Yemen: Legitimate Army Advances in Saada, Considers Taiz a Priority

Pro-Houthi fighters. AFP Mohammed Huwais
Pro-Houthi fighters. AFP Mohammed Huwais
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Yemen: Legitimate Army Advances in Saada, Considers Taiz a Priority

Pro-Houthi fighters. AFP Mohammed Huwais
Pro-Houthi fighters. AFP Mohammed Huwais

Yemen’s Armed Forces on Tuesday advanced in the province of Saada, tightening their grip on rebel militias’ main stronghold.

The Yemeni army, supported by Arab coalition jets, surprised militias by opening a new front in Saada and by succeeding for the first time in liberating strategic positions in several areas in Razeh district.

Military sources said that government forces were able to liberate a mountain range and positions located in Razeh after fierce confrontations with Houthi rebels.

The sources added that the Yemeni forces are now four kilometers away from the district’s center.

At the political level, Yemeni Prime Minister Ahmed bin Dagher met on Tuesday with the new governor of Taiz, Amin Mahmoud.

They discussed the security, administrative and humanitarian situation in Taiz, in addition to the operation aimed at completing the liberation of remaining areas in the governorate, official government sources said.

Bin Dagher condemned the immense violations committed by “Iranian rebel militias” against the people of Taiz.

The Prime Minister said the insurgents were using their war on Yemen to destroy the country’s infrastructure, kill its children and women and target public and private businesses.

“The complete liberation of Taiz remains an utmost priority,” he added.

Separately, Houthi militias on Tuesday anticipated the Yemeni parliament session to be held in the city of Aden next month, by announcing that the rebel’s “council” in Sana’a will resume holding its sessions on Saturday under the chairmanship of Yahya al-Rai.

The council meeting is part of the militias’ continuous attempts to impose pro-Houthi versions of Yemeni legitimate institutions.

Last Sunday, bin Daghr said that the Yemeni Parliament would hold a session next month in Aden to approve the budget and reorganize the legislative branch in the country.



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)
TT

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.