Yemen News

On January 25, 2025, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced the suspension of UN staff movement in territories controlled by Yemen's Houthi rebels, following the detention of seven UN personnel. The UN's decision comes amid escalating humanitarian concerns, as Guterres called for the immediate release of the detained workers, highlighting the detrimental impact their detention has on humanitarian efforts for millions in need. The detentions are reportedly linked to the U.S. designation of the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization, a move that has intensified retaliatory actions by the group. This development underscores the worsening humanitarian crisis and growing tensions in Yemen.

The crew of the Galaxy Leader, a Bahamas-flagged commercial ship, has been released by Houthi militants over a year after they seized the vessel off the Yemeni Red Sea coast. The handover took place on January 22, 2025, in a move reportedly linked to a recently established ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas. According to Houthi-owned Al Masirah TV, the release of the 25 crew members was coordinated with Omani authorities and represents solidarity with Gaza amid the ceasefire agreement. The crew includes nationals from Bulgaria, Ukraine, the Philippines, Mexico, and Romania, as confirmed by Galaxy Maritime, the ship's owner. The Galaxy Leader was commandeered by Houthi forces on November 19, 2023, shortly after the onset of hostilities in Gaza, and was subsequently escorted to the Houthi-controlled port of Hodeidah. Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi indicated the group's readiness to intervene if Israel escalates its military actions against Gaza. The Houthis have conducted over 100 attacks on ships in the Red Sea since November 2023, claiming these actions are in support of the Palestinian cause. Such activities have led to significant disruptions in global shipping, forcing companies to reroute their vessels around Africa to avoid danger.

The crew of the Bahamas-flagged Galaxy Leader, seized by Houthi militants off the Yemeni coast over a year ago, has been released and handed over to Omani authorities. This development comes amid a recently established three-day ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Houthi-owned Al Masirah TV reported that the release is a gesture of solidarity with Gaza, as stated by the Houthi Supreme Political Council. The crew consists of 25 members from Bulgaria, Ukraine, the Philippines, Mexico, and Romania, and was initially taken hostage after Houthi forces boarded the vessel on November 19, 2023. The Galaxy Leader was subsequently escorted to the Houthi-controlled port of Hodeidah. Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi indicated that the group remains prepared to respond should Israel violate the ceasefire. Since November 2023, the Houthis have claimed responsibility for over 100 attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, citing their actions as support for Palestinians amidst the escalated conflict in Gaza. These attacks have not only disrupted global shipping routes but have also resulted in casualties among seafarers.

The vice-president of Yemen's UN-backed government, Aidarus al-Zoubaidi, has called for the West to take military action against the Tehran-backed Houthi leadership in Yemen, asserting that Iran's recent setbacks in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza have left it significantly weakened. Speaking from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Zoubaidi urged the new US administration to classify the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization and emphasized the importance of coordinated airstrikes combined with ground operations led by Yemeni forces. Zoubaidi highlighted the need for a comprehensive military approach targeting the Houthi leadership's strongholds, criticizing current US and UK airstrikes as ineffective due to their lack of coordination. He indicated that the Houthis have threatened commercial shipping in the Red Sea, purportedly as a show of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The Aden-based government is ready to share intelligence with any entities conducting strikes on Houthi positions and signaled potential cooperation with various countries, including Israel. Zoubaidi's remarks reflect a shift away from the year-old diplomatic efforts aimed at peace in Yemen, underscoring the escalating urgency for military intervention to address the challenges posed by the Houthis.

