Arab Coalition Warns May Resort to 'All Measures' to Bar Military Use of Hodeidah Port, Sanaa Airport

A view of Hodeidah port on November 7, 2017. (Getty Images)
A view of Hodeidah port on November 7, 2017. (Getty Images)
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Arab Coalition Warns May Resort to 'All Measures' to Bar Military Use of Hodeidah Port, Sanaa Airport

A view of Hodeidah port on November 7, 2017. (Getty Images)
A view of Hodeidah port on November 7, 2017. (Getty Images)

The Saudi-led Arab coalition confirmed on Monday that the Iran-backed Houthi militias in Yemen had targeted al-Hardh city in the Hajjah province and the Ahem region with four ballistic missiles.

The rockets were fired from Hodeidah port and Sanaa international airport, it revealed in a statement.

The coalition warned against the use of Hodeidah port and Sanaa airport for military acts that threaten regional and international security.

It stressed that it will take "all operations measures" to address the sources of the threats in order to protect civilians in Yemen.

The Houthis have already previously used Hodeidah port and Sanaa airport to launch ballistic missiles and armed drones in attacks against neighboring countries and Yemeni cities.

The coalition has said the militias have effectively transformed the airport into a military base.

Meanwhile, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary General Dr. Nayef al-Hajraf praised the efforts exerted by the coalition in backing the political solution and relief operations in Yemen.

Hajraf met on Monday with Saudi Ambassador to Yemen Mohammed Al Jaber.

He said the coalition is seeking to achieve security and stability in Yemen and resolve its crisis according to the three references: The Gulf initiative, national dialogue outcomes and United Nations Security Council resolution 2216.



US Journalist Missing in Syria Since 2012 Is Believed to Be Alive, Says Aid Group

A banner for journalist Austin Tice, who disappeared while reporting in Syria in 2012, hangs outside the National Press Club building in Washington, US, May 2, 2023. (Reuters)
A banner for journalist Austin Tice, who disappeared while reporting in Syria in 2012, hangs outside the National Press Club building in Washington, US, May 2, 2023. (Reuters)
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US Journalist Missing in Syria Since 2012 Is Believed to Be Alive, Says Aid Group

A banner for journalist Austin Tice, who disappeared while reporting in Syria in 2012, hangs outside the National Press Club building in Washington, US, May 2, 2023. (Reuters)
A banner for journalist Austin Tice, who disappeared while reporting in Syria in 2012, hangs outside the National Press Club building in Washington, US, May 2, 2023. (Reuters)

American journalist Austin Tice is believed to be still alive, according to the head of an international aid group.

Nizar Zakka, who runs the Hostage Aid Worldwide organization, said there has never been any proof that Tice, who has been missing since 2012, is dead.

He told reporters in Damascus on Tuesday that Tice was alive in January and being held by the authorities of ousted Bashar al-Assad. He added that US President Joe Biden said in August that Tice was alive.

Zakka said Tice was transferred between security agencies over the past 12 years, including in an area where Iranian-backed fighters were operating.

Asked if it was possible Tice had been taken out of the country, Zakka said Assad most likely kept him in Syria as a potential bargaining chip.

Biden said Dec. 8 that his administration believed Tice was alive and was committed to bringing him home, though he also acknowledged that “we have no direct evidence” of his status.