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US destroys 3 Houthi missile launchers in Yemen

US Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107) sails in formation with the FS Forbin (D 620) in the Red Sea. (File/AFP)
US Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107) sails in formation with the FS Forbin (D 620) in the Red Sea. (File/AFP)
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Updated 24 July 2024

US destroys 3 Houthi missile launchers in Yemen

US Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107) sails in formation with the FS Forbin (D 620).
  • US and UK forces have carried out dozens of attacks since January on Houthi-held areas to prevent attacks by the militia on international shipping
  • Houthis say operations at Hodeidah Port have returned to ‘full capacity’ after fires in fuel tanks, caused by an attack by Israel on Saturday, were extinguished

AL-MUKALLA: The US Central Command said on Wednesday that it destroyed three missile launchers on territory in Yemen held by the Houthi militia.

It was the latest in a series of military operations targeting Houthi sites in response to continuing attacks by the militia on international shipping.

“It was determined these weapons presented an imminent threat to US (and) coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region,” the US military said in a message posted on social media platform X. It added that by destroying the launchers it was taking preemptive action to prevent Houthi attacks on international shipping and protect freedom of passage.

US and UK forces have carried out dozens of attacks since January on sites in Sanaa, Hodeidah and other Houthi-held parts of Yemen being used to store missile launchers, unmanned aerial vehicles and drone boats, in an effort to prevent threats to international maritime routes off the coast of Yemen.

Meanwhile, the Houthis said operations at Hodeidah Port, on Yemen’s Red Sea coast, have resumed at “full capacity” after fires in fuel tanks, caused by an attack by Israel at the weekend, were extinguished.

Houthi governor Mohammed Quhim reported on Tuesday night that the blazes were under control, and Houthi officials at the port said it was operational and two ships carrying hundreds of cargo containers and thousands of tonnes of steel had docked.

In response to a Houthi drone strike that killed one person and injured at least 10 in Tel Aviv, Israeli warplanes bombed several parts of Hodeidah on Saturday, including the port, a power station and an area on the city’s northern outskirts. The Houthis said six people were killed and more than 80 injured by the attacks, which destroyed dozens of fuel tanks and a crane at the port.

The militia have demanded that foreign organizations operating in regions under their control provide them with the names and jobs of all employees, as the Houthis intensify their crackdown on Yemenis who work with international organizations or at Western embassies, amid accusations of espionage.

In a letter dated July 17 that circulated on social media this week, the Houthi Supreme Council for the Management and Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and International Cooperation ordered international organizations active in Yemen to provide staffing structures within a week, including the names of workers, their positions and nationalities, and lists of prospective employees for approval.

The Yemeni government’s information minister, Muammar Al-Eryani, said the demand reflects the growing Houthi pressure on foreign organizations to employ workers loyal to the militia so that they can control the flow of international aid to Yemen.

In a message posted on X, he urged international groups operating in the country to transfer their offices from Houthi-controlled regions to the government-controlled southern port city of Aden, the nation’s temporary capital, to protect their staff from Houthi persecution.

“The terrorist Houthi militia considered the hesitant international positions a green light to continue its crimes and violations, and to further escalate its repressive measures towards international and humanitarian organizations working in the areas under its control,” he added.

The Houthis have abducted more than 60 Yemenis working for international organizations and Western missions in recent months, including more than a dozen employees of the UN. They claim Yemeni workers at such organizations are part of a large Israeli and US spy network.


Wildfire kills 10 firefighters and rescue workers in Turkiye

Updated 54 sec ago

Wildfire kills 10 firefighters and rescue workers in Turkiye

Wildfire kills 10 firefighters and rescue workers in Turkiye
The wind suddenly changed direction, causing the flames to shift rapidly
Turkiye has been battling wildfires since June 26

ANKARA: At least 10 firefighters and rescue workers were killed Wednesday and many others injured while battling a wildfire in northwestern Turkiye, the forestry minister Ibrahim Yumakli said.

The five forestry workers and five members of the AKUT rescue organization died while trying to put out the wildfire raging through a forested area of Eskisehir province, Yumakli said. At least 14 other rescuers and forestry workers were hospitalized, he said.

The deaths bring the number of fatalities in wildfires that have flared amid strong winds, high temperatures and dry conditions so far in the country this year to 13.

The minister said the wind suddenly changed direction, causing the flames to shift rapidly and surround the forest workers.

It was not immediately clear what caused the fire.

Turkiye has been battling wildfires since June 26.

