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Houthis Have Targeted 76 Mosques in Yemen

FILE PHOTO - Armed Houthi followers carry their rifles as they attend a gathering to show support for the militias in Sanaa, Yemen December 19, 2018. REUTERS/Khaled Abdullah
FILE PHOTO - Armed Houthi followers carry their rifles as they attend a gathering to show support for the militias in Sanaa, Yemen December 19, 2018. REUTERS/Khaled Abdullah
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Houthis Have Targeted 76 Mosques in Yemen

FILE PHOTO - Armed Houthi followers carry their rifles as they attend a gathering to show support for the militias in Sanaa, Yemen December 19, 2018. REUTERS/Khaled Abdullah
FILE PHOTO - Armed Houthi followers carry their rifles as they attend a gathering to show support for the militias in Sanaa, Yemen December 19, 2018. REUTERS/Khaled Abdullah

Local Yemeni experts warn that Houthi coup militias are resorting to crimes against humanity to make up for their failure in advancing on several battlefronts in the war-torn country.

Houthis have been targeting places of worship during times of prayers to record the highest death tolls possible. On Saturday, the group struck a mosque in a military camp in Marib – about 170km east of Sanaa – during evening prayers.

In the attack, some 111 soldiers were killed and more than 68 injured.

Yemen’s internationally recognized government has been battling the Iran-backed Houthis since 2014, when the rebels seized the capital Sanaa.

Yemeni President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi condemned the “cowardly and terrorist” attack on the mosque, according to the official Saba news agency.

“The disgraceful actions of the Houthi militia without a doubt confirm its unwillingness to (achieve) peace, because it knows nothing but death and destruction and is a cheap Iranian tool in the region,” it quoted Hadi as saying.

In recent years, places of worship have become a frequent target of Houthi terrorist attacks. Before Saturday's attack, there were three attempts to target Makkah.

Saudi air defense systems were successful in thwarting the attacks against the city.

In October 2016, Houthis launched a ballistic missile attack against Makkah. The missiles were shot down by Saudi air defenses 65 kilometers away from the target.

In July 2017, another attack was stopped. The attack was described by the Arab Coalition, a Saudi-led force to back Yemen’s internationally-recognized government, as a “desperate attempt to ruin the Hajj pilgrimage season.”

“We are facing a group that seeks to impact demographic change in Yemen, and it empowers an Iranian project that targets all of its opponents,” said Ahmed al-Attiyah, the Yemeni Minister of Endowments.

“The Iranian-Houthi project has been systematic in targeting houses of worship since the coup started,” he added.

Al-Attiyah, in remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, added that his ministry has compiled data showing that Houthis have targeted 76 mosques in the areas falling under their control.

Apart from attacking places of worship, data show that Houthis have desecrated some of the mosques and transformed them into arms caches.

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Arab World

Fire Erupts in a Police Headquarters in Egypt Injuring Many

A fire broke out in a police headquarters in Egypt (photo circulating on social media)
A fire broke out in a police headquarters in Egypt (photo circulating on social media)
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Fire Erupts in a Police Headquarters in Egypt Injuring Many

A fire broke out in a police headquarters in Egypt (photo circulating on social media)
A fire broke out in a police headquarters in Egypt (photo circulating on social media)

A fire broke out early Monday in a police headquarters in northeastern Egypt, injuring several people, officials said.
The blaze ripped through the multistory police headquarters in the Suez Canal province of Ismailia, two officials said. The injured were taken to hospitals, they said.
Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief the media, The Associated Press said.

According to Egyptian media outlets around 100 people were injured in the fire.
The cause of the blaze was not immediately known. Firefighters were attempting to put out the fire.
Safety standards and fire regulations are poorly enforced in Egypt and have been linked to many deaths. In August 2022, a fire erupted in a packed Coptic Orthodox church during morning services in Cairo, killing 41 worshippers.

