Iona Craig
@ionacraig.com
Journalist. Mostly Yemen/Arabian Peninsula. Sometimes @yemendataproject.org. Board member: @tcij.org, @declassifieduk.org. Once upon a time I trained racehorses
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www.patreon.com/ionacraig
https://linktr.ee/ionacraig
Saudi airstrikes did not hit STC troops directly and appear to have been warning shots - albeit with bombs not guns. A lot hangs in the balance..which way will this escalation to confrontation take? Further military action by the STC? Or attempts to immediately de-escalate?
Reports and videos this morning of apparent Saudi airstrikes against UAE-backed forces in Hadhramaut
The answer on Saudi’s willingness to use military force is, from what I’ve been hearing, a ‘yes’. The main barrier is the National Shield commander’s unwillingness. As long as the NS refuses the idea, they are the single most important obstacle to/prevention of, direct conflict with the STC.
December 26, 2025 at 8:27 AM
Saudi airstrikes did not hit STC troops directly and appear to have been warning shots - albeit with bombs not guns. A lot hangs in the balance..which way will this escalation to confrontation take? Further military action by the STC? Or attempts to immediately de-escalate?
Reports and videos this morning of apparent Saudi airstrikes against UAE-backed forces in Hadhramaut
The answer on Saudi’s willingness to use military force is, from what I’ve been hearing, a ‘yes’. The main barrier is the National Shield commander’s unwillingness. As long as the NS refuses the idea, they are the single most important obstacle to/prevention of, direct conflict with the STC.
December 26, 2025 at 8:11 AM
Reports and videos this morning of apparent Saudi airstrikes against UAE-backed forces in Hadhramaut
This is the first public move by Saudi Arabia against the UAE-backed STC takeover in Hadhramaut and Al-Mahra. While it’s a call for the STC to withdraw, there’s nothing assertive about what happens if the STC ignores Saudis demand, other than a vague mention of ‘undesirable consequences’.
December 25, 2025 at 9:00 AM
This is the first public move by Saudi Arabia against the UAE-backed STC takeover in Hadhramaut and Al-Mahra. While it’s a call for the STC to withdraw, there’s nothing assertive about what happens if the STC ignores Saudis demand, other than a vague mention of ‘undesirable consequences’.
Airspace reopened earlier today. Commercial flights left Aden this afternoon. There are conflicting reports that it may not just be Saudi troops leaving. Some claims in local media that medical staff from the MbS hospital in Aden have also left.
Deescalation between UAE-backed STC and Saudi-backed National Shield along with the Yemeni government (IRG) appear to have come to a head. Saudi has closed Yemen’s airspace. Tensions are high. Saudi Task Force 802 troops have been withdrawing from many (not all) locations across Yemen since Saturday
December 8, 2025 at 2:49 PM
Airspace reopened earlier today. Commercial flights left Aden this afternoon. There are conflicting reports that it may not just be Saudi troops leaving. Some claims in local media that medical staff from the MbS hospital in Aden have also left.
Deescalation between UAE-backed STC and Saudi-backed National Shield along with the Yemeni government (IRG) appear to have come to a head. Saudi has closed Yemen’s airspace. Tensions are high. Saudi Task Force 802 troops have been withdrawing from many (not all) locations across Yemen since Saturday
December 8, 2025 at 7:16 AM
Deescalation between UAE-backed STC and Saudi-backed National Shield along with the Yemeni government (IRG) appear to have come to a head. Saudi has closed Yemen’s airspace. Tensions are high. Saudi Task Force 802 troops have been withdrawing from many (not all) locations across Yemen since Saturday
There's a lot of 2014/2015 vibes about what's happening in Yemen at the moment. When the Houthis were taking territory with similar speed and deals done to smooth their way, I was living in Sana'a trying to pitch stories to editors on the unfolding coup. Now, as then, no one could give two hoots.
