Yemen’s Houthi militias have released a video where they threaten to destroy any US aircraft carrier entering the Red Sea. The Houthi threat comes after the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, one of America’s 11 nuclear-powered “supercarriers” exited the region after an eight month posting.
The Houthis have claimed on several occasions to have struck the 100,000 tonne ship, which has led US and UK air operations against the militia to end their blockade of the Red Sea. The US says such claims are false and that the USS Theodore Roosevelt is travelling from the Pacific region to take over the Eisenhower’s duties.
The group says it is acting in support of Hamas in Gaza, creating pressure on the international community to force Israel to end its war there, where nearly 38,000 Palestinians have been killed.
Critics of the Houthis say they are more concerned with shoring up power and influence in Yemen, where it controls one third of the country.
On Monday, the Houthis also said they conducted four military operations attacking four ships in the Red, Arabian and Mediterranean Seas as well as the Indian Ocean “linked to the United States, the United Kingdom and Israel”.
It is unclear how the group, which has made exaggerated claims in the past, attacked a vessel in the Mediterranean. At 2,000km away from Yemen, it is beyond the capability of the group – which lacks a proper navy or air force – to observe and track vessels.
In the first operation the Houthis said they attacked the “Israeli ship MSC Unific in the Arabian Sea”, Yahya Sarea, the Yemeni group's spokesman said.
“A US oil tanker Delonix” was also attacked in a second operation that was carried out in the Red Sea “for the second time this week”, he added.
The third operation attacked “UK landing ship Anvil Point in the Indian Ocean” and a fourth operation in the Mediterranean Sea attacked a ship that Sarea identified as the “Lucky Sailor”.
There were no reported casualties or damage to any of the vessels.
The specs
Price, base / as tested Dh135,000
Engine 1.6L turbo
Gearbox Six speed automatic with manual and sports mode
Power 165hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque 240Nm @ 1,400rpm 0-100kph: 9.2 seconds
Top speed 420 kph (governed)
Fuel economy, combined 35.2L / 100km (est)
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TEACHERS' PAY - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Pay varies significantly depending on the school, its rating and the curriculum. Here's a rough guide as of January 2021:
- top end schools tend to pay Dh16,000-17,000 a month - plus a monthly housing allowance of up to Dh6,000. These tend to be British curriculum schools rated 'outstanding' or 'very good', followed by American schools
- average salary across curriculums and skill levels is about Dh10,000, recruiters say
- it is becoming more common for schools to provide accommodation, sometimes in an apartment block with other teachers, rather than hand teachers a cash housing allowance
- some strong performing schools have cut back on salaries since the pandemic began, sometimes offering Dh16,000 including the housing allowance, which reflects the slump in rental costs, and sheer demand for jobs
- maths and science teachers are most in demand and some schools will pay up to Dh3,000 more than other teachers in recognition of their technical skills
- at the other end of the market, teachers in some Indian schools, where fees are lower and competition among applicants is intense, can be paid as low as Dh3,000 per month
- in Indian schools, it has also become common for teachers to share residential accommodation, living in a block with colleagues
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Racecard
6pm: The Pointe - Conditions (TB) Dh82,500 (Turf) 1,400m
6.35pm: Palm West Beach - Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (T) 1,800m
7.10pm: The View at the Palm - Handicap (TB) Dh85,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
7.45pm: Nakeel Graduate Stakes - Conditions (TB) Dh100,000 (T) 1,600m
8.20pm: Club Vista Mare - Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (D) 1,900m
8.55pm: The Palm Fountain - Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (D) 1,200m
9.30pm: The Palm Tower - Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (T) 1,600m
