China has sent a fleet, including a guided-missile destroyer, to the Gulf of Aden as part of an antipiracy mission and as Houthi attacks on commercial shipping increase in the Red Sea.
The 46th fleet of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy set sail on Wednesday from a military port in the coastal city of Zhanjiang in south China's Guangdong Province to take over an escort mission from the 45th naval fleet in the Gulf of Aden and the waters off Somalia, Xinhua news agency reported.
It includes the guided-missile destroyer Jiaozuo, the missile frigate Xuchang, and the comprehensive replenishment vessel Honghu.
The fleet has more than 700 officers and soldiers, including dozens of special forces personnel, and two helicopters on board.
Since November, Yemen's Houthi rebels have repeatedly targeted ships in the Red Sea and surrounding waters in response to the Israel-Hamas war, putting shipping at risk on a key route for trade for Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
Despite a month of US-led air strikes, the Houthis remain capable of launching significant attacks.
The US military said on Friday that a Houthi attack on the freighter Rubymar caused significant damage to the ship and an 18-mile (29km) oil slick.
“The ship is anchored but slowly taking on water,” the US Central Command said in a statement on the Belize-flagged UK-owned cargo ship.
The Rubymar was transporting over 41,000 tons of fertiliser when it was attacked, the statement added.
Yemen’s Houthis targeted the Rubymar in the Gulf of Aden on Sunday, and on Monday the group’s military spokesperson, Yahya Sarea, said it was at risk of sinking.
Tour de France 2017: Stage 5
Vittel - La Planche de Belles Filles, 160.5km
It is a shorter stage, but one that will lead to a brutal uphill finish. This is the third visit in six editions since it was introduced to the race in 2012. Reigning champion Chris Froome won that race.
Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
Healthy tips to remember
Here, Dr Mohamed El Abiary, paediatric consultant at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai, shares some advice for parents whose children are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan:
Gradual fasting and golden points - For children under the age of 10, follow a step-by-step approach to fasting and don't push them beyond their limits. Start with a few hours fasting a day and increase it to a half fast and full fast when the child is ready. Every individual's ability varies as per the age and personal readiness. You could introduce a points system that awards the child and offers them encouragement when they make progress with the amount of hours they fast
Why fast? - Explain to your child why they are fasting. By shedding light on the importance of abstaining from food and drink, children may feel more encouraged to give it there all during the observance period. It is also a good opportunity to teach children about controlling urges, doing good for others and instilling healthy food habits
Sleep and suhoor - A child needs adequate sleep every night - at least eight hours. Make sure to set a routine early bedtime so he/she has sufficient time to wake up for suhoor, which is an essential meal at the beginning of the day
Good diet - Nutritious food is crucial to ensuring a healthy Ramadan for children. They must refrain from eating too much junk food as well as canned goods and snacks and drinks high in sugar. Foods that are rich in nutrients, vitamins and proteins, like fruits, fresh meats and vegetables, make for a good balanced diet
THE BIO
Favourite author - Paulo Coelho
Favourite holiday destination - Cuba
New York Times or Jordan Times? NYT is a school and JT was my practice field
Role model - My Grandfather
Dream interviewee - Che Guevara
Sholto Byrnes on Myanmar politics
