Houthi Attack on Abu Dhabi From 800 Miles Away: Three Dead, Six Injured In Explosion, Fire
Good day from REEDNEWSARABWORLD for Monday, January 17, 2022! Yemen's rebel Houthis say they are responsible for an attack, believed by drones, on the capital of the United Arab Emirates that killed three people and injured six. The capital, Abu Dhabi, lies 800 miles from Yemen, and while the Houthis routinely fire into Saudi Arabia’s south, a strike into the UAE is a sharp turn in the Yemen war.
The UAE was initially a strong coalition partner of Saudi Arabia in the Yemen fight for four years, then largely withdrew in 2019. But the Emirates continued to arm and train Yemen fighters, and the Houthi opponents now target the UAE.
Yemen’s Houthis reject the United Nations and won’t surrender the ship they hijacked. They seized the United Arab Emirates-flagged vessel Rwabee two weeks ago, taking it out of the Red Sea and claiming it was laden with military hardware. The UAE denied that and said the ship had only medical supplies bound for the island of Socotra. Now the Houthis respond with a video presuming to show military equipment. The Rwabee was "not carrying toys for children," the Houthis said.
Questionable news reports spread around the Middle East that Saudi Arabia and Iran had reached agreement to renew relations and will reopen their closed embassies in Riyadh and Tehran. The reports were all traced to a single source, a member of Iran's parliament who tweeted his news. Similar reports came out of Iran as long ago as October, 2021. Since then, however, Saudi Arabia and Iran have been engaged in talks in Baghdad, talks that have been described as progressing toward agreement. Keep watching.
Yemen's army has now occupied the Harib district of Marib province. Iran's president is going to Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, this at an interesting time when Russia says it believes the nuclear talks in Vienna will result in removal of sanctions on Iran. Britain's tennis star Andy Murray won't play in Saudi Arabia, ignoring millions of dollars offered for exhibitions. Iran says it's looking for a way to pay its United Nations dues and get its voting rights restored. The Hezbollah and Amal parties in Iran will quit their boycott of cabinet meetings. Iraq's Supreme Court has ordered the new parliament to stop, and Sudan has closed Al Jazeera's live television channel for reporting on demonstrations in the country.
News from China, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, the Suez Canal, Kuwait's hotspots, and More.
The United Arab Emirates capital of Abu Dhabi was struck, believed by drones, with three killed and six wounded in an attack claimed by Yemen's Houthi militia. Suspected drones caused explosions in an industrial area near facilities of the UAE's oil company, ADNOC, and a fire was started at the international airport. The dead were reported as two Indian nationals and one Pakistani. The attack caused three petroleum tankers to explode, and the airport fire was reported small and was extinguished. UAE authorities did not immediately assign responsibility for the attack, but the Yemen rebel forces claimed the strike and warned of a military operation against the Emirates.
CNBC, Three dead, six injured in UAE fuel tanker explosions claimed by Yemen's Houthis: State news agency.
AFP, Suspected drone strike kills 3 in UAE, Huthis announce 'military operation.'
Reuters, Police patrol area of UAE fuel truck blast.
Yemen's Houthis rejected a United Nations request to release the UAE-flagged ship Rwabee, claiming the vessel was "not carrying toys for children." The Iran-backed Houthis hijacked the ship with its 13-member crew on January 3 from the Red Sea off the port of Hodeidah. The United Arab Emirates said the Rwabee was a civilian cargo vessel leased by a Saudi Arabian company and was carrying equipment to be used at a field hospital.
The Houthi captors, however, released a video they claimed showed military equipment aboard the ship, and a Houthi official, Hussein al-Azzi, said the ship "was not carrying toys for children but weapons for extremists."
AFP, Iran-backed Houthis reject UN request to release seized UAE-flagged vessel.
Al Jazeera, Yemen's Houthis reject UN call to free UAE-flagged ship.