Arab World

Houthis Launch Drone, Rocket Attack on Military Camp in Yemen’s Saada

Commander of the Alab axis Yasser Majali is seen at the military parade in Saada. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Commander of the Alab axis Yasser Majali is seen at the military parade in Saada. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Houthis Launch Drone, Rocket Attack on Military Camp in Yemen’s Saada

Commander of the Alab axis Yasser Majali is seen at the military parade in Saada. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Commander of the Alab axis Yasser Majali is seen at the military parade in Saada. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Iran-backed Houthi militias launched on Saturday an attack against a military camp in Yemen’s northern Saada province, killing one and injuring a number of people.

The attack in the Alab-Baqem area took place days after the Houthis attacked Bahraini troops in the Arab Coalitions to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen deployed on Saudi Arabia’s southern border, killing four servicemen.

Saturday’s attack, using drones and katyusha rockets, targeted a military parade commemorating the September 26 revolution in Yemen.

Member of the Presidential Leadership Council Abdulrahman al-Mahrami condemned the attack, saying it reflects the Houthis’ despair as they are constantly being confronted by the heroics of the military.

The command at the camp said the Houthis are defying regional and international efforts to establish peace in Yemen.

The militias carried out an assault along the Alab-Baqem axis, as well as the camp, it explained.

The military repelled the attack, downing several drones, it added, while stressing its right to respond to such violations in line with performing its national duties.

Spokesman for the military Abdo Majali warned that the repeated Houthi attacks on the legitimate forces or Arab Coalition will impact peace efforts.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, he accused the Houthis of rejecting all regional and international peace efforts, as demonstrated by the latest attacks.

He noted that the military has become better trained and equipped in repelling attacks, but it is also keen on ensuring the success of peace efforts and lifting the morale of the people.

Arab World

Libya’s Eastern Govt Delays Derna Reconstruction Meeting

A view shows the destruction, in the aftermath of the floods in Derna, Libya September 30, 2023. (Reuters)
A view shows the destruction, in the aftermath of the floods in Derna, Libya September 30, 2023. (Reuters)
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Libya’s Eastern Govt Delays Derna Reconstruction Meeting

A view shows the destruction, in the aftermath of the floods in Derna, Libya September 30, 2023. (Reuters)
A view shows the destruction, in the aftermath of the floods in Derna, Libya September 30, 2023. (Reuters)

Libya's eastern authorities said Sunday they had postponed a reconstruction conference for the flood-hit city of Derna that had been planned for October 10.

The event was put off until November 1-2 to "offer time for the submission of effective studies and projects" for the reconstruction effort, the committee charged with planning the meeting said in a statement.

The divided country's eastern administration last month invited the "international community" to attend the conference in Derna, the coastal city where a September 10-11 flash flood devastated large areas and killed thousands.

The authorities later said the conference would draw in international companies. On Sunday, the committee said the postponed event would be held in both Derna and the eastern city of Benghazi.

According to Saqr al-Jibani, head of the organizing committee, the decision to hold off on the event followed requests by mayors of affected communities as well as business representatives who had expressed interest in attending.

The North African country has been wracked by years of fighting and chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled and killed veteran ruler Moammar al-Gaddafi in 2011.

Libya is now split between Tripoli-based Government of National Unity in the west, and the one in the disaster-stricken east.

'Predictable setback'

The United States on Friday called on Libyans to set aside their political differences and agree on a framework to channel aid to eastern towns.

"We urge Libyan authorities now to form such unified structures -- rather than launching separate efforts -- that represent the Libyan people without delay," US special envoy Richard Norland said in a statement.

Despite a wave of nationwide solidarity since the flood, there has been no show of support for the proposed conference from the GNU of Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah.

Jalel Harchaoui, a Libya specialist at the Royal United Services Institute, on Sunday said the eastern authorities were facing a "largely predictable setback", adding that "they will have no choice but to somehow work with the Tripoli authorities".

