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Statement on the Houthi attack, which killed over 100 worshipers and injured more than 100 others in Marib, Yemen

Statement on the Houthi attack and war crime perpetrated this past Saturday, which killed over 100 worshipers and injured more than 100 others in Marib, Yemen

January 21, 2020

The Embassy of the Republic of Yemen in Washington, DC, strongly condemns the most recent Houthi war crime perpetrated this past Saturday, which killed 111 worshipers and injured more than 100 others. The Iran-backed Houthi militias launched three ballistic missiles at a mosque in Al Meil during Magreb prayers, in violation of the Geneva Convention and all international human rights law. The Houthis deliberately targeted a place of worship during prayer time to maximize fatalities in direct contravention of all international human rights law, making this atrocity a clear war crime.

Since the Houthis violently overthrew Sana’a in 2014, they have committed 738 violations against places of worship and worshipers, causing the full or partial destruction of 73 mosques. These violations include the bombing, shelling, and looting of mosques, as well as detention of imams and the conversion of mosques into military barracks.

“The Iran-backed Houthis committed an egregious war crime when they targeted worshipers during prayer time,” said Ambassador of Yemen to the US, Ahmed Awad BinMubarak. “The Geneva Convention and international human rights law forbid this inhumane kind of attack on places of worship. The United Nations and international community must condemn this barbaric attack, and take action to ensure the Houthis do not get away with such blatant disregard for human life and international law.”

The Houthis have violated international law thousands of times since they stormed the capital of Yemen in 2014. The United Nations has documented proof of Houthi recruitment of child soldiers, diversion of humanitarian aid, landmine contamination, civilian targeting and countless other violations of human rights. Yemen’s Ministry of Human Rights urges the United Nations and the UN Security Council to issue a binding resolution against the Houthi militias to cease all violations, especially those against places of worship. Further, the UN must do more to protect places of worship at risk during war.

Statement on US Seizure of Iranian Weapons Bound for Yemen

The Embassy of the Republic of Yemen Denounces Iran’s Continued Illegal Transfer of Arms to Houthi Militias, Recognizes United States’ Support for Peace and Security in Yemen

December 6, 2019

The Embassy of Yemen in Washington, D.C., emphatically denounces Iran’s illegal transfer of arms and weapon components to the Houthi militias in Yemen. The US Department of State announced yesterday that on November 25th, a US Navy warship seized advanced missile parts from an Iranian boat headed to Yemen in brazen disregard for international law. These parts include anti-ship cruise missiles, land-attack cruise missiles, air defense missiles, and anti-tank missiles. The Embassy welcomes the continued support of the United States in combating the Iran-backed Houthi militias and broader Iranian aggression on the Arabian Peninsula.

“Iran has sought to destabilize Yemen for years by supplying sophisticated weaponry and training to the Houthi militias, one of many Iranian terrorist proxies in the region who share their hateful ideology,” said Ambassador of the Republic of Yemen Dr. Ahmed Awad BinMubarak. “The United Nations has prohibited Iran from supplying any of its proxies with weapons, yet Iran continues to violate international law with its campaign of violent imperialism. The Government of Yemen will never allow an Iranian terrorist proxy to threaten its people, and we appreciate the United States’ support in combating this Iranian aggression.”

Iran has provided financial, military and political support to the Houthi rebels since the beginning of the conflict. The UN and other international observers have extensively documented the transfer of Iranian weapon technology and military training to Houthi militias. Iran has smuggled illegal sea mine and landmine components, ballistic missile parts, drone devices and technology, and a massive amount of conventional weaponry and munitions into the arms of the Houthi militias.

The technology and arms in these illegal shipments have becoming more advanced and sophisticated over time, and this most recent seizure showcased the most advanced missile technology sent to Yemen to date, according to Brian Hook, US State Department Special Envoy to Iran.

As Hook explains, “Iran is trying to prolong Yemen’s conflict. The Yemeni people have suffered far too long, and Iran has no legitimate interest in Yemen.”

