Yemen Govt Warns Houthis Against Holding Country Hostage to Iran’s Agenda

The government meets in Aden on Tuesday. (Saba news agency)
The government meets in Aden on Tuesday. (Saba news agency)
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Yemen Govt Warns Houthis Against Holding Country Hostage to Iran’s Agenda

The government meets in Aden on Tuesday. (Saba news agency)
The government meets in Aden on Tuesday. (Saba news agency)

The legitimate Yemeni government warned on Tuesday the Iran-backed Houthi militias against holding the country hostage to their reckless battles that serve Tehran’s agenda.

It called on them to positively approach peace efforts to stop the unrest in Yemen.

Prime Minister Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak chaired the cabinet meeting that was held in the interim capital Aden.

The government reiterated its strong condemnation of the Israeli attack on Hodeidah port and its violation of Yemen’s sovereignty. The strikes were in retaliation to Houthi attacks on Israel.

The ministers stressed their support for United Nations, regional and international efforts to launch a comprehensive political process that meets the aspirations of all Yemenis and leads to just comprehensive peace based on the three references and UN Security Council resolution 2216.

The cabinet called on the Houthis to return to reason, prioritize the interests of the people above all else, stop avoiding local and popular pressure, cease threats to carry out “catastrophic adventures” and stop exploiting the Palestinian conflict to further their agenda.

The cabinet approved a number of measures, including allowing the Aden Refinery Company to operate in Aden’s Free Zone.

It tasked the ministers of oil and minerals, finance, legal affairs and transportation, the governor of Aden and head of the Aden Free Zone with implementing the decision.

The cabinet reviewed various political, military, security and economic developments, stressing its commitment to serving the people.



Blinken Says US Not Involved in Killing of Hamas Leader

FILE PHOTO: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken testifies before a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, US, May 21, 2024. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken testifies before a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, US, May 21, 2024. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque/File Photo
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Blinken Says US Not Involved in Killing of Hamas Leader

FILE PHOTO: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken testifies before a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, US, May 21, 2024. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken testifies before a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, US, May 21, 2024. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque/File Photo

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday the United States was not involved in the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, and reiterated the importance of a ceasefire in Gaza.

"This is something we were not aware of or involved in. It's very hard to speculate," Blinken said in an interview with Channel News Asia during a visit to Singapore, Reuters reported.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards confirmed Haniyeh's death, hours after he attended a swearing-in ceremony for the country's new president.

Haniyeh, who leads the Palestinian militant group and is normally based in Qatar, has been the face of Hamas's international diplomacy as the war set off by the Hamas-led attack on Israel on Oct. 7 has raged in Gaza.

"I've learned over many years never to speculate on the impact one event may have on something else," Blinken said when asked what impact Haniyeh's death might have on the war.

The assassination, less than 24 hours after Israel claimed to have killed a Hezbollah commander it said was behind a deadly strike in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, could be a major setback for chances of a ceasefire agreement in the 10-month-old war.

Blinken, who has been in Asia since late last week, said a ceasefire and the release of hostages being held in Gaza was crucial and the United States would do everything to make that happen.

"It's vitally important to hopefully put things on a better path for more enduring peace and more enduring security, so that focus remains."