The speaker of the eastern-based parliament, Aguila Saleh, welcomed on Saturday officials from Libya's west and south and reiterated a call for a unified government and nationwide presidential elections, according to a video published by his spokesman Abdallah Bliheg.

On Wednesday, the eastern authorities had announced the creation of a fund for the reconstruction of Derna and other areas affected by the flooding.

They did not indicate how the new fund would be financed, but the parliament has already allocated 10 billion dinars ($2 billion) for reconstruction.

The GNU announced on Sunday it had allocated 92 million dinars for the maintenance of 117 schools and educational institutions damaged by the flood.

It said classes had resumed in 15 affected municipalities in the east.

According to the latest toll announced by the eastern authorities on Tuesday, at least 3,893 people died in the disaster.

International aid groups have said 10,000 or more people may be missing.

Arab World

Sudan’s Burhan: Army Rejects Dictates from Any Party

Sudanese army chief Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan at the Flamingo Marine Base in Port Sudan in August. (AFP)
Sudanese army chief Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan at the Flamingo Marine Base in Port Sudan in August. (AFP)
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Sudan’s Burhan: Army Rejects Dictates from Any Party

Sudanese army chief Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan at the Flamingo Marine Base in Port Sudan in August. (AFP)
Sudanese army chief Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan at the Flamingo Marine Base in Port Sudan in August. (AFP)

Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, chairman of the Sudanese ruling Sovereign Council and army commander, said on Saturday that his military is independent and not subject to any dictates from any party.

His comments came two days after the United States imposed sanctions on Ali Karti, the foreign minister under ousted leader Omar al-Bashir, who became head of the Sudanese Islamic Movement after Bashir was toppled in 2019.

On Friday, Burhan visited the Atbara artillery base, north of Khartoum in the River Nile state, where he met with local officers. This is his second visit to the base since his withdrawal from the army command compound in the Sudanese capital on August 25.

Burhan expressed his determination to end the war in Sudan, but said he aims to remove "the cancer that has infected the body of the state," reported the Arab World news agency.

The Sovereignty Council quoted Burhan as saying that the war was "imposed on us," warning about the presence of a group that wants to "swallow" Sudan.

On April 15, heavy fighting erupted between Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Response Forces (RSF) in Khartoum after weeks of tensions building between the two sides.

"We are confident of victory in the battle of dignity thanks to the people's support. This army is the army of the fatherland and there is no side or party that has power over it," Burhan stressed.

He added that the war in Sudan is being waged by two brothers who only care about their own interests, referring to RSF commander, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, and his brother and deputy Abdul Rahim.

Last Thursday, the United States imposed sanctions on two companies, including one based in Russia, in addition to Karti, accusing them of deepening instability in Sudan.

"(Karti) and other hardline Sudanese Islamists are actively obstructing efforts to reach a ceasefire to end the current war between the Army and RSF and opposing Sudanese civilians, efforts to restore Sudan's democratic transition," the US Treasury said.

Also hit with sanctions was GSK Advance Company, a Sudan-based company the Treasury said has been used as a procurement channel for the RSF.

Meanwhile at least two people were killed and 20 others injured, including six children, during an airstrike on the Mayo neighborhood near a public hospital south of Khartoum, the South Belt Emergency Committee announced on Saturday.

The Sudanese rights group Emergency Lawyers announced that five civilians, including four members of the same family, were killed in artillery attacks by the RSF forces on the Omdurman region.

 

Armed clashes between the Sudanese army and the RSF had resumed on Saturday in several areas of Khartoum.

Arab World

Growing Western Engagement with Sweida Protests, Damascus Remains Indifferent

Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajri among the protesters in Sweida, Syria. (Suwayda24)
Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajri among the protesters in Sweida, Syria. (Suwayda24)
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Growing Western Engagement with Sweida Protests, Damascus Remains Indifferent

Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajri among the protesters in Sweida, Syria. (Suwayda24)
Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajri among the protesters in Sweida, Syria. (Suwayda24)

At a time when US and European officials continue to closely monitor the popular protests in Syria’s province of Sweida, Damascus remains officially indifferent to them.