Embassy of the Republic of Yemen Strongly Condemns Houthis and Urges International Community to Act Against the Houthis Abduction and Detention of Yemeni Journalists, Politicians, Academics, and Activists

Embassy of the Republic of Yemen Strongly Condemns Houthis and Urges International Community to Act Against the Houthis Abduction and Detention of Yemeni Journalists, Politicians, Academics, and Activists.

November 15, 2019

The Embassy of the Republic of Yemen in Washington, D.C., reaffirms its categorical denunciation of the Iran-backed Houthi militias’ abduction and detention of Yemeni journalists, academics, politicians, and activists for their political beliefs. In May 2019, the Houthis sentenced 16 journalists to death on completely false allegations (as the Embassy noted in its tweet on May 10, 2019, and its letter to the Committee to Protect Journalists). Just two months later, in July 2019 Houthi militias sentenced another 30 innocent Yemenis to death for alleged affiliation with a rival political party. These and other sentences are a gross violation of human rights and the right to due process for all Yemenis. Since then, all of these innocent Yemenis have been held in captivity in miserable conditions, suffering beatings and torture at the hand of their Houthi captors.

Recently, the Embassy of the Republic of Yemen in Washington, D.C., has received many letters by international NGOs and concerned activists who have called for an immediate release of all prisoners, abductees and those who were forcibly disappeared by the Houthi militias.

“These letters from concerned individuals and organizations demonstrate the world’s desire to see these political prisoners freed from captivity,” said Ambassador of the Republic of Yemen Dr. Ahmed Awab BinMubarak. The Iran-backed Houthi militias continue to violate the basic human rights of those within their territory, and they have failed to uphold the release of all political prisoners, a critical component of the Stockholm Agreement.”

The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights (UNOHCHR) issued a statement in July confirming that the 30 Houthi prisoners were “subjected to arbitrary or unlawful detention, as well as torture and other ill-treatment in custody.” This atrocity must not be allowed to continue.

The government of Yemen calls on UN Security-General António Guterres and the international community to exercise the necessary and maximum pressure on the Houthi militias to stop their illegal trials of political prisoners and to immediately release all prisoners in accordance with the Stockholm Agreement and the related UN Security Council Resolutions.

Statement on the Riyadh Agreement

Statement on the Riyadh Agreement

November 5th, 2019 – WASHINGTON, DC

The Embassy of the Republic of Yemen welcomes the Riyadh Agreement as an important step to preserving the Yemeni state and restoring government institutions in the interim capital of Aden. This agreement will be conducive for a new era of stability and to foster a deeper domestic engagement for the Government of H.E. President Hadi to serve the people of Yemen and to help bring our country closer to peace. The Riyadh Agreement will act as a roadmap to finding a peaceful, political solution to the broader conflict in Yemen.

“With this agreement, all Yemenis will continue to enjoy equal rights and representation under a new Cabinet, ushering in a new phase of stability, security, and development,” said Ambassador His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Awad BinMubarak“.

The role of state authorities and institutions has been reaffirmed, all forms of discrimination have been renounced, and now we can get back to resolving the conflict that was started by the Iran-backed Houthi militias.”

The Embassy reiterates the profound appreciation of the legitimate Government of Yemen to our friend and partner, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for their indispensable efforts in brokering this agreement. Moreover, their international leadership has been crucial in confronting the malign influence of Iran and providing relief to the people of Yemen.

The Yemeni government will stand united in our efforts to end the Iranian-backed Houthi coup and bring an end to the conflict. Military forces from across the spectrum and from all groups will be incorporated together and consolidated under the exclusive command & control of the authorities of the legitimate Government of Yemen, which will save our country from those who have done so much harm to it.

All resources will now be directed into supporting the national interest and paving the way in securing a better and more prosperous future for all of Yemen.

Statement Issued by The Presidential Office of the Republic of Yemen

Statement Issued by

The Presidential Office of the Republic of Yemen

August 29, 2019

The armed rebel militias went out and attacked all state institutions and camps in the temporary capital Aden with the support, funding, and planning of the United Arab Emirates. They then expanded towards Lahj and Abyan governorates, storming state institutions and military camps until they reached Shabwa (the land of Osan, Qataban and Hemiar), where their ambitions were heroically resisted by the determined and valiant units of our national army and tribes, which resulted in the cleansing of Shabwah from the outlawed militias.