Are Saudi Arabia and Iran ready to abandon their long rivalry and reopen embassies? The news spread across the Middle East, but all came from one source, an Iranian parliamentarian. The two sides have been in a series of discussions sponsored by Iraq, and the parliament member said the countries are ready to restart full relations. Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi, a member of the national security and foreign policy committee, was quoted in news reports saying the two countries are preparing to reopen their embassies in Riyadh and Tehran.
Caution: One news source, Menafn, the Middle East North Africa Financial Network, added a disclaimer to its report, and there have been similar reports as far back as October, 2021.
Saudi Arabia cut diplomatic ties with Iran and closed its embassy in Tehran in 2016 after Iranian protesters stormed the embassy to protest Saudi executions of dissidents including Shiite cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr.
Menafn, Iran, Saudi Arabia revive political relations.
Financial Tribune, Iran, Saudi embassies preparing to reopen.
Jerusalem Post, Iran, Saudi Arabia 'preparing to reopen embassies' in Tehran and Riyadh.
Tehran Times, Iran, Saudi Arabia prepare to reopen embassies: legislator.
Yemen's government army now controls Harib district in the key province of Marib. The army entered the district's central town and is combing surrounding areas, reports said. The advance was covered by heavy airstrikes by the Saudi-led coalition that killed Houthi militants and destroyed vehicles.
Menafn/IANS, Yemen forces recapture strategic district from Houthis.
China and Gulf states say they are committed to revive long-dormant talks for a free trade agreement. The announcement came during a week-long series of discussions in China between four foreign ministers of Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Chinese officials. China's foreign minister Wang Yi told the United Arab Emirates foreign minister that Beijing wants to "accelerate" negotiations, which were first announced in 2004.
Middle East Eye, China and Gulf states pledge to 'inject new impetus' into talks on free trade agreement.
China's foreign minister wrapped up week-long talks with Gulf Arab states by calling for other countries not to meddle, as he hit out at American involvement in the Middle East. Minister Wang Yi al said that "when conditions are ripe, we can consider setting up a collective security mechanism for the Gulf region." He proposed a multilateral dialogue mechanism for the Gulf region and said academics should take part in exchanges.
South China Morning Post, Middle East doesn't need a new external chief, China says as US pivots to Indo-Pacific.
The World Bank forecasts that Saudi Arabia's economic growth this year will rise to 4.9% from 3.3% as the oil sector continues to recover. The bank said the kingdom would record economic growth of 2.3% in 2023, compared to earlier forecasts of 3.2%.
Saudi Gazette, World Bank raises Saudi Arabia's 2022 growth forecast to 4.9%.
Britain's tennis star Andy Murray has turned down the potential to earn millions of dollars in Saudi Arabia. The offers were to fly to Riyadh for exhibition matches, but Murray's agent said they were rejected, indicating that Murray is opposed to Saudi Arabia's human rights behavior.
Associated Press, Unlike other sports stars, Andy Murray won't play in Saudi.
Iran's president will go to Moscow next week for talks with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Russian state television channel Rossiya-1 didn't disclose precisely when the two leaders would meet nor the issues they would discuss, but the trip by Iranian president Ibrahim Raisi would come as nuclear talks on Iran continue in Vienna, where Russia is a leading player in the talks.
Reuters, Putin to host Iranian president next week for talks - state TV.
The chief negotiators at the Iran nuclear talks headed home for the weekend but expert-level discussions continued at the eighth round of talks in Vienna. The negotiators are scheduled to return this week, and the European Union's foreign policy chief Joseph Borrell said a deal is "possible" and that the atmosphere is better than in December.
Al Arabiya, Chief negotiators head home as Iran talks hit critical stage.
Iran is trying to find channels to pay its past-due United Nations dues and regain its lost voting rights. A spokesman said Iran "has always been committed" to pay for its membership and that it is looking for a "safe channel" to make its payment to the UN. The spokesman blamed United States sanctions on Iran and said "the funds are there in our accounts abroad but can't be accessed."