In an interview with China’s CCTV television, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad chose to reaffirm the Syrian people’s support for him.

Meanwhile, Druze spiritual leader in Sweida Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajri received a telephone call from the UK envoy to Syria, Ann Snow, to declare her country’s commitment to implementing UN resolution 2254.

Snow and al-Hajri engaged in a lengthy discussion that revolved around the peaceful protests that have been taking place in Sweida for over 40 days.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, sources who requested anonymity, expressed concern over Snow’s communication with al-Hajri.

Theye explained that Snow speaking to al-Hajri complicates matters by representing international recognition for the latter’s leadership in Sweida.

Furthermore, they suggest that since the protests began, the regime has resorted to employing its “long-standing intelligence tools” to undermine al-Hajri’s authority.

This has been achieved by tarnishing his image, diminishing his stature, and casting doubt on his national stance through campaigns launched by pro-government activists on social media.

However, the popular support and unity of the protesters, including secular and leftist groups rallying around al-Hajri have made the situation increasingly challenging for Damascus. Despite this, Damascus continues to display indifference to the movement.

Sources also indicate that Damascus will spare no effort in attempting to dismantle the protests from within, as an alternative to using force, which still appears to be excluded from the list of options at this stage.

They also ruled out Damascus negotiating with demonstrators.

Snow’s communication with al-Hajri came two days after he had received a call from US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Ethan Goldrich, who underscored his support for “freedom of expression” for Syrians, including the peaceful protest in Sweida.

Goldrich called for a “fair and unified Syria” and a political solution in line with resolution 2254.

Arab World

Egypt’s Sisi Highlights Achievements Two Months Ahead of Elections

A supporter carries a pro-Sisi banner during Prophet’s Birthday celebration in Al-Azhar District, Cairo. (Reuters)
A supporter carries a pro-Sisi banner during Prophet’s Birthday celebration in Al-Azhar District, Cairo. (Reuters)
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Egypt’s Sisi Highlights Achievements Two Months Ahead of Elections

A supporter carries a pro-Sisi banner during Prophet’s Birthday celebration in Al-Azhar District, Cairo. (Reuters)
A supporter carries a pro-Sisi banner during Prophet’s Birthday celebration in Al-Azhar District, Cairo. (Reuters)

Two months ahead of the presidential elections, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi reviewed “achievements” that have been realized since he assumed office in 2014.

He emphasized that “the state's goal is to overcome the challenging circumstances it has faced since the 1980s and to envision Egypt in the place it deserves.”

Sisi spoke during the Story of Homeland Conference, which kicked off Saturday at Egypt’s New Administrative Capital. The event is meant to highlight the state’s efforts over the past decade.

"That is what has been attained and you still have a chance for change during the upcoming presidential election,” he stressed.

Sisi pointed to the fulfillment of the New Suez Canal project in spite of malicious rumors about the project, in addition to combating terrorists.

Moreover, he reaffirmed that a significant portion of the work he has undertaken aimed at “restoring confidence among Egyptians, a matter that saboteurs are currently attempting to undermine.”

Sisi, 68, has not officially announced his candidacy for the upcoming presidential elections slated for December 10.

The elections will span three consecutive days. However, several political parties, holding a parliamentary majority, have declared their support for Sisi’s candidacy for a new term.

Sisi is eligible to run for a third term, following a constitutional amendment in 2019 that extended the presidential term from four years to six years. This paves the way for him to remain in office until at least 2030.

Egyptians are grappling with a decline in their purchasing power due to a surge in inflation, which reached a new record in August, reaching approximately 40%.

Moreover, the country has witnessed a sharp depreciation of the Egyptian pound in recent months, losing nearly 50% of its value against foreign currencies.