I then directed for a general amnesty to all members of the so-called Shabwani Elite forces and ordered to accommodate them within the Army and Security Units. All are Yemenis, and I was and still keen on including them all.

Unfortunately, the United Arab Emirates has exploited the current circumstances to sway them against the legitimate state institutions. However, many stood by the units of the National Army to liberate the entire Abyan governorate and continued to the gates of Aden, where the world witnessed the great popular support for them from the people of Aden.

However, we were surprised by the UAE’s air raids against citizens and members of our National Army within populated neighborhoods in Aden, which led forces to withdraw to spare Aden and its people the consequences of the insane destruction by the militias of the so-called Southern Transitional Council, supported by an air cover and military raids from United Arab Emirates aircrafts.

We were further surprised when United Arab Emirates aircrafts carried out strikes on Thursday morning, August 29, 2019, killing dozens of soldiers (who are now martyrs) and wounding many others in Abyan and Aden, accompanied by campaigns of incursions, arrests and even extrajudicial executions of wounded in some hospitals in Abyan.

Our fateful battle today is the battle to defend the unity, integrity, and stability of the homeland of the forefathers and future Yemenis in Federal Yemen. There cannot be as a consequence of the collective determination of our brothers in the Arab battle against Iran, any rupture to our country!

I have directed all Government institutions to take all necessary measures at various levels to face this blatant targeting against our country and its territorial integrity.

The weapons and arsenal of Iran and its militias could not intimidate us, nor will we be intimidated by the warplanes targeting our land. We will reclaim Aden and reinstate its legitimate institutions, which will bring us closer to liberating Sana’a and defeating the Iranian-Houthi agenda, which is now the biggest beneficiary of the disruption of the state and its legitimate functions.

I call on ALL Yemenis to stand steadfast by the national army in its decisive battle to reject all the regional and devious agendas for divisions, so that we move forward towards the future and a new Yemen, based on justice, equality, and development. The new federal Yemen will not exclude anyone!

On behalf of all our Yemeni people, I would like to express our gratitude and appreciation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, our partners of victory and destiny, the leader of the Arab Coalition. We reiterate our call on them to intervene to stop this blatant interference of supporting those militias and using aerial bombardment against our armed forces.

Statement By the Government of Yemen On The Aerial Bombardment Undertaken By The United Arab Emirates Against The Troops Of The Legitimate Government In The Interim Capital Aden

Statement By the Government of Yemen On The Aerial Bombardment Undertaken By The United Arab Emirates Against The Troops Of The Legitimate Government In The Interim Capital Aden

August 29, 2019

The Government of the Republic of Yemen condemns the aerial bombardment undertaken by the united Arab emirates against the troops of the legitimate government in the interim capital Aden and environs of the city and also in the city of Zinjibar in the governorate of Abyan which resulted in deaths and injuries among innocent civilians and from our valiant armed forces.

We hold the UAE fully responsible for this blatant assault which is inconsistent with law and international legal instruments.

We renew our demand that UAE stops all kinds of financial and military support to all military formations outside the control of the state and rule of law.

We appeal to the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its wise leadership as the leader of the coalition to support legitimacy in Yemen to stand aside by the legitimate government and stop this illegal and unjustified military escalation.

The government of Yemen reserves its legal right guaranteed by international law and by the charter of the United Nations to take all measures required to stop this dangerous assault and escalation

We call on the international community especially the security council to condemn this blatant assault and to carry out its responsibility in preserving the security, peace, unity, and integrity of all Yemen pursuant to all the relevant international resolutions.

