Russia has strongly condemned the drone attack launched by Ukraine on New Year's Eve, which caused significant civilian casualties in the Kherson region.
The Russian Investigative Committee announced on Friday that its investigation revealed that in the early hours of Jan. 1, Ukrainian forces used multiple drones carrying explosive devices to launch a large-scale attack on a cafe and a hotel in the town of Khorly in the Kherson region. At least 100 civilians, including customers and staff, were inside the buildings at the time.
The attack has resulted in 27 deaths, including two minors; another 31 people were injured to varying degrees and have been taken to medical facilities for treatment, including five minors, said the committee.
The Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Thursday, strongly condemning the Ukrainian drone attack on New Year's Eve and holding that Western leaders who provided support to Ukraine should also be held responsible for the incident.
The statement said that the Investigative Committee is conducting a criminal investigation into this incident in accordance with the relevant legal provisions concerning "acts of terrorism," indicating that all those involved in this crime will be convicted and punished.
The statement said that the attack was a retaliation against civilians, against the backdrop of repeated victories by the Russian army, battlefield setbacks by the Ukrainian army, and the recent failed drone attack on the Russian presidential residence.
A spokesperson for the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reportedly stated that all airstrikes carried out by the Ukrainian military were posted on the General Staff's social media homepage. He also said the Ukrainian military adheres to international humanitarian law and that its airstrikes target only military targets, fuel and energy facilities of the Russian Federation, and other "legitimate targets."
Russia condemns Ukrainian drone attack that leads to civilian casualties
Yemen's transport ministry on Thursday rejected new Saudi-imposed flight restrictions, calling a requirement for planes to stop in Saudi Arabia for security inspections an "air blockade" that undermines national sovereignty.
Officials loyal to the secessionist Southern Transitional Council (STC) have refused to comply with the new protocols ordered by Yemen's Saudi-backed central government, and have partially halted operations in Aden International Airport, the country's primary gateway, a source within the Yemeni government told China's Xinhua News Agency.
The standoff is the latest sign of a deepening fracture within the coalition fighting the Houthi group. While the STC is technically part of Yemen's ruling Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), the group seeks independence for southern Yemen and is frequently at odds with the internationally recognized government.
Saudi Arabia recently ordered all international flights departing and entering Yemen to undergo security screenings at Jeddah Airport before continuing to their final destinations. While some of those restrictions were later eased, they remain in place for all flights traveling to and from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which is allegedly the main backer of STC.
Government officials said the measures are intended to curb the movement of STC leaders between Yemen and the UAE, effectively cutting off external support for the secessionist movement.
Tensions between the factions escalated this week after the STC seized large swathes of the oil-rich Hadramout province and the eastern province of Al-Mahrah. Riyadh considers these areas a "red line" due to their proximity to the Saudi border and their concentration of Yemen's remaining energy reserves.
On Tuesday, a Saudi-led coalition airstrike targeted vehicles at the port of Mukalla in Hadramout. Saudi officials said the vehicles were intended for STC forces. Following the strike, PLC Chairman Rashad al-Alimi canceled a joint defense agreement with the UAE and ordered all Emirati forces to leave the country within 24 hours. The UAE confirmed Thursday it has begun withdrawing its remaining troops from Hadramout, citing safety concerns.
The STC commands significant control over Aden and other southern cities. Several cabinet members, including Transport Minister Abdulsalam Saleh Humaid, are loyal to the STC rather than the central leadership.
Aden's pro-separatist officials reject Saudi flight restrictions, partially halt airport operations
Aden's pro-separatist officials reject Saudi flight restrictions, partially halt airport operations
