Editorial Note: The following news reports are summaries from original sources. They may also include corrections of Arabic names and political terminology. Comments are in parentheses. Share the link of this article with your facebook friends

 

As Covid-19 Spreads in Yemen, Saudi Air Strikes Continue, Causing More Losses in Human Life and Property

May 25, 2020 

A Yemeni man injued durign a Saudi air strike on Sa'da, file, May 26, 2020	A crowd of Yemeni-Houthi officials disinfecting a street, May 23, 2020

 

***

The following news stories are from the Yemeni independent website Al-Masdar ( http://www.almasdaronline.com/category/42  ):

*** 

After COVID-19 cover-up, Houthis acknowledge spread and enact stricter measures

 Almasdar Online -  SATURDAY, 23 MAY, 2020 -

The Houthi authorities released a statement early Saturday listing nine measures for residents to abide by ahead of the Eid holiday in order to “address the risks of corona and confront it with greater awareness.” The move marks a shift in position by the group, which has been widely criticized for failing to prepare for the pandemic, and concerns continue that the move will be too little, too late to contain the spread of COVID-19.

The Houthi-run Ministry of Health statement, which acknowledges the “emergence of cases in different parts of the country,” tells residents to only go outside when necessary, and to wear a mask when outside. The statement also calls on Yemenis to refrain from travel during Eid, to avoid shaking hands or other physical greetings, and to prevent children from receiving money or sweets – typical Eid gifts – due to the possibility of transmitting the virus.

The Houthis have been widely criticized for their delayed response to the COVID-19 crisis. Earlier in May, Almasdar Online English uncovered that Houthi authorities had concealed around 100 confirmed cases in Sana’a of the deadly virus, and had done so by intimidating doctors and other officials.  

The following is the text of the statement of Houthis Ministry of Health, translated by Almasdar Online English. 

The Ministry of Public Health and Population offers the best congratulations to all our dear people of Yemeni on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr, asking the Almighty for a good holiday for all. As this holiday comes to us during exceptional health conditions, namely the emergence of the coronavirus epidemic and the emergence of cases in different parts of our country, the Ministry calls on everyone to cooperate to address the risks of corona and to face them with greater awareness and for unity in coping with this pandemic. The Ministry calls on all residents to abide by the precautionary measures that protect them from this epidemic, which are:

It is necessary to wear a mask when leaving the house, and not to leave the house except for necessities.

Spend Eid days at home between your children and your family, and greet others by phone or social media.

Not to move between governorates and districts or travel for Eid holidays.

Full commitment not to shake hands, hug, or kiss, and only greet verbally.

Avoid traffic, especially in the markets, qat markets, and take care to keep a distance of at least a meter with others.

Avoid visiting public entertainment venues and parks.

Stay away from social gatherings such as men's and women's gatherings.

No gatherings in streets and neighborhoods. This applies to villages as well as to cities.

Preventing children from taking Eidya (money) due to the possibility of spreading the virus through paper currency and preventing them from visiting the homes of their neighbors and relatives to obtain treats and the sweets of eid as is the customs of our society on such occasions. 

***

The following news stories are from the pro-Houthi website Yemen Extra (http://www.yemenextra.net/):

***

Yemeni Army Spokesman: Saudi-Led Aggression Forces Continue Shelling Several Governorates

On May 25, 2020, YemenExtra

Yemeni army spokesman, Brigadier General Yahya Sare’e, stated on Sunday that the Saudi-led coalition forces are still attacking a number of governorates.

In the statement issued on Sunday, Brigadier General Sare’e said that the coalition forces have launched 48 airstrikes on several Yemen governorates during the past hours.

He explained that nine airstrikes targeted Majzar district in Marib governorate, while six airstrikes struck Jawf governorate.

The Saudi/UAE warplanes also launched 15 airstrikes on Haradh and Abbs districts of Hajjah governorate while 18 other airstrikes targeted  Maran, al-Malahit and Baqim districts in Saada governroate, leaving a number of killed and wounded casualties.

Meanwhile, the spokesman of the armed forces confirmed that this ongoing aerial escalation will have serious consequences for the aggressive forces, and they must bear the consequences.

Saudi American Aggression Launches 48 Raids, Commits Massacre On Eid Holiday

On May 25, 2020, YemenExtra

Warplanes affiliated with the Saudi American aggression perpetrated on Sunday, which coincided with the Islamic holiday of Eid Al-Fitr, a hideous massacre against dozens of civilians from Maran area in Haydan district of Saada governorate, northern Yemen.

Civil sources reported that the aggression’s fighter jets launched 48 airstrikes on a number of Yemeni governorates, including Haydan district in Saada, resulting in the killing of three civilians and the injury of three others.

65 Saudi American Violations In Hodeidah In 24 Hours

On May 23, 2020, YemenExtra

Forces affiliated with the Saudi American aggression perpetrated on Friday 65 violations in Hodeidah province over the past 24 hours.

A source in the Liaison and Coordination Officers’ Operations Room to monitor violations in Hodeidah said that among the violations three warplanes flying over Hays district and a reconnaissance plane over 50th Street.

Meanwhile, the Saudi/UAE breaches also included the formation of combat fortifications in al-Jabaliya and Kilo 16 area, 13 artillery launched attacks using 228 shells and 45 breaches consisting of the usage of various firearms, the source confirmed.

***

Share the link of this article with your facebook friends