Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


                    Intense Yemen Bombing, al-Qaida Advance

   by VOA News

   Heavy airstrikes by a Saudi-led coalition continued Friday in Yemen,
   while al-Qaida made gains in the country's east.

   The Sunni Arab-led coalition carried out bombings in several cities,
   including the capital, Sana'a, the country's second-largest city Taiz,
   and the southern port city of Aden.

   The coalition is targeting Shi'ite Houthi rebels, who are believed to
   be backed by Iran.

   At Iran's National Army Day ceremony Saturday, President Hassan Rouhani
   harshly criticized Saudi Arabia for it's airstrike campaign, saying
   "You [Saudi Arabia] planted the seeds of hatred in the hearts" of
   people in the region, "and you will see the response sooner or later."

   Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif submitted a Yemen peace
   plan to the United Nations Friday. The plan calls for an end to all
   foreign attacks, the resumption of Yemeni-led talks, and a national
   unity government

   Al-Qaida is capitalizing on the chaos in Yemen to strengthen its
   stronghold in the country's east. On Friday, al-Qaida fighters overran
   a key army camp in the capital of Hadramawt province, Mukalla.
   Officials say the group seized tanks, rocket launchers and small arms.

   Also Friday, U.S. President Barack Obama spoke by phone with Saudi
   Arabia's King Salman. The White House says the two leaders agreed on
   the need for a political solution for Yemen that is facilitated by the
   United Nations.

   Emergency situation

   In another development Friday, the United Nations sent out an urgent
   appeal for $274 million to help provide emergency assistance to the
   millions affected by the conflict, noting that at least 150,000 people
   have been displaced. At least 700 have died since the Saudi-led
   coalition began airstrikes three weeks ago against the rebels.

   U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called Thursday for an "immediate
   cease-fire" in Yemen. In a speech in Washington, Ban warned Yemen was
   "in flames" and said the only resolution was for "all sides" to stop
   hostilities and take part in negotiations.

   "The United Nations-supported diplomatic process remains the best way
   out of a drawn-out war with terrifying implications for regional
   stability," he told the National Press Club.

   Special envoy steps down

   Earlier this week, the U.N. special envoy to Yemen, Morocco-born Jamal
   Benomar, left his post after failing to bring the sides together for
   peace talks.

   Diplomatic sources have said Mauritanian diplomat Ismail Ould Cheikh
   Ahmed could soon be named as Benomar's replacement.

   The Saudis and many of their coalition allies are reported to have been
   frustrated with what they saw as Benomar's soft stance toward the
   Houthis.

   Ban has not commented on Benomar's replacement, but the U.N. chief said
   Thursday the Saudis have assured him they understand "there must be a
   political process."

   The Houthis took control of the capital in September. They have since
   swept southward, forcing the Western-backed President Abd-Rabbu Mansour
   Hadi to flee.

   The Houthis are allied with former Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh,
   who was ousted as part of the so-called Arab Spring protests in 2012.
     __________________________________________________________________

   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/intense-yemen-bombing-al-qaida-advanc
   e/2724865.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/intense-yemen-bombing-al-qaida-advance/2724865.html