Yemen is currently going through changes that are determining the next few decades and the world could not give less of a shit it's actually kinda funny
December 4, 2025 at 5:06 PM
There's a lot of 2014/2015 vibes about what's happening in Yemen at the moment. When the Houthis were taking territory with similar speed and deals done to smooth their way, I was living in Sana'a trying to pitch stories to editors on the unfolding coup. Now, as then, no one could give two hoots.
A UAE/STC or Houthi choice reminds of Assange quote on options faced in 2016 US election: "Well, you’re asking me, do I prefer cholera or gonorrhea?"
What's happening in Yemen right now is the most significant military & political shift since at least 2022 if not 2015. Not that many will notice.
What's happening in Yemen right now is the most significant military & political shift since at least 2022 if not 2015. Not that many will notice.
Overwhelmed and forced to withdraw, would be a more accurate description.
Either way, UAE backed forces have northern Hadhramaut and are moving through neighbouring Al Mahra. If they take Al Mahra, UAE/STC forces will control the majority of Yemen (by land size. Houthis control larger population)
Either way, UAE backed forces have northern Hadhramaut and are moving through neighbouring Al Mahra. If they take Al Mahra, UAE/STC forces will control the majority of Yemen (by land size. Houthis control larger population)
December 4, 2025 at 10:19 AM
A UAE/STC or Houthi choice reminds of Assange quote on options faced in 2016 US election: "Well, you’re asking me, do I prefer cholera or gonorrhea?"
What's happening in Yemen right now is the most significant military & political shift since at least 2022 if not 2015. Not that many will notice.
What's happening in Yemen right now is the most significant military & political shift since at least 2022 if not 2015. Not that many will notice.
Reposted by Iona Craig
Yemen's UAE-backed STC seizes control of city in Hadhramaut offensive - https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/yemen-uae-backed-stc-seizes-control-seiyun
Yemen's UAE-backed STC seizes control of city in Hadhramaut offensive
Southern separatist forces move into province as part of a military operation labelled 'The Promising Future'
www.middleeasteye.net
December 3, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Yemen's UAE-backed STC seizes control of city in Hadhramaut offensive - https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/yemen-uae-backed-stc-seizes-control-seiyun
A rude awakening for residents of Seiyun this morning. The UAE-backed STC forces that travelled up the country through Hadhramout yesterday, this morning began their fight to take control of the long-coveted First Military Zone from the Yemeni government (and Saudi-backed) army.
December 3, 2025 at 7:07 AM
A rude awakening for residents of Seiyun this morning. The UAE-backed STC forces that travelled up the country through Hadhramout yesterday, this morning began their fight to take control of the long-coveted First Military Zone from the Yemeni government (and Saudi-backed) army.
Reposted by Iona Craig
The attack on Sa’ada detention center violated humanitarian law and should be investigated as a war crime, says Amnesty International.
Trump’s Yemen Strike Killed 61 Immigrants and No Combatants
The attack on Sa’ada detention center violated humanitarian law and should be investigated as a war crime, says Amnesty International.
interc.pt
October 29, 2025 at 12:19 AM
The attack on Sa’ada detention center violated humanitarian law and should be investigated as a war crime, says Amnesty International.
Reposted by Iona Craig
NEW: TRUMP’S YEMEN STRIKE KILLED 61 IMMIGRANTS AND NO COMBATANTS
The attack on Sa’ada detention center violated humanitarian law and should be investigated as a war crime, says Amnesty International.
theintercept.com/2025/10/28/t...
The attack on Sa’ada detention center violated humanitarian law and should be investigated as a war crime, says Amnesty International.
theintercept.com/2025/10/28/t...
Trump’s Yemen Strike Killed 61 Immigrants and No Combatants
The attack on Sa’ada detention center violated humanitarian law and should be investigated as a war crime, says Amnesty International.
theintercept.com
October 29, 2025 at 2:00 AM
NEW: TRUMP’S YEMEN STRIKE KILLED 61 IMMIGRANTS AND NO COMBATANTS
The attack on Sa’ada detention center violated humanitarian law and should be investigated as a war crime, says Amnesty International.
theintercept.com/2025/10/28/t...
