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US, UK, French Ambassadors: Houthi Attacks Harm All Yemenis

Houthi militants in Sanaa chanting the group’s slogans (AFP)
Houthi militants in Sanaa chanting the group’s slogans (AFP)
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US, UK, French Ambassadors: Houthi Attacks Harm All Yemenis

Houthi militants in Sanaa chanting the group’s slogans (AFP)
Houthi militants in Sanaa chanting the group’s slogans (AFP)

The ambassadors of the US, UK, and France have condemned Houthi attacks against infrastructure in Yemen and the group’s actions that threaten the peace process and damage the Yemeni economy.

The three ambassadors called on the Houthis to stop further attacks on civilian infrastructure. They also urged the militias to remove restrictions imposed on women, especially those working in the humanitarian field.

Moreover, the diplomats said they discussed Saudi and Omani efforts spent towards achieving a peaceful solution through dialogue with the Houthis and in coordination with the United Nations Special Envoy, Hans Grundberg, and the Yemeni government.

The ambassadors said that those efforts were pivotal for achieving a sustainable peace in Yemen.

They emphasized the importance of a thriving economy in Yemen, the provision of job and livelihood opportunities for the Yemeni people, and the provision of basic public services.

The ambassadors also renewed their support for Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), the government and the central bank in Aden.

They affirmed that they would work with the international community to mobilize support for Yemen.

Urgent support is necessary to prevent a further deterioration of the Yemeni economy.

“Yemen possesses natural resources that enable it to meet the needs of its citizens if it is able to resume exporting oil and gas, without being attacked by the Houthis,” the ambassadors said in a joint statement.

They expressed their concern towards the grave humanitarian situation in Yemen.

Worsening humanitarian conditions have left 17 million vulnerable Yemenis in need of relief aid in 2023.

The statement urged Yemen’s warring parties to allow freedom of movement for aid, so that it reaches beneficiaries in need.

To date, obstacles, interference, and lack of security continue to limit aid delivery.

The ambassadors concluded their statement by calling on “Houthis to advance the interests of Yemenis and engage constructively with all parties in their efforts to achieve peace.”

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Arab World

Israeli Army Reaches Outskirts of Litani River in Southern Lebanon

An Israeli tank loaded onto a truck being transported to the border with southern Lebanon in the Upper Galilee (EPA)
An Israeli tank loaded onto a truck being transported to the border with southern Lebanon in the Upper Galilee (EPA)
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Israeli Army Reaches Outskirts of Litani River in Southern Lebanon

An Israeli tank loaded onto a truck being transported to the border with southern Lebanon in the Upper Galilee (EPA)
An Israeli tank loaded onto a truck being transported to the border with southern Lebanon in the Upper Galilee (EPA)

Israeli forces have launched their largest ground incursion into southern Lebanon since the conflict began, reaching the outskirts of the Litani River near Deirmimas.

They entered the town’s edges in an effort to separate Nabatieh from Marjayoun and prepare for an attack on the town of Taybeh from the west and north.

This move also aimed to neutralize Taybeh hill, which overlooks the Khiam plain, where Israel plans to extend its operations and capture the city of Khiam.

Lebanese media reported that Israel set up a checkpoint at the Deirmimas junction, cutting off Marjayoun from Nabatieh.

They also blocked the western entrance to Deirmimas near a fuel station using earth mounds, with Israeli military vehicles stationed there. Reports also said Israeli forces prevented UNIFIL and the Lebanese army from passing toward Marjayoun.

Lebanese sources following the battle in the south reported that Israeli forces advanced five kilometers west from the town of Kfar Kila, moving through olive groves. This advance took advantage of the absence of Hezbollah fighters in Christian areas like Qlayaa, Bir al-Muluk, and Deirmimas.

The sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that this allowed Israeli forces to reach the outskirts of the Litani River for the first time since 2006, cutting off Nabatieh from Marjayoun. Israeli artillery had previously targeted this route several times, and drones had carried out strikes there.

Israel supported its ground advance with heavy artillery fire. Lebanese security sources said Israeli artillery targeted hills overlooking Deirmimas throughout Thursday night into Friday, hitting locations like Beaufort Castle, Arnoun, Yihmour, Wadi Zawtar, and Deir Siryan.

This fire typically provides cover for infantry advances. The sources also confirmed that Israeli ground movements were backed by airstrikes and drones for added security.

They speculated the advance followed a route from Kfar Kila through Tall al-Nahas and Bir al-Muluk toward Deirmimas, which is almost empty of residents and has no Hezbollah presence.

Hezbollah fired rockets at Israeli forces in the area, with three statements confirming the targeting of Israeli positions and vehicles near Deirmimas.

Media reports mentioned multiple rocket strikes on Israeli targets in Khiam and near Tall al-Nahas, as well as a guided missile attack on Israeli movements near oil groves close to the Marqos station at Deirmimas’ edge.

A photo shared by Lebanese media showed an Israeli tank behind an exposed hill east of Qlayaa, protected from the west and north. To the south, Israeli forces entered the town of Deirmimas, which overlooks the position.

Military expert Mustafa Asaad said the image, showing a bulldozer behind a tank at the Qlayaa-Marjayoun-Deirmimas junction, suggests that infantry units secured the area—either on foot or in fast vehicles—before entering Deirmimas.

The town’s mayor confirmed to local media that Israeli forces made a “small incursion” into Deirmimas, advancing through olive groves from Kfar Kila.

Hezbollah has stated it does not have military positions in Christian or Druze areas in southern Lebanon, as these communities oppose its presence. Sources close to Hezbollah say this is due to political reasons and security concerns.