Yemen’s national airline, Yemenia Airways, has resumed flights from the Houthi-held city of Sanaa to Jordan, following an agreement between the Yemeni government and the militia. The airline is also seeking permits for flights to Egypt and India from Sanaa airport. This development comes after the Houthis seized three Yemeni aircraft last month, causing disruptions to flights and stranding Yemeni pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. The Houthis’ actions were an attempt to pressure the Yemeni government to reverse its decision to relocate Yemenia Airways’ headquarters to Aden and to stop selling tickets in Houthi-controlled regions.
In addition to the resumption of flights, the international banking transfer system, SWIFT, has reconnected Sanaa banks to its network. This move comes after the Yemeni government lifted economic sanctions on banks, allowing them to operate normally. The central bank in Aden had previously revoked the licenses of six banks in Sanaa for failing to comply with a directive to relocate their offices. The Houthis have also relaxed restrictions against financial institutions in government-controlled cities.
Meanwhile, the US Central Command announced that it had destroyed two Houthi missiles on launchers in a Houthi-held area of Yemen. This action followed the US military’s targeting of a Houthi-held area to destroy three missile launchers. The Houthis have been engaging in aggressive actions since November, including seizing commercial ships, sinking two more, and launching ballistic missiles, drones, and drone boats at commercial and naval ships in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Indian Ocean. The Houthis claim that these actions are in support of the Palestinian people and to force Israel to cease military operations in the Gaza Strip.
Abdul Malik Al-Houthi, the leader of the Houthis, has pledged to respond to Israeli attacks on the Houthi-held city of Hodeidah by initiating strikes on Israeli towns and attacking Israeli ships. Al-Houthi stated that their military operations will continue in the seas and deep into Palestine, and that attacks on their country will not deter them from escalating.
The resumption of flights from Sanaa to Jordan is a positive development for Yemenia Airways and for Yemen as a whole. It will allow for increased travel and connectivity, benefiting both individuals and businesses. The reconnection of Sanaa banks to the SWIFT network is also a significant step towards normalizing the banking sector in Yemen. This will facilitate financial transactions and help alleviate the economic challenges faced by the country.
However, the ongoing conflict between the Yemeni government and the Houthis remains a major obstacle to stability and progress in Yemen. The aggressive actions of the Houthis, including the targeting of commercial and naval ships, pose a threat to regional security. The international community must continue to work towards a peaceful resolution and support efforts to bring stability to Yemen.
In conclusion, the resumption of flights from Sanaa to Jordan and the reconnection of Sanaa banks to the SWIFT network are positive developments for Yemen. These steps will contribute to increased travel and connectivity, as well as facilitate financial transactions. However, the ongoing conflict between the Yemeni government and the Houthis remains a significant challenge that needs to be addressed for long-term stability in the country.