Yemen gets new defence, oil ministers

Cairo: New defence and oil ministers have been appointed in Yemen’s internationally recognised government as part of a limited cabinet reshuffle unveiled Thursday night.

Head of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council Rashad Al Alimi has conducted the reshuffle whereby Mohssen Al Darai has been appointed as defence minister and promoted to the rank of lieutenant general, Yemen’s news agency Saba reported.

As part of the reshuffle, Saeed Al Shamasi has also been named oil minister, Salem Al Aboudi minister of works, and Manea bin Yameen electricity minister, it added.

According to a republic decree issued by Al Alimi, former defence minister Mohammed Al Maqdishi has been appointed as advisor to the head of the Presidential Leadership Council for defence and security affairs.

The reshuffle was announced amid UN efforts to extend a nationwide truce that took effect in Yemen in April.

Last month, warring sides agreed to extend the UN-mediated ceasefire for two more months, rekindling hopes for establishing peace in the impoverished country.

Yemen has been gripped by a devastating war of more than seven years triggered by Al Houthi rebels who unseated the internationally recognised government and overran several areas in the country including the capital Sana’a.