Ak Jazeera, Iran looking for 'safe channel' to pay UN dues to regain vote.
Iran has conducted a static ground test of an engine for a solid-fuel satellite carrier rocket. The Revolutionary Guard force tested the engine, and a general said the satellite carrier was made of a composite instead of metal, claiming that's more "cost efficient."
Associated Press, Iran conducts static test of satellite-carrying rocket.
Jordan's foreign minister met with U.S. officials and said all Arab partners want good relations with Iran, but Iran must stop interfering in the region. Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi met with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and said the United States "is a solid partner and true friend of Jordan."
Al Arabiya, Iran needs to stop interfering in Arab affairs: Jordan's FM.
South Korea's President Moon Jae-in is in the United Arab Emirates on a working trip and will visit Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The UAE is a major investment partner of South Korea, and the Asian nation is working on a deal to sell $3.5 billion of a mid-range missile defense system to the Emirates.
Associated Press, South Korean president visits UAE, showcasing deep ties.
The South Korean deal with the UAE for surface-to-air missiles is the latest sign of deepening cooperation between the two nations. The UAE announced in November it planned to acquire the missiles, and the current visit by South Korea's president included signing a preliminary agreement. The M-SAM system is called Cheongung II, and cheongung means "heaven's bow" in Korean. The system uses hit-to-kill technology, intercepting incoming missiles at altitudes below 40 kilometers.
Yonhap News Agency, S. Korea signs deal to sell M-SAM missiles to UAE.
South Korea will work with the United Arab Emirates to speed up a hydrogen ecosystem. South Korean President Moon Jae-in told a business forum in Dubai that the two countries will "expand energy cooperation into the hydrogen sector, a core energy resource in the age of carbon neutrality."
WebIndia123, S. Korea, UAE to speed up cooperation in hydrogen ecosystem: Moon.
The United Arab Emirates is clamping down on "dirty money" after a warning. The Paris-based Financial Action Task Force said the UAE, long seen as a global magnet for illicit funds, needed to work more with international agencies to tighten compliance, particularly in gold trading and luxury real estate. "We took on board the recommendations and started to change," UAE minister of state Ahmed Al Sayegh said.
Financial Times, UAE steps up anti-dirty money measures to avoid global watchlist.
The secretary general of the Gulf Cooperation Council will start meetings in Brussels Monday with senior officials of the European Union in talks that will include strengthened economic development and investment relations. Dr. Nayef Falah Mubarak Al Hajraf, the secretary general, said it's important to enhance GCC relations with the EU.
Meanfn/Emirates News Agency, UAE- GCC secretary general to visit Brussels to strengthen GCC-EU ties.
Economists say the Gulf region will recover in an increasing pace this year, as OPEC continues to raise oil production quotas. James Swanston of Capital Economics said "GDP growth in the Gulf will be stronger than most expect this year on the back of rising oil output."
Khaleej Times, GCC economic recovery will gather pace in 2022, say economists.
Two people were killed and 10 injured in a fire that broke out in a Kuwait refinery. The fire erupted during maintenance work at a gas liquefaction unit at Mina al-Ahmadi refinery, which is 40 kilometers south of Kuwait City and is Kuwait's largest refinery, state-owned by Kuwait National Petroleum Company. The two workers who were killed were identified as of Asian nationality.
Channel News Agency, Two killed, 10 injured in Kuwait refinery fire.
Iraq's Supreme Court suspended the country's new parliament after two members opposed to newly-elected speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi objected. The opposing members are known for a fierce rivalry with Houbousi and claimed his election was invalid.
The court said parliament was suspended until a ruling could be issued, and the move was considered a precedent in Iraq. Legal authorities questioned whether the Supreme Court has jurisdiction over the work of parliament, and there was concern the action will delay election of a president in three weeks.
Asharq Al-Awsat, Supreme Court suspends Iraq parliament.
