Yemen Roundup: Mysterious airstrip, Iran dismisses help claims, Gaza ceasefire celebration
Mysterious airstrip appears
A new airstrip is nearing completion on Abd al-Kuri Island in Yemen, with satellite images indicating significant construction activity. The runway, which appears to be built by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), could serve military operations in a region experiencing increased Houthi rebel attacks, which have halved commercial shipping through the Gulf of Aden. The UAE has been actively expanding its military presence in Yemen amid the ongoing conflict with the Iranian-backed Houthis, who have escalated their campaign amid regional tensions tied to the Israel-Hamas war. AP reports that the airstrip may facilitate surveillance and weapons interdiction against Houthi smuggling routes. Analysts warn that a new escalation in the war could occur soon, especially with incoming U.S. leadership under President-elect Donald Trump, who may take a firmer stance against the Houthis.
US warplanes strike northwest Yemen in fresh aggression
US warplanes conducted at least five airstrikes in Yemen's Harf Sufyan district, following comments from Yemeni leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi that military operations would persist against Israeli-linked targets in response to ongoing strikes in Gaza. The Yemeni armed forces have been targeting Israeli and American interests, aiming to pressure an end to Israel's offensive in Gaza, which has resulted in significant Palestinian casualties. Houthi emphasized that attacks would continue until Israel ceases its military actions, MEHR reports.
Yemen conducts missile attack on US destroyer, occupied lands
Yemen's military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, announced a large-scale missile attack targeting Israeli positions in Eilat and Jaffa. MEHR reports that the operations involved four cruise missiles and drones, successfully striking key targets. Additionally, the Yemeni Navy targeted the US aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman during these operations, coinciding with a supportive march for Palestine in Sanaa.
Iran dismisses claims of training, providing help to Yemen
Iran has dismissed allegations from a UN report suggesting it is training and aiding Yemen's Ansarullah group. Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani criticized the report for relying on unfounded assumptions about weapon similarities and unverified sources. He asserted that such claims do not prove Iranian involvement, as similar weapons can be produced globally through reverse engineering. According to MEHR, Iravani also rejected specific accusations regarding coordination with Ansarullah and claimed a recent military operation was a self-defence measure, responding to an Israeli attack. He emphasised that Iran does not operate through proxy groups.
Yemenis celebrate Gaza ceasefire deal as shared victory against Israeli aggression
Hundreds of thousands of Yemenis celebrated a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel, marking a hopeful step toward peace after 15 months of conflict in Gaza. Demonstrators in various Yemeni cities displayed Palestinian flags and images of martyred leaders, voicing solidarity with Gaza. Ammar Amri, a Sanaa teacher, emphasized Yemen's continued support for the Gazans despite the risks of Israeli airstrikes targeting Yemen as retaliation for Houthi attacks. The ceasefire, announced by Qatar’s Prime Minister, involves an exchange of prisoners and aims to finalize a permanent end to hostilities. Houthi leader Abdulmalek Al-Houthi praised Palestinian resilience but warned that attacks would resume if Israeli aggression continues. The 15-month conflict has resulted in severe humanitarian crises, with over 46,000 Palestinians killed and millions displaced. While there is hope that the ceasefire will lessen violence, opinions vary among Yemenis about its implications for regional dynamics and the path to lasting peace for Palestine, New Arab reports.
