Arab Coalition Denies Houthi Leader’s Claims on Brother’s Remains

Houthi supporters shout slogans as they hold their weapons up during a rally marking the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, in Sanaa, Yemen, 29 November 2024. EPA/YAHYA ARHAB
Houthi supporters shout slogans as they hold their weapons up during a rally marking the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, in Sanaa, Yemen, 29 November 2024. EPA/YAHYA ARHAB
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Arab Coalition Denies Houthi Leader’s Claims on Brother’s Remains

Houthi supporters shout slogans as they hold their weapons up during a rally marking the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, in Sanaa, Yemen, 29 November 2024. EPA/YAHYA ARHAB
Houthi supporters shout slogans as they hold their weapons up during a rally marking the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, in Sanaa, Yemen, 29 November 2024. EPA/YAHYA ARHAB

The Saudi-led Arab Coalition’s spokesman, Brig. Gen. Turki Al-Maliki, has denied Houthi leader Hussein Al-Ezzi's claims of a recent handover of his brother's body, calling them misleading.

Al-Maliki told Asharq Al-Awsat that the claims, circulated by Houthi-linked outlets, are “inaccurate and lack credibility.”

He clarified that the exchange of remains took place in June 2023, involving the recovery of nine Saudi soldiers and 20 Yemeni army personnel, as well as the return of 57 Houthi fighters killed at the border.

Hussein Al-Ezzi, a senior Houthi figure and former deputy foreign minister in Yemen’s unrecognized government, announced his brother’s death in a post on X, accompanied by a photo.

Al-Ezzi stated there would be no condolence gathering, claiming the focus should remain on the group’s fight against Israel.

When asked about the timing of the announcement, Al-Maliki dismissed the claims as misleading.

"Such statements are likely made for internal Houthi reasons. Notably, the name mentioned was not among those listed during negotiations for body exchanges. It’s possible this individual was killed in regional conflicts,” Al-Maliki said.

Al-Maliki emphasized that the coalition views the exchange of prisoners and remains as a strictly humanitarian matter.

“This issue should not be politicized by any party, in line with Islamic values, humanitarian principles, and cultural traditions,” he said.



UN Envoy, Sharaa Discuss Political Transition in Syria

UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen speaks at a press conference in Geneva in September 2021. (Reuters)
UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen speaks at a press conference in Geneva in September 2021. (Reuters)
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UN Envoy, Sharaa Discuss Political Transition in Syria

UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen speaks at a press conference in Geneva in September 2021. (Reuters)
UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen speaks at a press conference in Geneva in September 2021. (Reuters)

UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen said on Monday he held talks with Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa on the political transition in the country.

In a statement, he stressed the importance of “a transparent framework for the process of selecting and electing an interim people’s assembly and next steps towards a democratic and inclusive future.”

The officials “talked through all aspects of the ongoing political process, following the overthrow of the Assad regime in December last year.”

Pedersen underlined the need to ease sanctions on Syria, emphasizing the importance of a stable economy.

He also reiterated his “condemnation of Israel’s repeated attacks and interventions” inside Syria.

In a series of posts on the X platform, Pedersen said: “A path forward aligned with key principles of UN Security Council resolution 2254 is possible with the right decisions from Syrian and international actors alike.”

He also reiterated his condemnation of Israel’s “repeated attacks and interventions in Syria and appreciated the commitment of the Syrian interim authorities to respecting agreements with Israel.”

Discussions with Sharaa reviewed political, security, economic and diplomatic challenges facing the Syrian people, he went on to say, underscoring the importance of bolstering cooperation between the UN and the interim authorities.