Security | 2020-03-27 Qaani visits Syria frontlines as Iran-backed militias continue to lose fighters The new IRGC Quds Force commander went to Aleppo in an attempt to restore the militias' crisis of confidence, analysts say. Human Rights | 2020-03-26 Yemen's Houthis pardon Bahai sentenced to death Rights groups welcome the lifting of a death sentence handed down to a Bahai prisoner of conscience, saying the trial was a farce. Health | 2020-03-26 Lebanon takes preventive measures to fight COVID-19 in Syrian refugee camps The Lebanese government and international organisations are raising awareness and carrying out disinfection campaigns to prevent the spread of the virus. Health | 2020-03-26 Warring sides in Yemen back calls for coronavirus ceasefire Yemen's broken healthcare system has not so far recorded a case of coronavirus but aid groups have warned that when it does hit, the impact will be catastrophic. Security | 2020-03-25 Houthis lose fighters in frontlines with Yemen army As the Iran-backed militia loses more fighters in its battle against Yemeni forces, it is using all means to mobilise fighters for the fronts, including child recruits. Health | 2020-03-25 Spotlight shines on coronavirus lies spread by China, Russia and Iran Despite overwhelming evidence, leaders in China, Russia and Iran are spreading disinformation about the origin of COVID-19, each for their own malign reasons. Environment | 2020-03-24 Disaster looms off Yemen's coast as Houthis prevent maintenance of Safer oil tanker 'God forbid, if a catastrophe occurs, it would affect not only Yemen but all the countries of the region,' said Deputy Minister of Human Rights Nabil Abdul Hafeez. Health | 2020-03-24 Yemen schools close amid COVID-19 precautions The suspension of the education process is one of many measures the government is taking to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus. Health | 2020-03-23 IRGC contributed to COVID-19 spread: experts By transporting militiamen across the region through back channels, Iran may have accelerated the spread of coronavirus in the Middle East. Security | 2020-03-23 France supports regional, international efforts to fight terrorism France's carrier strike group arrived in the Mediterranean at the end of January for a one-month mission within the international coalition fighting ISIS. Health | 2020-03-23 Middle East tightens measures to fight COVID-19 Across the region, governments are taking additional steps to stem the novel coronavirus pandemic as the number of cases continues to rise. Health | 2020-03-23 Iran rejects US help to fight coronavirus as number of infections soar Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected vital help even as Iran becomes a greater threat to world health with its increasing number of infected and its ill-advised policies. Education | 2020-03-20 Lebanon centre empowers Syrian refugee children to succeed The Janah educational centre gives Syrian children in Lebanon the skills to excel in school and hope for a better future. Economy | 2020-03-20 US targets UAE-based firms for shipping Iranian oil The five companies bought hundreds of thousands of metric tonnes' worth of oil last year from Iran's state oil company, declaring it to be from Iraq or otherwise disguising its origin. Politics | 2020-03-20 Yemen readies COVID-19 response as regional infections rise As Yemen prepares for the global pandemic, which is spreading in the region, some accuse the Houthis of flouting health guidelines. Security | 2020-03-20 IRGC-affiliated organisations 'incapable' of managing COVID-19 crisis Iran's IRGC and the Passive Defence Organisation have bungled the country's response to the virus, prolonging and worsening the situation, observers say. Terrorism | 2020-03-19 Hizbullah's actions jeopardise Lebanon's economy: analysts The party's affiliation with the Iranian regime and its proxies could deprive Lebanon of the assistance it needs to pull out of its crisis. Health | 2020-03-19 Arab world risks losing 1.7 million jobs due to coronavirus: UN Arab nations' GDP is expected to shrink by at least $42 billion in 2020, hit by plunging oil prices and virus-linked shutdowns. Security | 2020-03-18 Yemen moves ahead with al-Jawf military operations Yemeni military officials say the offensive will continue until the Houthis have been ousted from all districts of the northern province. Refugees | 2020-03-17 Lebanon's crisis hits Syrian refugees hard The economic crisis has forced many Lebanese employers to lay off their employees, including refugees who depend for their livelihood on work in agriculture, construction or plumbing. Security | 2020-03-17 Egypt police kill 6 militants in North Sinai shootout Police forces raided a hideout of 'terrorist elements' intent on carrying out 'hostile operations', the Interior Ministry said. Security | 2020-03-16 US military enhances deterrent capabilities in Gulf waters The 26th MEU deployed to the US 5th Fleet area of operations in January and has participated in bilateral training with Saudi forces to ensure maritime stability and security in the region. Human Rights | 2020-03-16 Houthis commit thousands of abuses in Sanaa in 2019: report The Iran-backed militia's violations include executions, torture, forced disappearances, child recruitment and looting of public and private property. Health | 2020-03-16 Virus changes Gulf habits as preventive measures mount Gulf Co-operation Council states are taking measures to stem the spread with the six states recording over 800 cases of COVID-19. Refugees | 2020-03-13 Yemen's Marib calls for help amid al-Jawf exodus Marib province is doing all it can to care for the al-Jawf population displaced by the Houthis, officials say, but it will need outside help to cope. Human Rights | 2020-03-12 Houthis hinder aid access as famine fears loom Yemeni officials are calling on relief organisations to put alternative mechanisms in place to ensure aid reaches the targeted recipients.
