US Says Iran Support to Yemen's Houthis 'Significant, Lethal'

A Yemeni government fighter fires a vehicle-mounted weapon at a frontline position during fighting against the Houthis in Marib, Yemen March 9, 2021. (Reuters)
A Yemeni government fighter fires a vehicle-mounted weapon at a frontline position during fighting against the Houthis in Marib, Yemen March 9, 2021. (Reuters)
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US Says Iran Support to Yemen's Houthis 'Significant, Lethal'

A Yemeni government fighter fires a vehicle-mounted weapon at a frontline position during fighting against the Houthis in Marib, Yemen March 9, 2021. (Reuters)
A Yemeni government fighter fires a vehicle-mounted weapon at a frontline position during fighting against the Houthis in Marib, Yemen March 9, 2021. (Reuters)

Iran's support for Yemen's Houthi militias is "quite significant and it's lethal" and there is no real evidence that Tehran wants to support a constructive resolution to the conflict, US special envoy on Yemen Tim Lenderking told US lawmakers on Wednesday.

"We would welcome Iran playing a constructive role, if they are willing to do so," Lenderking said. "We have not seen any indication of that."

The Houthi offensive in the gas-rich Marib region is "the single biggest threat to peace efforts", Lenderking added, warning that if the fighting is not stopped "it will trigger a wave of even greater fighting and instability."

He acknowledged that it has been difficult to halt ships bearing weapons from Iran to the Houthis.

The US needs more international assistance in halting Iran arms shipment to the militias, Lenderking urged.

Moreover, the envoy said the increase in Houthi cross-border attacks on Saudi Arabia is "very disturbing trend".



Fuel Shortages in Gaza at 'Critical Levels', UN Warns

 A Palestinian burns plastic waste to produce alternative fuel amid scarcity as the Israel-Hamas conflict continues, in northern Gaza Strip, September 5, 2024. REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa
A Palestinian burns plastic waste to produce alternative fuel amid scarcity as the Israel-Hamas conflict continues, in northern Gaza Strip, September 5, 2024. REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa
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Fuel Shortages in Gaza at 'Critical Levels', UN Warns

 A Palestinian burns plastic waste to produce alternative fuel amid scarcity as the Israel-Hamas conflict continues, in northern Gaza Strip, September 5, 2024. REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa
A Palestinian burns plastic waste to produce alternative fuel amid scarcity as the Israel-Hamas conflict continues, in northern Gaza Strip, September 5, 2024. REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa

The United Nations warned Saturday that dire fuel shortages in the Gaza Strip had reached "critical levels", threatening to dramatically increase the suffering in the war-ravaged Palestinian territory.

"After almost two years of war, people in Gaza are facing extreme hardships, including widespread food insecurity, seven UN agencies cautioned in a joint statement.

"When fuel runs out, it places an unbearable new burden on a population teetering on the edge of starvation," the statement added.