An elderly man and two forestry workers were killed in a wildfire that raged near the town of Odemis, in Izmir province, earlier this month.

Israel, Palestinian envoys trade barbs at UN over Gaza

Israel, Palestinian envoys trade barbs at UN over Gaza
Updated 30 min 36 sec ago

Israel, Palestinian envoys trade barbs at UN over Gaza

Israel, Palestinian envoys trade barbs at UN over Gaza
  • More than 100 aid and human rights groups said Wednesday that ‘mass starvation’ was spreading in the Gaza Strip
  • France warned of a growing ‘risk of famine’ caused by ‘the blockade imposed by Israel’

NEW YORK: Palestinian and Israeli envoys traded angry accusations Wednesday at the United Nations over the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, as aid and human rights groups warned of “mass starvation” in the war-torn territory.
Israel is facing growing international pressure over chronic food shortages in Gaza, where more than two million people lack food and other essentials after 21 months of conflict.
Even after Israel began easing a more than two-month aid blockade in late May, Gaza’s population is still suffering extreme scarcities.
“Every day now we receive heart-wrenching messages from Gaza...‘I am hungry,’” Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour told the Security Council.
“This is what our children are saying and every individual in Gaza is saying: ‘I am hungry. There is no food for my family. We are dying. Help us,’” he said.
“What should we tell them? What should the Security Council tell them? That the whole world is against this starvation policy and yet it is worsening?“
But Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon accused Hamas, which rules Gaza, of using the misery to “feed it into their propaganda machine.”
“For Hamas, the suffering of its own people is their greatest weapon,” he said.
Claiming Israel was making the Middle East safer, Danon accused the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs of “bias” against his country.
OCHA is a “propaganda machine” against Israel, he said, which purposely undercounts aid trucks heading into Gaza.
“We will not work with organizations that have chosen politics over principles,” Danon said, with Israel in future granting just one-month visas to the agency’s international staff.
More than 100 aid and human rights groups said Wednesday that “mass starvation” was spreading in the Gaza Strip, and France warned of a growing “risk of famine” caused by “the blockade imposed by Israel.”
“I don’t know what you would call it other than mass starvation — and it’s man-made,” World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters.
The lack of food and water was affecting the ability of journalists to carry out their work documenting the conflict.
AFP’s journalists in Gaza said this week that desperate hunger and lack of clean water is making them ill and exhausted.
Some have even had to cut back on their coverage of the war, now in its 22nd month, with one journalist saying “we have no energy left due to hunger.”


Bahrain to establish permanent diplomatic mission in Beirut

Bahrain to establish permanent diplomatic mission in Beirut
Updated 23 July 2025

Bahrain to establish permanent diplomatic mission in Beirut

Bahrain to establish permanent diplomatic mission in Beirut
  • Joseph Aoun’s trip commemorated the resumption of Bahrain’s diplomatic representation in Lebanon and the 53rd anniversary since the two countries established diplomatic relations
  • Aoun: We look forward to resuming full trade exchange between us, as well as our cooperation in various fields for the good of our peoples and the interests of our two countries

BEIRUT: Bahrain will establish a permanent diplomatic mission in Beirut, King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa has said.

The announcement came during a visit to Bahrain by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.

Aoun’s trip commemorated the resumption of Bahrain’s diplomatic representation in Lebanon and the 53rd anniversary since the two countries established diplomatic relations.

In a statement, Aoun said: “Lebanon looks forward to the full return of the Bahraini embassy to Beirut.

“We look forward to resuming full trade exchange between us, as well as our cooperation in various fields for the good of our peoples and the interests of our two countries.”

King Hamad highlighted Bahrain’s support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, stability and territorial integrity. Bahrain rejects any external interference in Lebanon’s internal affairs, he added, praising Lebanon’s religious diversity and the values of civilized coexistence that characterize its society.

Bahraini Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa took part in the talks held at Al-Qudaibiya Palace in Manama on Wednesday.

A joint statement said that the talks focused on “ways to develop and strengthen relations across all fields to advance common interests.

“We are keen to enhance Lebanese-Bahraini relations and look forward to outcomes that benefit both peoples and nations alike,” it added.

The king highlighted his kingdom’s deep-rooted historical ties with Lebanon. The two sides exchanged views “on regional events and developments of mutual concern,” in addition to “the situation in Lebanon and efforts to address it.”