The Suez Canal stands as a primary source of foreign exchange for Egypt.

According to Sisi, the income from the canal stood at approximately $4.5 billion, but according to experts, the plan is for the canal’s revenues to reach around $12 billion during the years 2024-25.

The president pointed out that the current income from the canal, following the completion of the New Suez Canal project, is now approximately $10 billion, and it is expected to rise to around $10.5 billion by the end of 2023.

Arab World

Yemen's National Airline Suspends Flights from, to Sanaa

Sanaa International Airport (Facebook)
Sanaa International Airport (Facebook)
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Yemen's National Airline Suspends Flights from, to Sanaa

Sanaa International Airport (Facebook)
Sanaa International Airport (Facebook)

Yemen's national airline, Yemenia, has suspended its entire flights from and to Yemen's capital Sanaa for the whole month of October in response to the Houthi administration blocking the carrier from withdrawing its funds in Sanaa banks for the six last months, Yemeni sources working in the traveling sector told Asharq Al-Awsat.

Yemenia halted the flights after negotiations with the Houthis failed to secure the release of airline funds, which executives at the carrier said amounted to $80 million.

Normally, the Yemeni airline schedules its flights to and from Sanaa Airport in the second half of September.

The sources explained that travel offices had been waiting for two weeks to receive the new flight schedule before they were informed on Friday that the company had suspended all its flights.

Yemenia said in a statement that it had been unable to withdraw its funds in Sanaa banks for several months. It called on the Houthi authorities to lift restrictions “illegally” imposed on its assets.

The company added that it was aware of the latest political developments in the country and the recent and important changes. The war that has been going on for seven years had and continues to affect the company’s activity as the only national carrier, which acted objectively facing the country’s tensions, it said.

Also, Yemenia had proposed the Houthi administration take 70 percent of the funds while the remaining 30 percent would go to the internationally recognized government, it said.

The Houthi administration rejected the offer which was when the airline decided to suspend flights to Jordan, the company added.

In the past months, Yemenia had also tried to rely on its other internal resources and added three additional flights between Amman and Sanaa airports as a goodwill move.

“We again received a request to operate from Sanaa airport without being allowed to withdraw from the company’s assets, which causes us additional and significant harm,” it added.

The company has reiterated the need to remain neutral in any political conflict so that it can properly carry out its functions, noting that its funds in the Sanaa banks have exceeded $80 million.

Arab World

Interior Minister: Syrian Refugees Are a Threat to Lebanon’s Demographics, Identity

Lebanon’s caretaker Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi. (AP)
Lebanon’s caretaker Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi. (AP)
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Interior Minister: Syrian Refugees Are a Threat to Lebanon’s Demographics, Identity

Lebanon’s caretaker Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi. (AP)
Lebanon’s caretaker Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi. (AP)

Lebanon’s caretaker Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi warned on Saturday that Syrian refugees “have become a threat to Lebanon’s demographics and identity.”

It is no longer acceptable for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to continue to handle this file in total disregard of the Lebanese state and laws, he declared during a conference in Beirut.

The Syrian refugee crisis “has become unbearable,” he added, saying his ministry and the government were carrying out their duties towards them.

However, the UNHCR “can no longer continue with its approach in this file,” he remarked.

He criticized the agency for not coordinating its work with the state and for failing to hand over data related to the refugees to the General Security directorate.

“How do you expect us to protect the refugees if we don’t have data on them?” wondered Mawlawi.

“This is unacceptable and we, along with the government, will no longer tolerate this,” he stated.

The government has been demanding data on the displaced so that it can drop the refugee status of anyone who returns to Syria.

Mawlawi praised several municipalities, specifically those in Beirut, Tripoli, Sin al-Fil, al-Ghobeiry and al-Dekwaneh, for taking preemptive steps in controlling the number of Syrian refugees and holding them accountable before the law.

“The refugee problem is major, and we must approach it according to our keenness on Lebanon’s existence, interests and laws,” he demanded.

