Monthly News Update: Yemen – March 2021
By: Adam DiSimine, Junior Research Associate, PILPG-NL
This news update summarizes recent developments in the ongoing conflict in Yemen. The information is drawn from different online news platforms. The month began with a series of attacks and culminated with a ceasefire offer from Saudi officials to the Houthis.
MIDDLE EAST
Saudi Arabia | Houthis launch new attacks on Saudi Arabia
Houthis launched several drone and missile strikes against Saudi infrastructure, including the petrol distribution terminal of state-owned petrol company Saudi Aramco in Jizan. The attacks came just days after Saudi officials proposed a ceasefire agreement to end the conflict in Yemen. [March 26, 2021]
Saudi Arabia | Saudi officials offer ceasefire plan to Houthis
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud announced a ceasefire agreement was proposed to the Houthis. The proposal included a nationwide ceasefire, the reopening of Sana’a airport, and the free movement of fuel and food through the Hudaydah port. The internationally recognized government of Yemen welcomed the announcement while the Houthis were skeptical but pledged to continue discussions towards a peace agreement. [March 22, 2021]
Yemen | A fire at a migrant detention facility in Yemen capital kills 45 people
A fire at a migrant detention facility in Yemen’s capital of Sana’a killed at least 45 people and injured more than 200 people. The Interior Ministry for the Houthis acknowledged responsibility, saying several members of the security forces were detained and would stand trial in connection with the incident. [March 20, 2021]
Saudi Arabia | Houthis claim responsibility for a drone strike at a Saudi oil facility
The Houthis claimed responsibility for an air attack launched against an oil refinery owned by the state-owned petrol producer Saudi Aramco. The attack caused a fire but did not result in injuries or casualties. [March 19, 2021]
Yemen | Yemeni minister targeted in an assassination attempt
Abdul Nasser Al-Wali, Yemen’s Minister of Civil Service and Insurance, escaped uninjured after an assassination attempt was made on his convoy. Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalik subsequently announced an investigation into the attack. [March 18, 2021]
Yemen | UN Special Envoy for Yemen describes ‘dramatic’ deterioration in Yemen conflict
The United Nations (UN) Special Envoy for Yemen warned the UN Security Council of increasing violence and a ‘dramatic’ deterioration in the ongoing conflict in Yemen. He also highlighted calls for a nationwide ceasefire and the opening of both the Sana’a airport and Hudaydah ports as important humanitarian objectives. [March 16, 2020]
Saudi Arabia | Houthis attack Saudi Arabia oil infrastructure
Houthis launched an air attack against Saudi Arabia’s oil industry, including a Saudi Aramco facility located in Ras Tanura. There were no casualties or damage to property reported. [March 8, 2021]
Yemen | Saudi-led coalition launches airstrikes against Yemen capital
The Saudi-led coalition launched an air campaign targeting the Yemeni capital Sana’a and other provinces as part of a retaliation effort for a collection of attacks carried out by Houthis against military targets and oil infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. [March 7, 2021]
Yemen | Houthis claim they have seized control of Marib
The Houthi Deputy Foreign Minister announced the Houthis had taken control of the majority of the districts in the northern city of Marib, the last major stronghold of the internationally recognized government in northern Yemen. [March 3, 2021]
AFRICA
Djibouti | Human smugglers force migrants into water en route to Yemen, killing 20 people
Human smugglers killed 20 migrants who were attempting to cross the Gulf of Aiden from Djibouti to Yemen when the smugglers forced dozens of people into the water partway through the journey. This was the third incident of this type in the last six months. [March 4, 2021]
EUROPE
Germany | Appeal filed to Germany’s highest court in a case concerning US drone strike in Yemen
The European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights filed an appeal to Germany’s highest court on behalf of two Yemini men who assert an American drone strike killed their relatives. The Münster administrative court had previously ruled the German government had a certain responsibility to ensure compliance with international law when drone strikes were carried out from United States Ramstein Air Base in Germany. The appeal comes after a German federal administrative court weakened that ruling, saying diplomatic outreach by German officials was sufficient to fulfill their obligations. [March 23, 2021]
United Kingdom | United Kingdom cuts aid to Yemen citing financial pressure from Covid-19
The government of the United Kingdom (UK) announced it would provide ‘at least’ £87 million in aid to Yemen this year, compared to £164 million it provided last year. UK officials attributed the decrease in aid to the ‘difficult financial context’ created by the Covid-19 pandemic. [March 2, 2021]
THE AMERICAS
United States | Biden administration to resume aid to Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen
United States (US) President Biden’s administration announced the US would resume providing aid and humanitarian assistance to areas under the control of Houthis. Former US President Trump had previously halted some U.S. aid to such areas. [March 11, 2021]