Yemen reshuffles cabinet as Houthis advance towards Aden

Yemen's internationally recognized government has reshuffled its cabinet amid intensifying conflict with the Houthis. The rebels have advanced towards the temporary capital, Aden, putting the city within striking distance. In response, three new ministers were appointed: Salem Al Awlaki as minister of information, Akram Naseeb Ahmed Al Amiri as minister of civil service and insurance, and Ahmed Al Awlaki as minister of local administration.

The reshuffle aims to bolster the government's position as the Houthis push closer to Aden, threatening strategic locations along the main road connecting Aden to Taiz, a city of one million people. The renewed fighting has led to the displacement of over 300,000 people since August, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian crisis in Yemen.

UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher warned of the worsening conditions in Taiz, where access restrictions and supply shortages are causing water production to halve and hospitals to run short of fuel and medicines. He also condemned the death of a UN colleague in Houthi custody and called for the release of 70 UN staff members and dozens of other humanitarian workers still detained.

The latest escalation has ended a 2022 UN-brokered truce and has escalated tensions in a broader regional conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran.