UN’s Yemen Envoy Condemns Houthi Attack on Taiz

The UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, during a previous visit to Sanaa, June 2022 (EPA)
The UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, during a previous visit to Sanaa, June 2022 (EPA)
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UN’s Yemen Envoy Condemns Houthi Attack on Taiz

The UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, during a previous visit to Sanaa, June 2022 (EPA)
The UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, during a previous visit to Sanaa, June 2022 (EPA)

The UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, has condemned the Houthi attack on Taiz in southwest Yemen.

Grundberg said in a statement: "I condemn the attack that was launched from areas controlled by Ansar Allah on Sunday night in Dabab area in Taiz that left a number of soldiers killed or wounded and threatens to seriously worsen the humanitarian situation for civilians."

The envoy called on the parties to seize the opportunity provided by the truce extension to demonstrate total commitment to ending the prolonged conflict in Yemen and the suffering of its people.

He also urged the parties to engage with his office to continue discussions to meet their obligations under the truce.

"My efforts will continue to work with the parties to navigate the path toward reaching a comprehensive political and peaceful settlement of the conflict," reiterated Grundberg.

Meanwhile, the US envoy to Yemen, Tim Lenderking, stressed the need to coordinate work with the Gulf countries to advance a path toward a political solution to the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.

During a reception hosted by the National Council on US-Arab Relations (NCUSAR) to welcome the new Kuwaiti ambassador to the United States, Jassem al-Budaiwi, Lenderking said he believed a peace agreement in Yemen could soon be achieved.

The envoy lauded the efforts and contributions made by the Gulf states to improve the humanitarian situation in Yemen and alleviate a severe crisis.

Lenderking shed light on the role of Kuwait as "a peacemaker and bridge builder."

US Department of Defense Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Security Affairs Ilan Goldenberg affirmed Washington's strong defense commitment in the region.

The US "stands firmly committed to the defense of Kuwait, something that has been the keystone of our relationship," he asserted.

Goldenberg continued, "the defense partnership is one of the most important security relationships the US has, and we will always value that partnership."

He also expressed Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's "gratitude for several key elements of the strong relationship" with Kuwait.



Lebanon Sends Message of Confidence with First Local Elections

A Lebanese man casts his ballot during the Municipal elections at a polling station in Deir El Qamar, in the Chouf District of the Mount Lebanon Governorate, southeast of Beirut, Lebanon, 04 May 2025. EPA/WAEL HAMZEH
A Lebanese man casts his ballot during the Municipal elections at a polling station in Deir El Qamar, in the Chouf District of the Mount Lebanon Governorate, southeast of Beirut, Lebanon, 04 May 2025. EPA/WAEL HAMZEH
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Lebanon Sends Message of Confidence with First Local Elections

A Lebanese man casts his ballot during the Municipal elections at a polling station in Deir El Qamar, in the Chouf District of the Mount Lebanon Governorate, southeast of Beirut, Lebanon, 04 May 2025. EPA/WAEL HAMZEH
A Lebanese man casts his ballot during the Municipal elections at a polling station in Deir El Qamar, in the Chouf District of the Mount Lebanon Governorate, southeast of Beirut, Lebanon, 04 May 2025. EPA/WAEL HAMZEH

Lebanon completed the first phase of its municipal and mayoral elections on Sunday, in a vote overseen by political and security authorities and hailed by officials as transparent.

The polls mark the country’s first electoral process under President Joseph Aoun, who sought to reassure voters that “the state is serious about safeguarding their right to express their views through the ballot box.”

Aoun described the vote’s integrity as a “message of trust to the world that Lebanon is beginning to recover, rebuild its institutions, and is now on the right track.”

Sunday’s vote covered Mount Lebanon province, the most populous region in the country.

The area includes a mix of religious and political affiliations, including Beirut’s southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold heavily damaged during Israel’s bombardment in the latest war on Lebanon.

Aoun made a field visit on Sunday to oversee Lebanon’s first municipal and mayoral elections since 2016, following years of delays caused by the country’s prolonged political and economic crises.

The president began his tour at the Ministry of Interior, where he met with Interior Minister Ahmed Al-Hajjar and Justice Minister Adel Nassar. The discussions focused on measures in place to safeguard the electoral process from any security or legal disruptions.

Both ministers assured the president of their full preparedness to address any challenges that may arise during the first phase of the vote, held in Mount Lebanon province.

Speaking to staff in the central operations room, Aoun called for “active and serious efforts” to ensure a smooth electoral process and to reassure citizens that the state is committed to protecting their right to vote freely.

He also urged voters to participate in large numbers and resist pressures based on sectarian, political or financial influences. “Do not let sectarian, partisan, or monetary factors sway your choice,” Aoun said.

Local elections were held across the districts of Jbeil, Keserwan, Metn, Aley, Baabda, and Chouf - areas where family and clan loyalties often outweigh political or sectarian affiliations in Lebanon’s complex electoral landscape.

As of late afternoon, with three hours remaining before polls closed, the Interior Ministry reported varying voter turnout rates across Mount Lebanon province.

Keserwan led with more than 53% turnout, followed by Jbeil nearing 50%. Aley registered 36.66%, Chouf 38%, Baabda 33.11%, and Northern Metn around 33%.