaining global peace requires a “comprehensive approach,” it added.

The UNSC highlighted its “strong support for the protection of civilians in armed conflict. The council calls upon all parties to armed conflict to comply fully with their obligations under international humanitarian law, in order to respect and protect civilians, including humanitarian personnel, and reiterates its commitment towards accountability for violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law.”

Alongside the permanent five members of the UNSC — the US, UK, France, Russia and China — there are 10 non-permanent members: Algeria, Japan, Ecuador, Guyana, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, South Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia and Switzerland.

The statement added: “The Security Council reaffirms that development, peace and security, and human rights are interlinked and mutually reinforcing.

“The council recognizes that the spirit that guided the creation of the UN should prevail and inspire mankind to persist on the path of peace.”


Head of Libyan Presidential Council hits out at Israel’s ‘crimes of genocide’ in Palestine during UNGA debate

Head of Libyan Presidential Council hits out at Israel’s ‘crimes of genocide’ in Palestine during UNGA debate
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Head of Libyan Presidential Council hits out at Israel’s ‘crimes of genocide’ in Palestine during UNGA debate

Head of Libyan Presidential Council hits out at Israel’s ‘crimes of genocide’ in Palestine during UNGA debate
  • Mohamed Al-Menfi also addressed “urgent issues” of illegal migration and terrorism facing Libya today

NEW YORK CITY: The head of Libya’s Presidential Council on Wednesday joined growing voices of condemnation at the UN General Assembly of Israel’s actions in the Middle East as he spoke of its “crimes of genocide and ethnic cleansing” perpetrated against the Palestinian people.

Mohamed Al-Menfi, who was speaking during the second day of the general debate in New York City, said that Israel’s onslaught in the Gaza Strip amid its battle with Hamas, which has claimed the lives of tens of thousands of Palestinian civilians, was a blatant violation of international law.

He reaffirmed Libya’s solidarity with Palestine, while emphasizing the right of the Palestinian people to determine their own destiny and establish an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

“In this regard, we refer to Libya’s joining South Africa in the case raised before the International Criminal Court regarding Israel and its serious violations of laws, resolutions, and international charters, to promote accountability for the violations and genocide that the Palestinian people are being exposed to,” he said.

Al-Menfi also addressed the “urgent issues” of illegal migration and terrorism facing Libya today.

He said that his country, one that serves as a major transit point for migrants attempting to reach Europe, bears a burden in managing migration flows, adding it was an issue which required the assistance of the international community to tackle.

“We believe that solving this issue requires collective efforts, while ensuring the consideration of national legislations and humanitarian aspects and protecting the rights of migrants,” he said. “There’s need for a balanced approach that respects the dignity of migrants, acknowledging their vulnerabilities in the face of harsh migration conditions.”

Al-Menfi was frank about the scourge of terrorism on Libya, particularly the threat posed by extremist groups such as Daesh.

He said that while Libya had made strides in combating terrorism with the help of the international community, a coordinated effort from within the country was essential to keeping its impact at bay.

“We continue to work on enhancing internal security and securing the borders through cooperation with the international community to establish security centers for coordinating efforts among various national security forces and neighboring countries,” he said.

“The fight against terrorism is not just a military confrontation, it is a multifaceted phenomenon that requires the concerted efforts of local and international parties, and a comprehensive approach that addresses its various dimensions.

“Despite the importance of the UN’s efforts in this regard, we see the necessity of developing a national mechanism to confront these challenges away from negative interventions,” he added.

During his address, Al-Menfi also urged unity among Libyans to overcome internal divisions and foreign interventions that he said threatened national stability.

He called on the international community to support Libya in its journey toward national reconciliation and to help foster a stable and peaceful future for its citizens by backing legitimate elections.

“A comprehensive political solution is the only path to unify institutions and ensure stability, leading to elections, renewing legitimacy for all institutions, and allowing the Libyan people to determine their destiny,” he said.

“The Libyans should be given the opportunity to decide their future by renewing legitimacy and restoring authority that some parties seek to exclude, the Libyan people are the best to determine their fate, and the people should be the arbiter in choosing their representatives.

“Returning to them through free referendums and holding inclusive elections is the best solution to end any political deadlock.”


US, France working on Lebanon diplomatic initiative, Cyprus president says

Smoke billows over southern Lebanon following an Israeli strike, as seen from Tyre, Lebanon September 25, 2024. (Reuters)
Smoke billows over southern Lebanon following an Israeli strike, as seen from Tyre, Lebanon September 25, 2024. (Reuters)
Updated 40 min 30 sec ago
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US, France working on Lebanon diplomatic initiative, Cyprus president says

Smoke billows over southern Lebanon following an Israeli strike, as seen from Tyre, Lebanon September 25, 2024. (Reuters)
  • Mediterranean island of Cyprus is the closest EU member state, some 264 km from Lebanon
  • It has been at the forefront of maritime aid efforts for Gaza and has a key interest on developments in Lebanon

UNITED NATIONS: The United States and France are trying to hammer out an interim accord to halt hostilities between Israel and the Lebanese Hezbollah with a view to opening broader diplomatic talks, Cyprus’ President Nikos Christodoulides said on Wednesday.
“I don’t see that we can have a (broad) agreement but a form of interim agreement in order to avoid further escalation. This is the effort right now especially from the United States and France,” Christodoulides told Reuters on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.
The Mediterranean island of Cyprus is the closest European Union member state, some 264 km (164 miles) from Lebanon. It has been at the forefront of maritime aid efforts for Gaza and has a key interest on developments in Lebanon should there be a need to evacuate foreign nationals.
Christodoulides said he had spoken to Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati and French President Emmanuel Macron in New York and by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“During the last days there are a lot of deliberations to avoid further escalation, especially with Lebanon. There is a diplomatic initiative from the United States and France,” he said, adding that meetings in New York on Wednesday would be crucial.
“Avoid further escalation to give time to diplomacy to find a permanent solution,” he said.


