The Huthis, supported by Saudi Arabia, have been engaged in a civil war against government forces for almost ten years.

Yemen, the poorest nation on the Arabian Peninsula, was thrown into a severe humanitarian crisis as a result of the conflict, which the UN has classified as one of the worst in the world.

In support of the Palestinians in Gaza, the rebels have been launching missiles and drones from Yemen's coast since mid-November, with the objective of hitting shipping that they claim is connected to Israel.

Israel is besieging Gaza in an effort to destroy Hamas following the terrorist organization's October 7 surprise strike.

In defiance, the Huthis have targeted more ships in response to the US and British strikes.

The removal came after coordinated airstrikes by the US and UK against the Huthis, which threatened international trade by attacking commercial ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

In addition to several other strikes, the US and Britain jointly carried out a second round of strikes on Tuesday.

Washington reclassified the Huthis as a "global terrorist group" last week after removing it in 2021 to facilitate the delivery of aid to the impoverishednation.

Israel's main ally and military equipment supplier, the United States, has formed an international coalition to patrol the Red Sea and safeguard commerce. 

A UN official informed AFP that all US and British employees of the UN and its agencies have been given orders to leave Yemen by the Huthi rebels within the next month.

The UN resident coordinator was informed by the Huthi-controlled capital Sanaa's authorities in a letter dated January 20 that was circulated on social media that workers holding US and British citizenship had one month to "get ready to leave the country."

The paper stated, "They must be prepared to depart as soon as the deadline expires," and it also stated that a letter giving 24 hours' warning would be sent.

The Huthis are in charge of the majority of Yemen's population centers, although controlling a relatively small portion of the nation's land.

AFP was informed by a UN representative that the note had been received.

The official, who wished to remain unnamed, stated, "The UN and its partners have taken note of this and are waiting to see what are the next steps."

 

 

Source: AFP