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Boat Carrying Migrants from Lebanon Sinks Off Syria, 34 Dead

Authorities are still searching for survivors near the Syrian Mediterranean island of Arwad. File photo
Authorities are still searching for survivors near the Syrian Mediterranean island of Arwad. File photo
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Boat Carrying Migrants from Lebanon Sinks Off Syria, 34 Dead

Authorities are still searching for survivors near the Syrian Mediterranean island of Arwad. File photo
Authorities are still searching for survivors near the Syrian Mediterranean island of Arwad. File photo

A boat carrying migrants from Lebanon capsized off Syria's coast Thursday afternoon leaving at least 34 people dead, Syrian state media reported.

Syria's state television quoted the Syrian Health Ministry as saying that at least 34 people died in the incident, and 20 survivors are being treated at the Al-Basel Hospital in the coastal city of Tartus. Most of the migrants are Lebanese and Syrians, and some without identification papers.

State media quoted one survivor as saying the boat carried over 150 people, which would leave over 100 migrants still missing at sea.

Tartus Governor Abdulhalim Khalil has reportedly visited the 20 survivors at the hospital.

The survivors said they sailed from the Lebanese coastal town of Minyeh several days ago apparently aiming to reach Europe. It said the boat was carrying people of different nationalities.

Thousands of Lebanese, Syrians and Palestinians have left Lebanon on boats over the past months seeking better opportunities in Europe.

The Lebanese army on Wednesday said it had rescued 55 people on board one malfunctioning boat in the country's territorial waters that it towed back to shore.

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Yemen’s Deputy PLC Chairman to Asharq Al-Awsat: Houthis Have Halted Peace Efforts

A photo distributed by the Houthis showing the targeting of a ship in the Red Sea with an explosive-laden drone boat (AFP)
A photo distributed by the Houthis showing the targeting of a ship in the Red Sea with an explosive-laden drone boat (AFP)
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Yemen’s Deputy PLC Chairman to Asharq Al-Awsat: Houthis Have Halted Peace Efforts

A photo distributed by the Houthis showing the targeting of a ship in the Red Sea with an explosive-laden drone boat (AFP)
A photo distributed by the Houthis showing the targeting of a ship in the Red Sea with an explosive-laden drone boat (AFP)

A senior Yemeni official affirmed that ongoing peace efforts have stalled due to actions by the Houthis, who continue to dig trenches in the mountains, stockpile weapons, and target international shipping in the Red Sea.

These actions contradict UN-led peace initiatives aimed at ending the war in the country.

Yemen’s Deputy Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) Chairman, Othman Mujalli, told Asharq Al-Awsat that peace efforts have stalled because the Houthis have ignored proposals and continue their violations.

“They’re digging trenches, storing weapons, and starting fights across all fronts, including border areas,” he said.

Mujalli stressed that the Yemeni government is acting with restraint, considering the suffering of the Yemeni people caused by the Houthi coup, which has led to widespread destruction, economic collapse, and ongoing crises that the Houthis exploit.

Separately, British maritime security agencies reported several explosions near two commercial ships in the Red Sea off Yemen’s coast, with no injuries or damage.

Mujalli believes only the Yemeni people can defeat the Houthis, who threaten their lives.

He warned that the Houthi militia is a serious threat to Yemen, the region, and global interests through their terrorist activities in the Red Sea, a critical international shipping lane.

Mujalli criticized the Houthis for actions that undermine peace and said: “While our partners work for peace, we in the legitimate government fully support their efforts.”

In a meeting with US Ambassador Steven Fagin, Mujalli highlighted the Houthi attacks on pomegranate farmers in Saada, where attempts to impose taxes and force low-priced sales have sparked unrest.

Some farmers have even left their crops to rot rather than sell under these conditions.

Mujalli welcomed the growing international recognition of the Houthis’ actions as blackmail.

Additionally, Mujalli praised Saudi Arabia for its quick humanitarian response, providing urgent aid to those affected by recent floods in Taiz, Hodeidah, Hajjah, and Marib through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center.