Iran says ambassador in Yemen has Covid-19, recalls him

Wall Street Journal reported on Friday that Irloo was being removed over strains with the Houthi rebels

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Hassan Irloo. — Courtesy: Twitter

By AP

Published: Sat 18 Dec 2021, 10:41 PM

Iran said on Saturday it is recalling its ambassador in Yemen for medical treatment as he has been infected by the coronavirus.

The Foreign Ministry said on its website that Ambassador Hassan Irloo was in need of urgent medical care after being infected for several days, and was enroute to Iran.

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The announcement comes after the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday that Irloo was being removed over strains with the Houthi rebels, who are backed by Iran and hold Yemen’s capital, Sanaa. The report quotes anonymous officials from the Mideast and Western officials, and said Irloo showed no signs of having Covid-19.

Yemen has been at war since 2014.

Aiming to undermine its Saudi rivals, Iran has given the Houthis military and political support, according to Arab countries, the West and United Nations experts. Tehran long has denied the allegations, despite evidence to the contrary.

AP

Published: Sat 18 Dec 2021, 10:41 PM

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