Jubeir: We Regret Continued Houthi Coup Against Legitimacy in Yemen

Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir during the complementary session on Friday, March 1, 2019. (WAM)
Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir during the complementary session on Friday, March 1, 2019. (WAM)
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Jubeir: We Regret Continued Houthi Coup Against Legitimacy in Yemen

Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir during the complementary session on Friday, March 1, 2019. (WAM)
Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir during the complementary session on Friday, March 1, 2019. (WAM)

Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al Jubeir expressed his country’s regret about the continued terrorist Houthi militias’ coup against legitimacy in Yemen.

Jubeir, who is also spokesman for the Arab group at the 46th session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers, renewed support for UN Secretary General’s efforts exerted to reach a political solution in Yemen and Swedish agreement, which is considered a significant step to restore legitimacy in the war-torn country.

During a session chaired by UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the UAE Dr. Anwar Gargash, Jubeir said the Arab Group is steadfast in its supporting position on the Palestinians' right to establish their independent state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

“Terrorism and extremism are among the most important challenges facing the entire world,” Jubeir noted, calling on Arab countries to intensify international cooperation to eliminate terrorism and eradicate its sources.

Iran continues its approach to interfere in countries’ affairs, support terrorism, and occupy the three UAE islands: Greater and Lesser Tunbs and Abu Musa, Jubeir stressed, affirming the sovereignty of the three UAE islands.

He also affirmed Arab countries’ support for the OIC efforts in addressing what is known as Islamophobia.

For his part, Abdul Razzaq Gambogo, Gabonese Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and spokesman for the African Group, expressed his aspiration to cooperate with the OIC and strengthen partnerships with its member states.

“We are keen to face challenges hindering development in our societies,” Gambogo said, stressing that Africa has the required tools to combat extremists.

Afghani Minister of Foreign Affairs Salahuddin Rabbani, spokesman for the Asian Group, however, said the Islamic world is rich and full of human and material resources.

“We have been working to enter the fourth industrial revolution and keep pace with technological developments in the region,” he added.

"OIC Council of Foreign Ministers’ meeting will boost the Palestinian cause’s status by providing so much support and delivering a message from the Islamic world countries to the international community to deal more effectively with this cause," said Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Riyad al-Maliki.



Iraq’s PMF Shaken by Leadership Changes

Abu Zeinab al-Lami (X)
Abu Zeinab al-Lami (X)
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Iraq’s PMF Shaken by Leadership Changes

Abu Zeinab al-Lami (X)
Abu Zeinab al-Lami (X)

The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) have ousted Abu Zeinab al-Lami from his role as head of their security unit, a move that highlights his influential standing within the organization.

“The head of the PMF has removed Abu Zeinab al-Lami from his role as head of security and discipline directorate,” sources said Thursday.

“Ali al-Zaidi, deputy director of PMF security, has been appointed temporarily in his place,” they added.

Later Thursday, sources suggested the PMF rescinded al-Lami’s dismissal, which he reportedly contested.

Sources familiar with al-Lami’s role reveal that he made significant decisions without consulting PMF leader Falih al-Fayyadh or Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.

Despite the ongoing uncertainty, al-Lami’s dismissal has caused a major shake-up within the PMF, exposing internal and external loyalty conflicts among its factions, influenced heavily by Iran’s supreme leader.

Reports suggest al-Sudani issued the dismissal, but informed sources suggest it was orchestrated by Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq, with the prime minister’s approval.

Sources speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat state that the dismissal stems from deep divisions between Kata’ib Hezbollah and Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq, with the latter aiming to take full control of the PMF.

Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq reportedly seeks to remove PMF leader Falih al-Fayyadh and is angered by al-Lami’s alleged role in attacks on American restaurants in Baghdad.

Last May, three KFC restaurants, owned by American food chains, were bombed in protest against US support for Israel during its Gaza conflict with Palestinians.

Hussein Falah, also known as al-Lami, rose to prominence during Iraq’s October 2019 protests, where sources accused him of leading a sniper unit targeting demonstrators.

For several years, al-Lami has overseen security within the PMF, responsible for disciplining leaders who defy orders.

Apart from his PMF role, al-Lami is a senior figure in Kata’ib Hezbollah, designated a US terrorist organization. Washington has sanctioned him for alleged involvement in the October protests.

A Reuters report from late 2019 described al-Lami as “highly influential and widely feared,” with direct communication links to the late Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps leader Qassem Soleimani.