Aoun praised Bahrain’s support for Lebanon and its people. “We also value Bahrain’s commitment to preserving Lebanon’s unity, security and stability. Lebanon looks forward to strengthening its cooperation with Bahrain to achieve shared benefits and prosperity for both peoples,” the president said.

During the talks, King Hamad highlighted efforts to strengthen the Bahraini-Lebanese joint committee to implement agreements concluded between the two countries, and to explore further opportunities that serve mutual interests. “This remains a consistent priority in our bilateral relations,” he said.

“Bahrain has long welcomed Lebanon’s citizens and those who hold it dear, ensuring their stay is met with warmth and care in recognition of the valuable contributions they have made, and continue to make to the Kingdom,” he added.

The king said Bahrain would stand by Lebanon to restore its prominent role within the Arab world and the international community.

“Lebanon will rise once more to be, as it has always been, a homeland of unity, peace and harmonious coexistence,” he said.

“We hope that this country would continue to serve as a beacon for the Arab East and a gateway to the sought-after regional stability.”

Also attending the talks were Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, personal representative of the king of Bahrain; Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, representative of the king for humanitarian and youth affairs, and national security adviser; and Sheikh Khaled bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, first deputy president of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, president of the General Sports Authority and president of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, along with senior Bahraini and Lebanese officials.

On the second day of his visit to Bahrain, Aoun held a meeting with Bahrain’s Economic Development Board.

He told the board that Lebanon is pursuing investment partnerships based on mutual trust and the belief that his country’s recovery and stability are in the interests of the entire region.

“We closely follow Bahrain’s inspiring experience in economic diversification, infrastructure development and the enhancement of the innovation environment,” he said.

“In this context, I would like to praise Bahrain’s last activities on the international scene, which affirm that Bahrain is an ambitious and effective economic player globally.”

He thanked the kingdom for its support of Lebanon and for embracing its expatriate community.

Lebanon views Bahrain as “an honest partner with whom we can build a new phase of active cooperation on both the government and private sector levels,” he said.

Bahraini Finance Minister Sheikh Salman bin Khalifa Al-Khalifa described the steps taken by the government to implement its economic recovery plan, develop industries and carry out major development projects to ensure growth.

“Bahrain became a service hub for the UAE and Ƶ,” he said.

The minister highlighted improvements in Bahrain’s economic indicators, including significant growth in the oil sector.

Minister of Sustainable Development Noor bint Ali Al-Khulaif said she was keen to maintain and improve ties with Lebanon.

She highlighted investment projects in Bahrain and efforts to improve empowerment programs, as well as the golden residency offered by the kingdom and its impact on economic growth.

The board meeting also discussed the energy sector and investments, as well as the private sector’s role in completing major projects in Bahrain.


Lebanese parliament lifts MP immunity, refers 3 former ministers for corruption probe

Lebanese parliament lifts MP immunity, refers 3 former ministers for corruption probe
Updated 23 July 2025

Lebanese parliament lifts MP immunity, refers 3 former ministers for corruption probe

Lebanese parliament lifts MP immunity, refers 3 former ministers for corruption probe
  • Charges are based on complaints filed by several factory owners accusing George Bouchikian of committing offences during his tenure as minister of industry
  • 88 members approved the referral of former telecommunications ministers Boutros Harb, Nicolas Sehnaoui and Jamal Jarrah to an investigative committee

BEIRUT: The Lebanese Parliament voted by a majority of 99 out of 128 members on Wednesday to lift the immunity of MP George Bouchikian, paving the way for a civil prosecution on charges of embezzlement, forgery and extortion.

The charges are based on complaints filed by several factory owners accusing Bouchikian of committing the offences during his tenure as minister of industry in former Prime Minister Najib Mikati’s government.

In a separate vote, 88 members approved the referral of former telecommunications ministers Boutros Harb, Nicolas Sehnaoui and Jamal Jarrah to an investigative committee over documented allegations of “mismanaging tens of millions of dollars in building leases and contracting operations.”

Public Prosecutor Jamal Hajjar submitted a formal request to the General Secretariat of Parliament to lift Bouchikian’s parliamentary immunity.

Hajjar questioned Bouchikian as a witness in late June but the former minister left Lebanon for Canada shortly afterwards, confirmed in a statement given two days ago. He is not expected to return now his parliamentary immunity has been removed.

A judicial source told Arab News: “Bouchikian was questioned following testimony from factory owners who alleged that he, through his office manager and private driver, accepted payments between $50,000 and $70,000 for each work permit application submitted.”

