Hadi Holds Meeting at Joint Command HQ in Riyadh

President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi during his meeting at the Joint Command HQ. Saba
President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi during his meeting at the Joint Command HQ. Saba
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Hadi Holds Meeting at Joint Command HQ in Riyadh

President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi during his meeting at the Joint Command HQ. Saba
President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi during his meeting at the Joint Command HQ. Saba

Yemeni President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi stressed Thursday the importance of continuing military operations against Houthi militias across the country.

The President’s comments came during a visit to the headquarters of the Joint Command in the Saudi Ministry of Defense.

Hadi and his Vice President (Lt. Gen.) Ali Mohsen Saleh were received by Commander of Joint Forces Lt. Gen. Prince Fahd bin Turki bin Abdulaziz. They later convened a session with senior commanders at the Joint Command to discuss the latest developments in combat operations in the battlefields of Marib, al-Jawf and Sanaa governorates.

From there, they followed up, via video conference, with the commanders in the battlefields represented by the Minister of Defense, Mohammed Ali al-Maqdashi, the Governor of Marib, Commander of Joint Operations Maj. General Sagheer bin Aziz and Commander of Coalition Forces in Marib Maj. Gen. Abdulhameed al-Muzayani.

The Saba news agency said Hadi praised the significant role of the Kingdom in support of Yemen, its security and stability.

“The Saudi-led Arab Coalition is a genuine partner to Yemen in times of peace and war. The Coalition's efforts are deeply appreciated by all Yemeni peoples,” he said.

Meanwhile, the 26 September newspaper quoted Yemeni Army spokesman Brigadier General Abdo Majli as mocking alleged Houthi victories in Nahm, al-Jawf, Sarwah, Bayda’, Taiz and Dhale.

He said the Yemeni Army made an advance in those areas.

“In the Nahm district, east of the capital Sanaa, the National Army managed to regain control of a number of Houthi-controlled areas,” Majli said.

Following battles in Akabat, located between the governorates of Jawf and Marib, the spokesman said the Army was able to take control of positions and force Houthis to flee.

Separately, Yemen's Information Minister said Thursday that alleged Houthi claims of victory in certain areas are an “honest announcement on the demise of the political process in Yemen.”

Muammar al-Eryani said the militias insist on going ahead with their coup plot financed by Iran.



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.