The attack on Sa’ada detention center violated humanitarian law and should be investigated as a war crime, says Amnesty International.
theintercept.com/2025/10/28/t...
Reposted by Iona Craig
👉NEW -- Westminster attack on press freedom condemned by journalists and MPs
by Martin Williams
Campaign comes after officials blocked Declassified from holding a press pass, citing our Gaza ‘standpoint’.
www.declassifieduk.org/westminster-...
by Martin Williams
Campaign comes after officials blocked Declassified from holding a press pass, citing our Gaza ‘standpoint’.
www.declassifieduk.org/westminster-...
Westminster attack on press freedom condemned by journalists and MPs
Campaign comes after officials blocked Declassified from holding a press pass, citing our Gaza ‘standpoint’.
www.declassifieduk.org
October 15, 2025 at 3:43 PM
👉NEW -- Westminster attack on press freedom condemned by journalists and MPs
by Martin Williams
Campaign comes after officials blocked Declassified from holding a press pass, citing our Gaza ‘standpoint’.
www.declassifieduk.org/westminster-...
by Martin Williams
Campaign comes after officials blocked Declassified from holding a press pass, citing our Gaza ‘standpoint’.
www.declassifieduk.org/westminster-...
Reposted by Iona Craig
The rate of civilian harm in Israeli strikes remains unprecedented.
In Trump's bombing campaign earlier this year the average was 2.07 civilian casualties per strike. In seven years of Saudi-led air raids the rate was 0.76.
In September, the average surged to over 32 civilian casualties per strike.
In Trump's bombing campaign earlier this year the average was 2.07 civilian casualties per strike. In seven years of Saudi-led air raids the rate was 0.76.
In September, the average surged to over 32 civilian casualties per strike.
October 8, 2025 at 10:35 AM
The rate of civilian harm in Israeli strikes remains unprecedented.
In Trump's bombing campaign earlier this year the average was 2.07 civilian casualties per strike. In seven years of Saudi-led air raids the rate was 0.76.
In September, the average surged to over 32 civilian casualties per strike.
In Trump's bombing campaign earlier this year the average was 2.07 civilian casualties per strike. In seven years of Saudi-led air raids the rate was 0.76.
In September, the average surged to over 32 civilian casualties per strike.
Reposted by Iona Craig
✒️ Parliament has been accused of an “outrageous abuse” that is “worthy of the Trump White House”, after refusing to issue us a media pass.
Thousands have signed a petition calling on the government to give us access.
Help defend press freedom, sign today.
secure.declassifieduk.org/page/178447/...
Thousands have signed a petition calling on the government to give us access.
Help defend press freedom, sign today.
secure.declassifieduk.org/page/178447/...
Defend Press Freedom
I stand with Declassified UK - I've just signed my name. Join me in telling Westminster that you care about freedom of the press.
secure.declassifieduk.org
September 29, 2025 at 1:50 PM
✒️ Parliament has been accused of an “outrageous abuse” that is “worthy of the Trump White House”, after refusing to issue us a media pass.
Thousands have signed a petition calling on the government to give us access.
Help defend press freedom, sign today.
secure.declassifieduk.org/page/178447/...
Thousands have signed a petition calling on the government to give us access.
Help defend press freedom, sign today.
secure.declassifieduk.org/page/178447/...
Israel’s mass murder of 31 Yemeni journalists and media workers happened over a week ago. There has been zero coverage of this strike in the western press. Zero.
Israel’s targeted strikes on two newspaper offices in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, which killed 31 journalists and media support workers on September 10th, marks the deadliest global attack in 16 years and the second deadliest single attack on the press ever recorded.
cpj.org/2025/09/isra...
cpj.org/2025/09/isra...