Libya factions agree on process for picking central bank governor, UN mission says

Libya factions agree on process for picking central bank governor, UN mission says
Updated 58 min 35 sec ago
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Libya factions agree on process for picking central bank governor, UN mission says

Libya factions agree on process for picking central bank governor, UN mission says
  • The agreement could help defuse a crisis over control of the central bank and oil revenue

CAIRO: Libya’s factions signed an agreement on the procedures, criteria and timelines for appointing a governor, deputy governor and board of directors for the country’s central bank, the United Nations Libya mission (UNSMIL) said on Wednesday in a statement.
The agreement could help defuse a crisis over control of the central bank and oil revenue that has slashed Libya’s oil output and exports.


Houthis threaten to ‘cut off heads’ of Yemenis who celebrate Sept. 26 revolution

Houthis threaten to ‘cut off heads’ of Yemenis who celebrate Sept. 26 revolution
Updated 25 September 2024
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Houthis threaten to ‘cut off heads’ of Yemenis who celebrate Sept. 26 revolution

Houthis threaten to ‘cut off heads’ of Yemenis who celebrate Sept. 26 revolution
  • Militant group deploys forces across northern Yemen to crack down on gatherings, and abducts more than 200 people over online anniversary celebrations
  • The 1962 revolution overthrew the Zaidi Imamate, which ruled northern Yemen for centuries and was ideologically similar to the Houthis

AL-MUKALLA: The Houthis vowed to violently suppress any public celebrations this week of the 62nd anniversary of the Sept. 26 revolution in Yemen.

The militant group has deployed armored vehicles and forces across northern Yemen to crack down on any gatherings that take place on Thursday, and abducted more than 200 people who celebrated it online.

The revolution, which began on Sept. 26, 1962, resulted in the overthrow of the Zaidi Imamate rulers who had controlled northern Yemen for centuries, paving the way for the establishment of the Yemen Arab Republic.

The Houthis share a similar ideology with the Zaidi Imamate, including a desire to limit rule over the country to Hashemites. The group fears people will be motivated by the anniversary to take to the streets in large numbers and demand an end to repressive Houthi rule.

Nasruddin Amer, a Houthi media official, threatened to “cut off the heads” of those who gather on Thursday to commemorate the 1962 revolution. He accused them of being “stooges for the Zionists” and seeking to undermine security and stability in areas under Houthi control. Houthi authorities will allow people to celebrate the anniversary under supervision, in designated locations, he added.

“We do not have mercy or pity for enemies … If anyone tries to twist our arm, we will remove his head,” Amer said. “This is our nature and methodology. We are unconcerned about the entire world or public opinion.”

Abdulkader Al-Murtada, the head of the Houthi prisoner-exchange committee, issues similar threats and accused people who would celebrate the revolution of “serving the US agenda” in an attempt to force the Houthis to halt their attacks on international shipping, which the group claims to be carrying out in support of the Palestinian people.

“We will deal with any anarchists or charlatans, as well as anyone who attempts to cause trouble, in the same way that we deal with the enemy, and everyone is aware of how we do so,” Al-Murtada said.

Local media and residents of Sanaa, Hodeidah and other Houthi-controlled areas confirmed on Wednesday that the group had deployed armed vehicles and military forces as part of an intensive crackdown on those who celebrate the revolution or incite others to do so online.

The Mayyun Organization for Human Rights and Development said that in the past few days the Houthis abducted 270 Yemenis, including teachers, activists, journalists and members of the former ruling party, the General People’s Congress, in Sanaa and other areas for posting online messages that praised the Sept. 26 revolution and urged the public to commemorate it.

“We denounce these intimidation campaigns against civilians, particularly women, which coincide with security crackdowns and public threats of arrest aimed at deterring people from participating in planned public celebrations and raising the national flag,” the organization said.

Activists reported that in the past 24 hours the Houthis abducted people in Sanaa and other areas for flying the Yemeni flag, as well as a person in Sanaa who appeared in a video dancing to nationalist songs commemorating the revolution.

The Yemeni Journalists Syndicate also demanded the immediate release of four Yemeni journalists abducted over the past six days as part of the Houthi crackdown on Sept. 26 anniversary celebrations.

“The syndicate reiterates its call to all organizations concerned with freedom of opinion and expression to show solidarity with the abducted journalists and press for their release,” it said.

Hundreds of people marched through the streets of the government-controlled southern city of Taiz on Tuesday night to commemorate the 1962 revolution, carrying the Yemeni flag and chanting nationalist slogans. Thousands of people in Marib and other cities were expected to hold similar rallies on Wednesday and Thursday.

Meanwhile, the US Central Command said on Wednesday that its forces destroyed a Houthi drone over the Red Sea before it reached a vessel it was targeting in a critical shipping lane.

It was the latest US military response against the Houthis intended to weaken them and pressure them into halting their attacks on ships in international waters off the coast of Yemen.