Iraq's populist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr risks reaction from heavily-armed militia if he carries out a plan to exclude the Iran-backed factions from Iraq's new government. Al-Sadr would give Iraq its first government in years without the militia parties if he sidelines the groups.
Reuters, Iraqi cleric's push to sideline Iran-backed factions risks clash.
Iran says it jailed French-Iranian academic Fariba Adelkhah because she broke her house arrest "dozens of times." France protested the return to prison of Adelkhah, and a Paris-based support group said it reacted with "great shock and indignation."
AFP, Iran jails anew French academic for 'violating' house arrest: judiciary.
Iran's oil minister says the country's sales of crude oil, gas, and petrochemical products have risen dramatically. Javad Owji, addressing lawmakers in Tehran, said that in the past 10 months Iran's energy sales have been 1.2 million barrels a day and that the level should be factored into the state's new budget to start March 21.
Bloomberg, Iran says oil sales have had 'staggering' rise over past year.
Lebanon's powerful parties Hezbollah and Amal say they will end their boycott of cabinet meetings, opening the way for ministers to meet after three months. The two parties said in a statement the decision was driven by a desire to improve Lebanon's 2022 budget and to discuss economic recovery. The Lebanese cabinet hasn't met since October 12.
Al Jazeera, Lebanon: Hezbollah, Amal to end boycott of cabinet sessions.
Lebanon's energy minister signed an agreement with Iraq that he hopes will provide economic opportunities for crisis-stricken Lebanon. Minister George Boushekian briefed Lebanese president Michel Aoun on the trip and said the two countries agreed to exchange expertise on manufacturing. The minister denied that factories are moving out of Lebanon, calling reports "not true."
Al-Monitor, Lebanese minister seeks economic boost with Iraq visit.
Lebanon denied reports that the United States has brokered a deal with Israel to indirectly provide Lebanon with natural gas. The ministry of energy and water issued a statement calling the report "totally and completely untrue."
I24 News, Lebanon denies report of gas deal with Israel.
Internet services in Lebanon were interrupted when state provider Ogero ran out of diesel and went offline. More than 26,000 subscribers were affected.
Associated Press, Lebanon faces internet interruption amid fuel crisis.
Qatar has sent 70 tons of food aid to Lebanon. The food was freighted by a Qatar Emiri Air Force plane and landed at Rafic Hariri International Airport, where Lebanon's army received it. Qatar ships monthly assistance to Lebanon to help the country cope with its economic crisis. The latest shipment was earmarked for Lebanon's military, following a call by the country's army chief, who said the army was in desperate need of support.
Doha News, Qatar sends 70 tons of food aid to Lebanon's army.
Egypt's Suez Canal expects revenues of $7 billion in 2022, versus $6.3 billion in 2021. Osama Rabie, chairman of the Suez Canal Authority, also said an expansion project is expected to be completed in July, 2023, after two years work.
Reuters, Egypt's Suez Canal revenues expected to hit $7 bln in 2022, says chairman.
Al Jazeera's satellite channel in Sudan has been ordered closed by Sudan's government. Al Jazeera Mubasher TV has been reporting on protests and political events in Sudan, and the Information Ministry shut down the channel, which specialized in live broadcasting.
Sudan Tribune, Sudan shuts down Al-Jazeera live channel.
MORE: Libya says oil output back to 1.2 million barrels a day, Financial Post.... Suez Canal expansion due to finish in July 2023 - SCA chairman, Reuters... UN's W. Sahara envoy meets with Polisario chief in Algeria, AFP... Sudan's inflation accelerates to 359.09% in 2021, Reuters... Jordan army officer killed in shooting along border with Syria - army statement, Reuters... New U.S. Horn of Africa envoy to visit Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Ethiopia, Reuters... Libya: Haftar plane 'lands in Israel' for a two-hour visit, Middle East Eye... Greco-Roman era tomb discovered in southern Egypt, Xinhua.
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