CENTCOM Forces Successfully Engage 2 Houthi UAVs

Armed Houthi fighters stand guard at the entrance to a mosque during Eid al-Fitr prayers in Sanaa, Yemen, 10 April 2024. EPA/YAHYA ARHAB
Armed Houthi fighters stand guard at the entrance to a mosque during Eid al-Fitr prayers in Sanaa, Yemen, 10 April 2024. EPA/YAHYA ARHAB
TT

CENTCOM Forces Successfully Engage 2 Houthi UAVs

Armed Houthi fighters stand guard at the entrance to a mosque during Eid al-Fitr prayers in Sanaa, Yemen, 10 April 2024. EPA/YAHYA ARHAB
Armed Houthi fighters stand guard at the entrance to a mosque during Eid al-Fitr prayers in Sanaa, Yemen, 10 April 2024. EPA/YAHYA ARHAB

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Wednesday its forces successfully engaged two unmanned aerial (UAV) vehicles in areas controlled by the Iran-backed Houthi militias in Yemen on April 16.

"There were no injuries or damage reported by US, coalition, or commercial ships," CENTCOM said in a statement.

A Houthi spokesman said Sunday that the militias had been in direct confrontation with Israel since Oct. 7, by attacking the southern Israeli port of Eilat with missiles and drones and by preventing Israeli ships from sailing through the Red Sea.



International Reaction to Gaza Ceasefire Deal

 Palestinians react to news on a ceasefire deal with Israel, in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, January 15, 2025. (Reuters)
Palestinians react to news on a ceasefire deal with Israel, in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, January 15, 2025. (Reuters)
TT

International Reaction to Gaza Ceasefire Deal

 Palestinians react to news on a ceasefire deal with Israel, in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, January 15, 2025. (Reuters)
Palestinians react to news on a ceasefire deal with Israel, in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, January 15, 2025. (Reuters)

Negotiators reached a phased ceasefire deal on Wednesday in the war in Gaza between Israel and the Hamas group, an official briefed on the negotiations told Reuters. Here is some reaction to the deal, which has not yet been formally announced.

US PRESIDENT-ELECT DONALD TRUMP

"We have a deal for the hostages in the Middle East. They will be released shortly. Thank you!" he said in a post on his Truth Social platform.

"With this deal in place, my National Security team, through the efforts of Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, will continue to work closely with Israel and our Allies to make sure Gaza NEVER again becomes a terrorist safe haven," Trump said in a second post.

TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTER HAKAN FIDAN

He told reporters in Ankara the ceasefire deal was an important step for regional stability. Fidan also said Turkish efforts for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict would continue.

ALEXANDER DE CROO, BELGIUM'S PRIME MINISTER

“After too many months of conflict, we feel tremendous relief for the hostages, for their families and for the people of Gaza.

Let’s hope this ceasefire will put an end to the fighting and mark the beginning of a sustained peace. Belgium stands ready to help.”