Yemen FM: fall of Aden could lead to civil war

A potential fall of Aden under Houthi militia’s control could spark a civil war in Yemen, the country’s foreign minister warned in an interview with Al Arabiya News Channel on Wednesday.

Riad Yassin called for imposing a no-fly zone over Yemen to repel the Houthi militias, who are advancing on Aden, where Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi and his government are based.

During the interview, Yassin confirmed reports that Hadi was taken to a safe location in Aden.

He urged the international community to halt Iran’s interference in Yemen and asked the GCC to intervene militarily against the Houthi rebels.

“GCC states are considering our request,” Yassin said.

Yassin also said that Iran provided support to Houthis via an air corridor and put forward a request to the United Nations to impose a no-fly zone in parts of Yemen.

On Tuesday, he said the no-fly zones would apply to airports under control of the Shiite militia.

Yemen has been gripped by growing turmoil since the Houthi rebels launched a power takeover in Sanaa in February. Hadi, who fled from house arrest in Sanaa last month, fled to Aden where he set up a power base in the port city.

The international community still views Hadi as the country’s legitimate leader and the U.N. Security Council has sanctioned the two top Houthi leaders and Saleh.

The Houthis and supporters of Saleh have captured much of the third largest city of Taiz, as well as its airport, and are advancing toward the south.