Israel’s killing of 31 Yemeni journalists marks deadliest global attack in 16 years - Committee to Protect Journalists
Washington, D.C., September 19, 2025—Israel’s targeted strikes on two newspaper offices in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, which killed 31 journalists and media support workers on September 10, signal that it...
cpj.org
September 19, 2025 at 7:15 PM
Israel’s mass murder of 31 Yemeni journalists and media workers happened over a week ago. There has been zero coverage of this strike in the western press. Zero.
Israel’s targeted strikes on two newspaper offices in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, which killed 31 journalists and media support workers on September 10th, marks the deadliest global attack in 16 years and the second deadliest single attack on the press ever recorded.
cpj.org/2025/09/isra...
cpj.org/2025/09/isra...
Israel’s killing of 31 Yemeni journalists marks deadliest global attack in 16 years - Committee to Protect Journalists
Washington, D.C., September 19, 2025—Israel’s targeted strikes on two newspaper offices in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, which killed 31 journalists and media support workers on September 10, signal that it...
cpj.org
September 19, 2025 at 7:11 PM
Israel’s targeted strikes on two newspaper offices in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, which killed 31 journalists and media support workers on September 10th, marks the deadliest global attack in 16 years and the second deadliest single attack on the press ever recorded.
cpj.org/2025/09/isra...
cpj.org/2025/09/isra...
Hundreds attend the mass funeral of 31 journalist and media workers killed in an Israeli strike in Sana’a.
apnews.com/article/jour...
apnews.com/article/jour...
Hundreds attend funeral services for 31 Yemeni reporters killed in Israeli airstrikes
Hundreds have attended funeral services in Yemen for 31 local journalists who were reported killed in Israeli airstrikes last week that targeted Iran-backed Houthi rebels in the capital of Sanaa.
apnews.com
September 16, 2025 at 11:24 AM
Hundreds attend the mass funeral of 31 journalist and media workers killed in an Israeli strike in Sana’a.
apnews.com/article/jour...
apnews.com/article/jour...
Israeli strikes were carried out when staff of the 26 September newspaper were printing the paper.
“Staff were gathered at the publishing house to prepare for distribution, significantly increasing the number of people present in the compound”
www.hrw.org/news/2025/09...
“Staff were gathered at the publishing house to prepare for distribution, significantly increasing the number of people present in the compound”
www.hrw.org/news/2025/09...
Israeli Forces’ Attack on Sanaa Kills Journalists
An Israeli attack on a media center in the Yemeni capital Sanaa on September 10, which killed 35 people, including journalists, is one more example of the danger for media workers in Yemen.
www.hrw.org
September 15, 2025 at 6:21 AM
Israeli strikes were carried out when staff of the 26 September newspaper were printing the paper.
“Staff were gathered at the publishing house to prepare for distribution, significantly increasing the number of people present in the compound”
www.hrw.org/news/2025/09...
“Staff were gathered at the publishing house to prepare for distribution, significantly increasing the number of people present in the compound”
www.hrw.org/news/2025/09...