According to the source, the investigating judge at the time “lacked the authority to arrest Bouchikian or confiscate his passport due to his parliamentary immunity. It appears he took advantage of this loophole to leave the country, anticipating that formal charges were imminent.”

The source added: “Four employees have been detained and charged in connection with the case, while Bouchikian’s office manager and driver went into hiding.”

This is the first time parliamentary immunity has been lifted since 2000, when it was stripped from MP Chahe Barsoumian over a corruption case related to oil storage contracts.

The move came during former president Emile Lahoud’s high-profile campaign against corruption and waste. This largely targeted officials from the era of his predecessor, Elias Hrawi, and Rafik Hariri, the late prime minister who led most of Hrawi’s governments.

Barsoumian was eventually acquitted following Hariri’s assassination in 2005 and the election of a new parliament dominated by opponents of the previous establishment. In 2004, a parliamentary investigative committee concluded that “the acts attributed to Barsoumian were not sufficiently proven, and there was no legal basis for indictment or prosecution.”

Meanwhile in its legislative session, the Lebanese parliament summoned former telecommunications ministers Harb, Sehnaoui, and Jarrah. The three appeared in order to submit legal defenses against allegations of administrative and financial irregularities raised by the Financial Judiciary, which had formally requested their referral to the Supreme Council for the Trial of Presidents and Ministers. All MPs opposed the treatment of the ministers as a single case.

The case of the three ministers is linked to several issues, including that of the Kassabian building, which was leased by MIC 2. Rental fees for the first four years totaled $10 million, but the company did not benefit from it due to its unsuitability. The state is still paying the rent.

The second case concerns the squandering of millions of dollars by using the revenues of the two mobile phone companies to fund various social activities.

In 2022, a group of MPs filed an indictment against the three ministers in the telecommunications case, referring them to the Supreme Council for the Trial of Presidents and Ministers.

Harb, a prominent figure in Lebanon’s sovereign bloc, told the parliament his conscience was clear “because I did not breach the law, but rather preserved public funds and stopped waste, and I am fully prepared to cooperate with any investigative committee formed.”

Sehnaoui told MPs: “My conscience is clear, and I was the one who negotiated with the owner of the building that was being rented to unify the workplace of Touch Mobile employees at the lowest price.”

He also claimed Zain International inspected the building and stated it was suitable.

“It was later discovered that it could not support the very heavy equipment on its roof and needed modifications. How could I know that it was not if the international company stated otherwise?” he said.

Jarrah stated: “The Financial Public Prosecutor did not request any documents or papers to prove our statements regarding the funding of social activities. When we left his office, we heard about our accusations in the media.”


Jordan dispatches trucks with flour as starvation spreads in war-torn Gaza

Jordan dispatches trucks with flour as starvation spreads in war-torn Gaza
Updated 23 July 2025

Jordan dispatches trucks with flour as starvation spreads in war-torn Gaza

Jordan dispatches trucks with flour as starvation spreads in war-torn Gaza
  • Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization dispatched four food convoys to Gaza this week with a total of 147 trucks of essential food supplies and humanitarian aid
  • Efforts to deliver aid through international organizations have encountered persistent challenges, especially at the Israeli border, where convoys are often delayed

LONDON: Jordan has dispatched dozens of food trucks to the Palestinian coastal enclave of the Gaza Strip this week, with the latest delivery of flour on Wednesday to help Palestinians amid the Israeli military campaign in the territory.

The country’s charitable arm, Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization, or JHCO, announced that the latest aid convoy entered through the Zikim border crossing, also known as Erez West, in northern Gaza.

This week, the JHCO coordinated with the country’s armed forces, World Central Kitchen, or WCK, and the World Food Program, or WFP, to dispatch four food convoys to Gaza. A total of 147 trucks delivered essential food supplies and humanitarian aid, primarily flour.

The JHCO and WFP facilitated the entry of 111 trucks, while WCK arranged for the remaining 36 trucks, reaffirming their commitment to oversee the distribution of supplies to affected residents.

Videos on social media shared by Jordanian journalists show Palestinians carrying sacks of flour from distribution points in northern Gaza on Wednesday.

Efforts to deliver aid through international organizations have encountered persistent challenges, especially at the Israeli border, where convoys are often delayed, according to JHCO. Some obstacles include the use of live ammunition against individuals approaching the crossings to obtain aid, it added.

The Gaza Strip continues to face instability and occasional direct attacks on aid convoys as well as attempts to loot supplies and hinder the safe delivery of humanitarian assistance, the charity added.