In Yemen, al-Qaeda fighters have seized an airport, military base and oil export terminal as they continue to gain ground in the country’s south. The militants appear to be taking advantage of the country’s descent into chaos, as Shiite Houthi rebels battle forces loyal to ousted President Abdu Rabbu Mansour Hadi, while Saudi-led airstrikes target the rebels. Meanwhile, a U.N. spokesperson announced the U.N.’s special adviser on Yemen is stepping down.

Stéphane Dujarric: “The secretary-general’s special adviser on Yemen, Jamal Benomar, has expressed an interest in moving on to other assignments. The secretary-general greatly appreciates the tireless efforts Mr. Benomar has made over the years to promote consensus and trust on a peaceful way forward in Yemen. A successor is expected be named in due course. Until that time and beyond, the U.N. will continue to spare no efforts to relaunch the peace process in order to get the political transition back on track.”