Yemen Faces Detrimental Crises, U.S. Strikes Remain Restrained

YEMEN

THE EARLY PHOENIX

Houthi Update

August 19, 2024

Yemen’s Devastating Floods, Imminent Famine, and Malnutrition Crisis

Heavy rains across Yemen have led to nearly 700 deaths and displaced thousands, devastating infrastructure and livelihoods. In the past ten days, floods killed 98 people and injured over 600 others. In Hodeidah Governorate, the floods destroyed 13 villages, submerged streets, and swept away cars, leaving many missing. The disaster affected 69,500 families, with significant damage to homes and livestock, while ongoing relief efforts face critical funding shortfalls. The United Nations reports imminent famine in Yemen, with a 34 percent increase in malnourished children and 223,000 women affected.

U.S. Forces Destroy Houthi Water Drones, Command Center

U.S. forces destroyed a Houthi drone boat in the Red Sea and a Houthi-controlled command center. On Sunday, US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that its forces successfully destroyed a Houthi uncrewed aerial vehicle in a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen.

Houthis Detain Yemenia Airlines Planes and Assets

The Iranian-backed Houthis have detained four Yemenia Airlines planes and $120 million in assets in Sana’a for over a year. The situation escalated on June 26, when the planes were seized while transporting Yemeni pilgrims from Jeddah. Yemenia Airlines unions are calling for urgent talks with company leadership in Amman, Jordan, to resolve the issue. The Yemeni government’s Ministry of Transport in Aden has urged travel agencies in Houthi-controlled areas to relocate to government-controlled regions to continue their operations.

Yemen’s Children Exploited by Houthis

The Iranian-backed Houthis have increased child recruitment efforts in Yemen, using the Gaza conflict to lure vulnerable children. They target impoverished rural areas, offering financial incentives and religious propaganda. Since October, 31 child soldiers recruited by the Houthis have died in combat. Houthis use schools and mosques to incite support for Gaza, exploiting Yemenis’ sympathy for the Palestinian cause.

Yemen War Authorization Forged by Saudi Crown Prince, Ex-Official Claims

emen’s war was launched by a forged decree, initiated by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, according to ex-official Saad al-Jabri. Al-Jabri, now exiled in Canada, claimed in a BBC interview that the crown prince forged King Salman’s signature. The conflict, expected to be brief, has lasted nearly a decade, causing over 150,000 deaths and a severe humanitarian crisis. Saudi Arabia dismissed al-Jabri as a “discredited former government official” and has not responded to these allegations.

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