“The law must be applied equally on the Syrians and the Lebanese people,” he urged, while calling on the international community to come up with a clear plan that would ensure their return home.

Arab World

Iraqi PM: Security Reforms Top Government Priorities

Prime Minister of Iraq Mohammed Shia al-Sudani addresses the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York City, US, September 22, 2023. (Reuters)
Prime Minister of Iraq Mohammed Shia al-Sudani addresses the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York City, US, September 22, 2023. (Reuters)
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Iraqi PM: Security Reforms Top Government Priorities

Prime Minister of Iraq Mohammed Shia al-Sudani addresses the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York City, US, September 22, 2023. (Reuters)
Prime Minister of Iraq Mohammed Shia al-Sudani addresses the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York City, US, September 22, 2023. (Reuters)

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani stressed on Saturday that reforms at the security institution were his government’s top priority.

He spoke of restructuring and modernizing the institution and the training of its members and of combating corruption.

The government has worked on rehabilitating 34,000 members of the security forces, he told a graduation ceremony at the Higher Institute for Security and Administrative Development.

Tens of thousands of new members have been recruited “to pump new blood into the institution,” he added.

On corruption, the PM called on the security forces to be on constant alert and readiness.

Their plans must be based on intelligence information, he added, while also urging the need to constantly modernize these plans to benefit from the latest developments in the security field.

Sudani spoke of combating drugs, which he said were no less dangerous than ISIS terrorism.

They are a threat to social security, he warned, calling for intensifying border security to combat smuggling.

He also stressed the need for cooperation and coordination with regional and international organizations in the fight against drugs.

Arab World

Italy, Libya Resume Commercial Flights after 10-year Hiatus, Officials Say

An aircraft departs from Tripoli heading to Rome on September 30, 2023, after the Italian government lifted its 10-year-old air ban on Libyan civil aviation. (Photo by Mahmud Turkia / AFP)
An aircraft departs from Tripoli heading to Rome on September 30, 2023, after the Italian government lifted its 10-year-old air ban on Libyan civil aviation. (Photo by Mahmud Turkia / AFP)
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Italy, Libya Resume Commercial Flights after 10-year Hiatus, Officials Say

An aircraft departs from Tripoli heading to Rome on September 30, 2023, after the Italian government lifted its 10-year-old air ban on Libyan civil aviation. (Photo by Mahmud Turkia / AFP)
An aircraft departs from Tripoli heading to Rome on September 30, 2023, after the Italian government lifted its 10-year-old air ban on Libyan civil aviation. (Photo by Mahmud Turkia / AFP)

Italy and Libya on Saturday resumed commercial flights for the first time in a decade, authorities in the Libyan capital said.

Flight MT522, operated by the Libyan carrier Medsky Airways, departed Mitiga International Airport in Tripoli for Rome's Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport, according to Libyan airport authorities.

A return flight was scheduled to land in Tripoli on Saturday afternoon, according to Mitiga International Airport. Going forward, there will be one round-trip flight between the Libyan and Italian capitals on both Saturdays and Wednesdays, according to the Mitiga airport announcement.

The government of Prime Minister Abdul-Hamid Dbeibah in Tripoli lauded the resumed flights, posting photos on social media that showed passengers boarding the flight and officials celebrating.

Italy and other western nations banned flights from Libya as the oil-rich nation in North Africa plunged into chaos after a NATO-backed uprising toppled and killed longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi in 2011.

Amid the chaos, Libya has had direct flights to limited destinations, including cities in neighboring Egypt and Tunisia, and other Middle Eastern countries, such as Jordan.

The government of Premier Giorgia Meloni in July lifted Italy's 10-year ban on civil aviation in Libya. Italian and Libyan authorities agreed that one airline company from each country would operate flights between the two capitals.

Dbeibah subsequently returned from attending a conference on migration in Rome on a chartered flight with a commercial airline.