The vice-president of the UN-backed Yemeni government, Aidarus al-Zoubaidi, has called on Western nations to take decisive action against the Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen, citing a perceived weakening of Iran due to its setbacks in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Zoubaidi argued that now is the optimal time for a coordinated military effort to target Houthi leadership and positions. Zoubaidi suggested that cooperation between Yemeni ground forces and Western airstrikes could effectively counter the Houthi influence in the region, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive military strategy rather than isolated air actions. He urged the new U.S. administration to designate the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization, praising former President Trump for his assertive approach in the past. The Houthi movement has recently threatened shipping linked to Israel, claiming their actions are in solidarity with Palestinians amid ongoing conflicts. Zoubaidi responded by stating that targeting Houthi leadership is crucial, as previous U.S. and UK strikes have not significantly diminished their operational capacity. The Yemeni conflict remains complex, with the Southern Transitional Council, led by Zoubaidi, receiving support from the United Arab Emirates. However, it's unclear if this call for military action aligns with the broader strategies of Saudi Arabia or the new U.S. foreign policy. As the situation evolves, the feasibility of diplomatic solutions continues to be questioned, highlighting the urgency of a more aggressive stance against the Houthis amid the shifting regional dynamics.

On January 17, 2025, Yemen's Houthi rebels confirmed their involvement in a series of rocket and drone attacks targeting Israeli cities and the US aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman, which was positioned in the Red Sea. The Houthis declared their actions as a demonstration of solidarity with Palestinians, pledging to persist in such operations against Israel and its allies. In a significant development related to this escalating conflict, reports indicate the nearing completion of a covert airstrip near Socotra Island, believed to be constructed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This new facility is speculated to serve military purposes aimed at countering Houthi forces and may play a critical role in ongoing regional tensions.

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels issued a stern warning to Israel, stating they will continue their attacks if the upcoming Gaza ceasefire deal is breached. A key Houthi leader announced that they would closely monitor the enforcement of the truce, which is set to begin on January 19, 2025. The ceasefire, mediated by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, represents a significant diplomatic effort to quell the ongoing violence. The Houthis characterized Israel as having failed to meet its stated objectives in the conflict and criticized the Israeli government for not recovering its prisoners without a prior exchange agreement. Throughout the conflict, Houthi forces have actively targeted Israel and commercial shipping in the Red Sea, reportedly conducting over 100 attacks since November 2023, including sinking two vessels and seizing one. The situation remains tense, with international observers expressing concern over potential escalations in violence.

Satellite images reveal the nearing completion of a new airstrip on Abd al-Kuri Island in Yemen, which may serve as a strategic military outpost amidst ongoing hostilities involving Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. The airstrip, approximately 2.4 kilometers long, is believed to be constructed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which has historically bolstered its military presence in the region to support Saudi-led efforts against the Houthis. The airstrip's strategic location close to critical maritime routes in the Gulf of Aden could provide military forces with enhanced surveillance capabilities to intercept potential Houthi attacks on commercial vessels. Recent drone and missile strikes by the Houthis have raised alarms, as shipping traffic through these waters has diminished significantly. The Houthis have connected their military operations to global conflicts, including the situation in Gaza, and have threatened further actions if the ceasefire there is not respected. Experts express concerns about rising tensions, which could spiral into broader military confrontations, especially with the incoming U.S. administration under President-elect Donald Trump, who may rethink U.S. relations with the Houthis. Despite official claims of humanitarian efforts, the construction of the airstrip has fueled accusations of the UAE’s attempts at establishing a permanent military foothold in the area, which has prompted warnings from the Houthis about violations of Yemeni sovereignty. The ongoing instability in Yemen remains a focal point of international attention, with the potential implications for regional security dynamics significantly elevated by recent developments.

A new airstrip, reportedly nearing completion off the coast of Socotra Island in Yemen, is believed to have been constructed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This development comes amidst escalating tensions as Yemen's Houthi rebels recently claimed responsibility for a series of rocket and drone strikes targeting Israeli cities and the US aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea. The Houthis, expressing support for the Palestinian cause, indicated their intention to intensify operations against Israel and its allies, including attacks on vital shipping routes in the region. The strategic significance of the newly constructed airstrip suggests potential military operations aimed at countering Houthi advancements.

The Israeli Air Force launched coordinated airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen on January 11, 2025, following a series of missile attacks from the Iran-backed group. Israeli officials have threatened to target Houthi leaders unless the attacks cease. The airstrikes came shortly after a US-led coalition also targeted Houthi sites in the Harf Sufyan District, located north of Sanaa. Although the strikes were coordinated, Israeli officials clarified that they were not a joint operation with the US. More than 20 Israeli aircraft, including fighter jets and refuelers, were involved in the operation, dropping approximately 50 munitions on three primary targets: the Hodeidah and Ras Isa ports on Yemen's western coast and the Hezyaz power plant near the capital. The escalation of military actions highlights the ongoing conflict and increasing volatility in the region, particularly with the Houthis promising a response against Israel.