Yemeni Journalists' Syndicate identifies 10 journalists and media workers killed by Israel in strike on Wednesday:
▪️Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh
▪️Abbas Al-Dailami
▪️Youssef Al-Din
▪️Abdullah Al-Bahri
▪️Mohammed Al-Amaysi
▪️Abdullah Al-Harazi
▪️Murad Al-Faqih
▪️Ali Al-Sharai
▪️Ali Al-Aqil
▪️Jamal Al-Aadi
▪️Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh
▪️Abbas Al-Dailami
▪️Youssef Al-Din
▪️Abdullah Al-Bahri
▪️Mohammed Al-Amaysi
▪️Abdullah Al-Harazi
▪️Murad Al-Faqih
▪️Ali Al-Sharai
▪️Ali Al-Aqil
▪️Jamal Al-Aadi
September 12, 2025 at 8:34 PM
Yemeni Journalists' Syndicate identifies 10 journalists and media workers killed by Israel in strike on Wednesday:
▪️Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh
▪️Abbas Al-Dailami
▪️Youssef Al-Din
▪️Abdullah Al-Bahri
▪️Mohammed Al-Amaysi
▪️Abdullah Al-Harazi
▪️Murad Al-Faqih
▪️Ali Al-Sharai
▪️Ali Al-Aqil
▪️Jamal Al-Aadi
▪️Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh
▪️Abbas Al-Dailami
▪️Youssef Al-Din
▪️Abdullah Al-Bahri
▪️Mohammed Al-Amaysi
▪️Abdullah Al-Harazi
▪️Murad Al-Faqih
▪️Ali Al-Sharai
▪️Ali Al-Aqil
▪️Jamal Al-Aadi
116 civilian casualties in five Israeli strikes in Yemen in August including the assassination of the Sana’a-based Prime Minister, nine ministers and two cabinet officials where up to 10 munitions were deployed on a political gathering.
Average rate of civilian harm in Israeli strikes remains unprecedented in 10+yrs of data collection. August average was over 23 civilian casualties per strike.
Full update mailchi.mp/e32d1ff78018...
Full update mailchi.mp/e32d1ff78018...
September 6, 2025 at 6:24 PM
116 civilian casualties in five Israeli strikes in Yemen in August including the assassination of the Sana’a-based Prime Minister, nine ministers and two cabinet officials where up to 10 munitions were deployed on a political gathering.
The irony of the photo above this headline. The look on my face was of anger + sadness.
Placards of every journalist killed by Israel were handed out. But the number of dead journalists outnumbered those willing to show up in support our Palestinian colleagues. Shame
novaramedia.com/2025/09/04/b...
Placards of every journalist killed by Israel were handed out. But the number of dead journalists outnumbered those willing to show up in support our Palestinian colleagues. Shame
novaramedia.com/2025/09/04/b...
BBC Union Reps Warned Staff Against Attending the Union’s Own Vigil for Palestinian Journalists | Novara Media
In emails seen by Novara Media, BBC staffers and National Union of Journalists representatives warned colleagues against attending a vigil organised by…the National Union of Journalists. Rivkah Brown ...
novaramedia.com
September 5, 2025 at 7:11 AM
The irony of the photo above this headline. The look on my face was of anger + sadness.
Placards of every journalist killed by Israel were handed out. But the number of dead journalists outnumbered those willing to show up in support our Palestinian colleagues. Shame
novaramedia.com/2025/09/04/b...
Placards of every journalist killed by Israel were handed out. But the number of dead journalists outnumbered those willing to show up in support our Palestinian colleagues. Shame
novaramedia.com/2025/09/04/b...
September 4, 2025 at 9:28 PM
Reposted by Iona Craig
I was honoured to speak at the vigil for Palestinian journalists killed during Israel’s assault on Gaza, organised by the London Freelance chapel of @NUJofficial. It was a shame a far right activist tried to disrupted the event. It matters not; hundreds of us turned out in solidarity.
August 27, 2025 at 6:03 PM
I was honoured to speak at the vigil for Palestinian journalists killed during Israel’s assault on Gaza, organised by the London Freelance chapel of @NUJofficial. It was a shame a far right activist tried to disrupted the event. It matters not; hundreds of us turned out in solidarity.
Reposted by Iona Craig
Jeremy Scahill on Western media's complicity in Israel's murdering of journalists in Gaza.
August 13, 2025 at 9:52 PM
Jeremy Scahill on Western media's complicity in Israel's murdering of journalists in Gaza.
Very well said
Hypocrisy of Western Media
Al Jazeera journalist, Laila Al-Arian, joined the Drop Site livestream yesterday.
Al Jazeera journalist, Laila Al-Arian, joined the Drop Site livestream yesterday.
August 14, 2025 at 6:35 AM
Very well said