Yemen: Saudi Development Programs Go Beyond War Times

Yemeni girls benefit from a schooling program (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Yemeni girls benefit from a schooling program (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Yemen: Saudi Development Programs Go Beyond War Times

Yemeni girls benefit from a schooling program (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Yemeni girls benefit from a schooling program (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen implements its sustainable, flexible, and innovative development projects in relatively stable environments, in close coordination with the legitimate government and local communities, with the aim to build the foundations of stability, prosperity, and lasting peace throughout the country.

The program seeks to promote a comprehensive development solution in all vital sectors in Yemen, namely health, education, energy, agriculture, fish wealth, transportation, and government institutions, as well as harnessing economic, human, and environmental resources in achieving sustainable development in the country.

Among the program’s objectives is facilitating Yemenis’ access to basic services in parallel with improving and expanding the infrastructure.

The Saudi program has established 8 schools in Al Mahrah Governorate, 4 in Socotra, 4 in Aden, 2 in Hadramout, 2 in Hajjah, and 1 in Taiz. Schools consist of buildings for educational classes, administrative facilities, laboratories, libraries, and external spaces.

In the transportation sector, the Saudi program rehabilitated Al-Ghaydah airport, by providing communication equipment and the RNAV navigation system, an ambulance, and a fire truck. It also established the Marib airport (contract analysis stage), along with the rehabilitation and restoration of Socotra airport, providing it with an ambulance and a fire truck, and rehabilitating Aden airport and providing it with two buses, a fire truck, and two electric generators.

The program also targeted the water sector, which suffers from a severe shortage and worn-out infrastructure. A water line was established benefitting the city of Ghaydah, and many wells were drilled and equipped in the different governorates.

In the energy sector, the program has built 5-megawatt power stations in Socotra and Hajjah governorates, provided Al Ghaida Central Hospital with electric generators, operated wells with solar energy, and launched other sustainable projects across the country.



Israel Carries Out Intense Airstrikes in Southern Lebanon

Smoke rises after Israeli airstrikes near Nabatiyeh in southern Lebanon on June 27, 2025. (Photo by Rabih DAHER / AFP)
Smoke rises after Israeli airstrikes near Nabatiyeh in southern Lebanon on June 27, 2025. (Photo by Rabih DAHER / AFP)
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Israel Carries Out Intense Airstrikes in Southern Lebanon

Smoke rises after Israeli airstrikes near Nabatiyeh in southern Lebanon on June 27, 2025. (Photo by Rabih DAHER / AFP)
Smoke rises after Israeli airstrikes near Nabatiyeh in southern Lebanon on June 27, 2025. (Photo by Rabih DAHER / AFP)

Israel’s air force carried out intense airstrikes on mountains overlooking a southern Lebanon city on Friday in an attack that the Israeli military said targeted Hezbollah underground assets.

The airstrikes came in two waves on the mountains overlooking Nabatiyeh and bunker buster bombs were used, Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported. There was no immediate information about casualties.

Since the 14-month Israel-Hezbollah war ended with a US-brokered ceasefire in November, Israel has carried out almost daily airstrikes on southern Lebanon. Friday’s strikes were more intense than usual.

The Israeli military said in a statement that its fighter jets struck a site used by Hezbollah to manage its fire and defense array in the area and is part of a significant underground project that was completely taken out of use.

The Israeli army said it identified rehabilitation attempts by Hezbollah beforehand and struck infrastructure sites in the area.

There was no comment from Hezbollah.

An Israeli drone also targeted on Friday an apartment in a two-story building in Nabatiyeh.