Arab Coalition Destroys Ballistic Missile Launchpad in Yemen's Hajjah Governorate

Government security member helps his disabled father get to a Mosque for Eid Prayers in Aden. EPA
Government security member helps his disabled father get to a Mosque for Eid Prayers in Aden. EPA
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Arab Coalition Destroys Ballistic Missile Launchpad in Yemen's Hajjah Governorate

Government security member helps his disabled father get to a Mosque for Eid Prayers in Aden. EPA
Government security member helps his disabled father get to a Mosque for Eid Prayers in Aden. EPA

Arab Coalition air forces destroyed on Friday a ballistic missile launchpad in Yemen, reported the pan-Arab television news channel Al-Arabiya.

The launchpad was used and put together by Iran-allied militias in the war-torn country, and was in the Hajjah Governorate.

A military source stated that the coalition strike targeted the missile platform after it was spotted in a rural area between the Hiran administrative district and the northern border town of Hardh.

The coalition launched a number of airstrikes in the area that led to the destruction of heavy weaponry and vehicles belonging to the Houthi militias killing and injuring an unspecified number of militants.

The source further stated that the platform was used to fire a ballistic missile to the Saudi territories earlier. He said that the coalition forces located the platform and targeted it despite efforts to conceal its position.

The operation came at a time when the Yemenis welcomed the first day of Eid al-Adha holiday this year with untold grievances and suffering caused by the continued insurgency militias lead.

Iran-backed Houthi militiamen and armed loyalists backing ousted president Ali Abdullah Saleh have led a national coup against the internationally backed and constitutionally elected government. In 2014, militiamen overran the capital Sana’a forcing the government headed by President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi to relocate to Aden.

Many Yemenis lived under militia bombardment as they exploit various weapons and stage infiltration attempts against national army positions in hopes of restoring positions lost in previous battles.

Over the past 48 hours, militia ranks suffered heavy casualties and material damage as a result of renewed confrontations on various fronts and raids by coalition fighters.

Putschist gunmen did not observe sanctity during Eid prayers and days, as they continued their crimes and violations against defenseless citizens by shelling mosques. Militias are responsible for the death of seven soldiers and wounding 11 others as a result of rocket shelling, said a field source.

The bombardment took place in east of Sana'a, during the Eid prayer, another local source said.



Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
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Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)

Pakistan’s Minister of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Chaudhry Salik Hussain sparked controversy when he revealed that 50,000 Pakistanis have gone missing in Iraq over the years.

He urged the Baghdad government to immediately launch a probe into how the Pakistanis entered Iraq to visit religious sites during the month of Muharram, he was quoted as saying by Pakistan’s Ummat newspaper.

Islamabad is investigating how people have traveled outside Pakistan through illegal means, he remarked.

The permanent committee for religious affairs and interfaith harmony has since proposed new policies for trips to holy sites in foreign countries, including Iraq.

In Iraq, the minister’s comments drew mockery and condemnation on social media and sparked renewed debate over illegal workers in the country.

Politician Mishaan al-Juburi urged the government to make a statement over Hussain’s comments, warning that they may impact security and the labor force.

Hussain’s comments coincided with Iraqi police announcing the arrest of six Pakistanis in Baghdad on charges of theft.

Previously, military intelligence also announced the arrest of a nine-member Pakistani kidnapping and extortion gang in Baghdad. The gang had kidnapped foreigners for ransom.

Meanwhile, Labor Minister Ahmed al-Asadi expressed his concern and condemnation over the increasing number of illegal workers in Iraq.

He said his ministry will investigate the disappearance of the Pakistanis.

He confirmed that several tourists, including Pakistanis, have flocked to Iraq in recent days, and many have taken up employment without the necessary legal permits.

He warned that this phenomenon is negatively impacting the national economy.

The ministry will not be lenient in taking the necessary legal measures against the violators, he vowed.

Iraq welcomes all tourists, whether they are here on a religious visit or otherwise, but they must respect local laws and regulations, declared Asadi.

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala.