Yemeni Legitimacy Backs UN Efforts to Restore Stability

Vice President Ali Mohsen Saleh al-Ahmar speaks to journalists in Sanaa, Yemen, Oct. 10, 2011. (AP Photo/Hani Mohammed)
Vice President Ali Mohsen Saleh al-Ahmar speaks to journalists in Sanaa, Yemen, Oct. 10, 2011. (AP Photo/Hani Mohammed)
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Yemeni Legitimacy Backs UN Efforts to Restore Stability

Vice President Ali Mohsen Saleh al-Ahmar speaks to journalists in Sanaa, Yemen, Oct. 10, 2011. (AP Photo/Hani Mohammed)
Vice President Ali Mohsen Saleh al-Ahmar speaks to journalists in Sanaa, Yemen, Oct. 10, 2011. (AP Photo/Hani Mohammed)

Vice President Ali Mohsen Saleh al-Ahmar has affirmed that the legitimacy in Yemen, led by President Abd Rabbu Mansour Hadi, backs the UN efforts to reach a sustainable peace that ends Houthi militias coup, based on the three agreed upon references.

Ahmar’s statements were made as he met UN chief Antonio Guterres in Madrid to discuss UN efforts and updates, on the sidelines of the 2019 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Official sources revealed that Ahmar briefed Guterres on the updates in Yemen and the efforts exerted by the government and the countries of the Saudi-led Arab coalition to establish peace in Yemen despite Houthi violations and disrespect for agreements.

Saba News Agency noted that the Ahmar informed Guterres that the legitimacy supports the UN peace efforts made by UN Special Envoy for Yemen Martin Griffiths, based on the three references represented by the Gulf initiative, its executive mechanism, outcomes of the national dialogue, and relevant UN resolutions, mainly resolution 2216.

Ahmar highlighted the humanitarian suffering of Yemenis, saying that the situation is deteriorating because of the Houthis criminal violations and continuous offensives as well as the threat for international security and peace.

For his part, Guterres renewed keenness on achieving permanent peace in Yemen and ending the agony.

On his Twitter account, Griffiths tweeted: “In another meeting today, Griffiths met with Amb. Sheikh Ahmed Nasser Al-Sabah where they discussed the prospects of peace in Yemen. Griffiths further expressed his appreciation of Kuwait's role as a peace advocate in the region.”



Unidentified Drones Destroy Iraqi Military Radar Systems

Iraq’s Taji military base (File Photo)
Iraq’s Taji military base (File Photo)
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Unidentified Drones Destroy Iraqi Military Radar Systems

Iraq’s Taji military base (File Photo)
Iraq’s Taji military base (File Photo)

Iraq’s Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, has ordered the formation of a committee to investigate a series of drone attacks targeting military radar systems at two separate bases, officials said.

The strikes hit a radar installation at the Taji military camp, north of Baghdad, and another at the Imam Ali airbase in the southern province of Dhi Qar. A third suspected drone attack reportedly struck a base near Baghdad International Airport, also housing radar systems, according to local media reports.

The incidents came shortly after US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, though it remained unclear whether the attacks were connected to the development.

Sudani said on Tuesday his government would not tolerate any act – internal or external – that threatens national security, vowing a firm and decisive response.

“We will not show leniency toward any aggression that harms the security of Iraq,” Sudani said during a cabinet meeting, according to state-run Iraqi News Agency (INA).

“Our response will be resolute and strong,” added Sudani.

He confirmed that Iraqi military bases were targeted in what he described as a “cowardly and treacherous” attack using explosive-laden suicide drones.

“Our armed forces and air defenses responded swiftly to other attempted attacks on different bases, successfully intercepting and downing the drones,” Sudani said, without elaborating on the origin of the attacks.

The prime minister also welcomed the recently announced ceasefire between Israel and Iran, calling it a “positive step,” and expressed hope that the truce would be “solid and lasting, not fragile.”

Sabah al-Numan, spokesperson for the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, also described the drone strikes as “cowardly and treacherous,” saying the attacks caused significant damage to radar infrastructure.

In a statement, al-Numan said a swarm of small, explosive-laden drones had struck the military installations in Taji and Dhi Qar. He confirmed there were no casualties.

Images circulating on social media showed flames engulfing the radar station at the Taji base.

“Our forces were able to thwart additional drone attacks targeting four other locations,” al-Numan added, noting that air defenses successfully downed the incoming UAVs before they reached their targets.

All of the sites targeted in the recent drone attacks were fully operated by Iraqi security forces, dismissing speculation of foreign involvement.

“All targeted locations are exclusively Iraqi military sites, overseen and operated by officers and personnel from our heroic security forces,” said al-Numan.

Following the coordinated attacks, Sudani ordered the creation of a high-level technical and intelligence committee to investigate the incidents, identify those responsible, and fully track the findings of the probe.

“These cowardly criminal acts will not go unpunished,” al-Numan said. “Our armed forces remain the unshakable shield of Iraq, defending its people, land, and sovereignty.”

Military sources revealed that the first drone strike destroyed a TPS-77 radar system at the Taji military base. A second attack targeted an AN/TPQ-36 counter-battery radar at the Imam Ali base.

Local media also reported, citing unverified sources, that a third drone targeted a US-made radar system at Victoria Base near Baghdad International Airport, which has previously hosted US troops. Authorities have yet to confirm this claim.

The strikes come amid heightened regional tensions following a US-brokered ceasefire announcement between Israel and Iran.

While no group has claimed responsibility for the attacks, the nature and precision of the strikes have raised concerns about a potential escalation.