Half of Yemen’s population needs aid

United Nations: The United Nations special envoy for Yemen says it faces daunting security, economic and political challenges and that a recent peace agreement among its major parties is the only way to move the impoverished country forward.

Jamal Benomar briefed the UN Security Council on Thursday. Rebels known as Al Houthis took control of much of the capital, Sana’a, in September. Benomar said the peace deal and formation of a new government that followed were signs of slow progress.

The council’s president later read out a statement calling Yemen’s security situation extremely fragile.

Meanwhile, Yemen is struggling after Saudi Arabia dropped its aid to the government over the Al Houthis’ takeover of Sana’a.