On January 11, 2025, the Israeli Air Force conducted a series of airstrikes targeting Houthi positions in Yemen, a response to ongoing missile and drone attacks from the Iran-backed group. Israeli officials have issued warnings that they will pursue the Houthi leaders unless hostilities cease. The airstrikes were reported to have been coordinated with the United States, although they were not a joint operation. The Israel Defense Forces deployed over 20 aircraft including fighter jets and reconnaissance planes, executing strikes on three primary objectives: the ports of Hodeidah and Ras Isa on Yemen’s western coast, and the Hezyaz power plant located near the capital, Sanaa. These recent military actions come amid heightened tension in the region, with the Houthi forces vowing to retaliate against Israel. The situation remains fluid, and the international community is closely monitoring developments as Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system is placed on heightened alert.

A devastating explosion at a fuel station in Yemen has resulted in the deaths of 15 individuals and injured at least 67 others, with 40 reported to be in critical condition. The incident occurred on Saturday in the Zaher district of Bayda province, as confirmed by the country's health ministry. Rescue teams are currently searching for those who are reported missing amidst the ongoing emergency. Eyewitness accounts and videos shared online depict a massive fire that erupted from the blast, sending plumes of black smoke into the sky and damaging several vehicles. The Bayda province, where the explosion took place, is controlled by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, who have been engaged in a prolonged conflict with Yemen's internationally recognized government since the civil war began in 2014. This conflict has led to significant casualties and has escalated into one of the worst humanitarian crises globally. The war continues to affect the stability of the region and the lives of countless citizens.

In a significant escalation of military actions, the Israeli Air Force carried out airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen on January 11, 2025. Israeli officials condemned the Iran-backed Houthi militants and warned that they would pursue the group's leaders unless they ceased their drone and missile attacks. These airstrikes followed reports of a U.S.-led coalition hitting Houthi sites in Harf Sufyan District, located north of Yemen's capital, Sanaa. While Israeli officials stated that the airstrikes were coordinated with the United States, they clarified that it was not a combined operation. The Israel Defense Forces engaged over 20 aircraft, including fighter jets and reconnaissance planes, dropping approximately 50 munitions targeting three primary locations: the ports of Hodeidah and Ras Isa along Yemen's western coast, and a power plant near Sanaa. This military action comes in response to increasing missile threats from the Houthis, raising tensions in the already volatile region.

Thousands of protesters, predominantly Houthi supporters, gathered in Sabeen Square in Sanaa, the capital of Yemen, on Friday to demonstrate solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. The rally featured Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea, who announced two military operations executed by the group against Israel during his speech. The attendees waved rifles and chanted pro-Palestinian slogans, while some protestors burned U.S. and Israeli flags as a show of defiance. This display of unity follows ongoing tensions in the region, with the Houthis openly supporting Palestinian causes and denouncing Israeli actions.

The United States military conducted a series of airstrikes against Huthi targets in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, on Monday, December 31, 2024. The operation, executed by US Navy ships and Air Force aircraft, aimed to neutralize missile and drone launch sites reportedly used by the Iran-backed Huthi rebels to attack American naval vessels and commercial shipping in the region. According to US Central Command, the strikes successfully destroyed seven cruise missiles and a number of one-way attack drones over the Red Sea. No injuries or damage to US personnel or equipment were reported. Local witnesses in Sanaa described multiple explosions at various locations, with particular emphasis on strikes near the Defense Ministry. In response, Huthi spokesperson Mohammed Abdulsalam condemned the strikes as "an American aggression," claiming they violated the sovereignty of Yemen. Earlier that day, the Huthis announced they had launched two missiles towards Israel in solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The situation in Yemen remains tense as the Huthis maintain control over large portions of the country and continue to threaten international shipping routes.