EMBASSY OF YEMEN CATEGORICALLY DENOUNCES HOUTHI TERRORISM IN ADEN

August 01, 2019

EMBASSY OF YEMEN CATEGORICALLY DENOUNCES HOUTHI TERRORISM IN ADEN

The Embassy of the Republic of Yemen categorically denounces the terrorist attacks perpetrated by the Iranian-backed Houthi militias in Aden today, killing 51 people and wounding at least 56 more. A Houthi suicide bomber killed at least 10 individuals at a police station, and a missile strike against a peaceful military graduation ceremony killed more than 40 young graduates.

The official Houthi television station Al Masirah was eager to trumpet these attacks, boasting about the death and injury of more than 100 Yemenis. These ruthless, cowardly tactics and subsequent broadcasting of the victims as a triumph mirrors the abhorrent celebrations of ISIS militants following the church bombings in Sri Lanka and other terrorist attacks carried out by the Islamic State.

“The Iranian-backed Houthi militias have increased the brutality and frequency of their attacks on the Yemeni people, crippling peace efforts and implementation of the Stockholm agreements. This past week, the Houthis fired Katyusha rockets at a marketplace, killing more than a dozen innocent Yemenis, including four children. Now they perpetrate dual terror attacks in Yemen’s capital, bringing the total casualties to nearly 200 people in only a few days,” said His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Awad BinMubarak, Ambassador of Yemen to the United States. “This reckless escalation in terrorist attacks by Houthi militias is deeply concerning. The United Nations and international community must act swiftly and strongly to preserve the Stockholm agreements and Yemen’s hope for peace.”

On Monday, Houthi militias launched Katyusha rockets at a civilian marketplace in Al Thabit killing 14 people, four of whom were children. The Houthis have also increased the frequency of cross-border attacks on civilian targets, firing missiles at Abha International Airport in Saudi Arabia twice last month, killing one civilian and injuring more than 50 others.

Since the signing of the Stockholm agreement in December 2018, the Houthis have committed more than 5,000 violations of the agreement and refused to implement other key aspects of the signed commitments. The United Nations and the international community must confront the Houthi militias and hold them to account for the agreements signed under UN supervision.

Press Release : Houthi Missile Strike Kills 14, Wounds Dozens in Al Thabit Marketplace

July 29, 2019

Houthi Missile Strike Kills 14, Wounds Dozens in Al Thabit Marketplace

July 29, 2019 – Washington DC- The Embassy of Yemen condemns the heinous Houthi missile strikes on a civilian marketplace in Saada, which killed at least 14 civilians and injured dozens more. The Iranian-backed Houthis launched Katyusha rockets at the marketplace in the Qatabir district, deliberately targeting civilians. This is yet another example of the Houthis’ brazen disregard for Yemeni civilians and international war law.

“The Houthis have repeatedly attacked civilians as a fundamental tactic of their war on the Yemeni people,” said Dr. Ahmed Awad BinMubarak, Ambassador of Yemen to the United States. “Houthi war crimes have plagued Yemen since the Houthis began this conflict in 2014. The United Nations, the United States, and the international community must denounce this missile strike on innocent Yemeni civilians and pressure the Houthis to cease all missile strikes against civilian populations both within Yemen’s boundaries and across international borders into Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.”

The cynicism of the Houthi attack was underlined by the rebel group’s coordinated attempt to blame the attack on external forces. This information campaign by the Houthis proves that the attack was clearly premeditated, and the Houthis tried to deflect blame because they knew what they were doing was wrong.

The Iran-backed Houthi militias receive munitions, weapons, training, and financial support from their allies in Tehran. The United Nations, the US Department of State and other international organizations have documented shipments of ballistic missile components, drone material and training provided to the Houthi militias by the Iranian regime.

HOUTHIS CONDEMN 30 DETRACTORS TO DEATH: NEW EVIDENCE POINTS TO TORTURE OF DETAINEES

HOUTHIS CONDEMN 30 DETRACTORS TO DEATH

NEW EVIDENCE POINTS TO TORTURE OF DETAINEES

On July 12, the United Nations Office of the High Counselor on Human Rights demanded the Iran-backed Houthi militias in Yemen rescind their death sentence against 30 political prisoners, citing credible allegations of torture and ill-treatment. Several prominent world leaders and organizations have made similar requests. The Yemen Government continues to demand their immediate release.

