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Yemeni National Army Seizes Khawkhah, Militias Recruit Reinforcements in Sana’a

Yemeni National Army Seizes Khawkhah, Militias Recruit Reinforcements in Sana’a

Friday, 8 December, 2017 - 08:00
A Houthi militiaman at a checkpoint in Sanaa (Reuters)

Yemeni government forces have confirmed the seizure of Al Khawkhah, in Hodeida, and regaining the control over Abu Musa Ashaari camp, following conflicts with Houthis.


The Yemeni National Army, supported by the Saudi-led Coalition, achieved a strategic victory in the western coastal front in its launched operation to restore Hodeida and its port from insurgent Houthis -- the operation falls under the legit government comprehensive battle to liberate Yemen from the Iran-allied groups.


Official Yemeni military spokesman Abdo Majali stated to Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that the legit forces, backed with the Saudi-led Coalition air-cover, accomplished decisive and significant victories in liberating Khawkhah, after al-Jahili, al-Ruwais and Moushej during the past days.


The seizure of Khawkhah, which entails Abu Musa Ashaari camp that can assimilate more than 40,000 fighters, paves the safe road towards Hodeida, according to military sources.


“The Yemeni National Army is rapidly advancing after fringing the Iranian militias that fled due to the army strikes and the coalition airstrikes on Hays and al-Jarahi. The operation will continue until fully liberating Hodeida and its strategic port,” declared Majali.


Yemeni news agency SABA reported that Yemeni President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi carried out a phone call with Commander of Khawkhah Ahmed al-Kawkabani to be briefed on the updates and general condition in the battle field. Yemeni President commended efforts of soldiers and officers who are conducting a battle of dignity, backed by the Saudi-led Coalition.


In the same context, official in Houthis militia Radwan Salah along with four of his companions were reported killed, according to army sources in Taiz.


The legit government and pro-forces seek to expand the scope of military operations against Houthis, exploiting the rage against the militia after it turned against its ally former president Ali Saleh and executed him with dozens of officials from his party and from the Yemeni Republican Guard.


Eye witnesses reported that Houthis moved on with their military reinforcements in Sana’a, due to concerns from the rage following the death of Saleh along with other executions. For that, Prime Minister Ahmed Obaid bin Dagher urged governors of liberated provinces to receive displaced leaders and members of General People's Congress (GPC) who are part of the national revolution against the Houthis.


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