#yemen-conflict

#yemen-conflict

In a statement on Tuesday, the UN envoy on Yemen Hans Grundberg said the prisoner swap deal came after nearly two weeks of talks in Muscat, the capital of Oman, a mediator in the conflict between the government and the Houthis that began in 2014. Calling it a positive and meaningful step, Grundberg said the agreement will help to ease the suffering of detainees and their families across Yemen.

The military gains made by forces of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) in southern Yemen mark a significant turning point in the country's political and military conflicts. The latest fighting is between the STC and internationally recognised Yemeni government, known as the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), and led by Rashad al-Alimi. The irony here is that the STC, led by Aidarus al-Zubaidi, is also a member of the Yemeni PLC.

The U.S. has extracted itself from the conflict but not ended it; there is no sign the Houthis will end their war with Israel.

Houthi rebels in Yemen have successfully shot down seven U.S. Reaper drones in six weeks, highlighting a significant operational challenge for the Pentagon.