UN Human Rights Council – “Deeply Alarmed”

The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights says it is “deeply alarmed” at death penalty sentences handed down to 30 men, asking the Houthi’s to dismiss the politically-motived charges. “At no point were they given a proper chance to present a defense, the arrests took place without a warrant, and they were held without being brought to court for several months or up to a year” [1]

Amnesty International – “Mockery of Justice”

According to Amnesty International Middle East Director of Research Lynn Maalouf: “This trial was a mockery of justice and only confirms how the judiciary, is turning into a tool of repression. Today, thirty individuals, and all of their loved ones, are bracing for what is the ultimate cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment, and handed down following such flagrantly unfair trials. We call on the Houthi authorities to quash these unjust convictions and brutal sentences and release the 30 men immediately.”[2]

Member of Canadian Parliament – “Houthis Must Drop Charges”

Member of Canadian Parliament David Anderson tweeted on July 9: “Once again, I call on the Houthi authorities in #Yemen to immediately drop all charges against Yemeni Baha’i, Hamed bin Haydara, who is appealing his death sentence ahead of his court hearing today. #YemeniBahais” [3]

Reuters – “Torture and Lack of Access to Medical Care”

Reporting from Geneva, a July 12 story in Reuters stated: “Detainees include Youssef al-Bawab, a linguistics professor and political figure who was held in detention amid allegations of torture and lack of access to legal counsel and medical care.”[4]

USCIRF – “Egregious Violation of Justice”

On July 1, The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom called on the Houthis to release Hamid bin Haidaricase, whose case “is an egregious violation of justice based on the Houthis’ intolerance of religious minorities in Yemen.” [5]

[1] https://twitter.com/UNGeneva/status/1149703215388270592

[2] https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2019/07/yemen-huthi-run-court-sentences-30-political-opposition-figures-to-death-following-sham-trial/

[3] https://twitter.com/DavidAndersonSK/status/1148571735945633792

[4] https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-yemen-security-un/u-n-urges-yemen-houthi-court-to-review-30-death-sentences-idUKKCN1U7199

[5] https://www.uscirf.gov/news-room/press-releases-statements/uscirf-calls-houthi-court-in-yemen-overturn-death-sentence

Embassy of Republic of Yemen Condemns Houthis for Illegal Death Sentence of 30 Political Prisoners, Urges International Community to Act

July 12, 2019

Embassy of Republic of Yemen Condemns Houthis for Illegal Death Sentence of 30 Political Prisoners, Urges International Community to Act

The Embassy of the Republic of Yemen unequivocally condemns the Iran-backed Houthi militias for sentencing 30 political prisoners to death through falsified charges and a fraudulent trial. This sentencing represents an immense violation of human rights and the right to due process. The 30 prisoners are academics, politicians, students, and civilians. None of them have engaged in the conflict or fought against the Houthis.

“Every Yemeni citizen has a right to a fair trial and due process,” said His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Ahmed Awad BinMubarak, Ambassador of Yemen to the United States. “The Houthis have exhibited a blatant disrespect for the basic rule of law and international human rights. There are confirmed reports that the Houthis have tortured these innocent civilians. I appreciate the United Nations statement on this issue, and I would urge the United States Congress to take a stand against these flagrant human rights violations and pass the Hurd/Cotton resolutions condemning the Houthis.”

The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights (UNOHCHR) issued a statement early Friday morning that confirmed the 30 Houthi prisoners were “subjected to arbitrary or unlawful detention, as well as torture and other ill-treatment in custody.” UNOHCHR called upon the Houthis to dismiss these “politically motivated” charges and release those who have been imprisoned under false charges.

The Iran-backed Houthi militias have committed thousands of atrocities against the people of Yemen including the recruitment of child soldiers, the diversion of humanitarian aid and the indiscriminate deployment of landmines in civilian areas. At this time, there are concurrent resolutions in the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate that condemn the Houthis for their myriad human rights abuses and international war crimes.