Abu Dhabi: The UAE, whose troops have played a major role in a Yemeni government offensive against the port city of Hodeida, said on Saturday that it was ready to support diplomatic efforts to secure a militia withdrawal.
But it said the pullout must be unconditional and from the whole city not just its vital docks, the entry point for three-quarters of Yemen’s imports.
“The Coalition will achieve its goal of liberating Hodeida, city and port. Yet we will support all efforts to achieve an unconditional peaceful withdrawal of [Al] Houthi gangs,” UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Anwar Gargash, tweeted, referring to a Saudi-led coalition which intervened in support of the Yemeni government in 2015.
“The onus is on the [Al] Houthis to withdraw and stop threatening the people of Hodeida,” he added.
“At this stage it is essential that all diplomatic effort and pressure is exerted to bring about the withdrawal of [Al] Houthi militias from the city of Hodeida. Armed gangs should not be allowed to hold a civilian population hostage”.
“Menacing reports of [Al] Houthi snipers & weapons being placed in Hodeida’s neighbourhoods are additional arguments to bring about an unconditional withdrawal from the city. Civilians should not be used as human shields”.
UAE-backed government forces launched their offensive against Hodeida on June 13 and on Wednesday overran its disused airport after deadly fighting with the rebel garrison.
