Arab Coalition Removes 157 Houthi Naval Mines From Red Sea

Members of the Houthi movement ride in the back of a vehicle during withdrawal from Saleef port in Hodeidah province, Yemen May 11, 2019. (Reuters)
Members of the Houthi movement ride in the back of a vehicle during withdrawal from Saleef port in Hodeidah province, Yemen May 11, 2019. (Reuters)
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Arab Coalition Removes 157 Houthi Naval Mines From Red Sea

Members of the Houthi movement ride in the back of a vehicle during withdrawal from Saleef port in Hodeidah province, Yemen May 11, 2019. (Reuters)
Members of the Houthi movement ride in the back of a vehicle during withdrawal from Saleef port in Hodeidah province, Yemen May 11, 2019. (Reuters)

The Saudi-led Arab coalition has removed a naval mine placed in the south of the Red Sea by the Houthi militias on Saturday.

The coalition said that 157 naval mines have been removed after being randomly deployed by the Iran-backed Houthis.

The Houthi militia continues to threaten maritime navigation and global trade in the Bab al-Mandab strait and the southern Red Sea, the coalition said.

Coalition Spokesperson Colonel Turki al-Maliki stressed that the terrorist Houthi militia continues to launch systematic and deliberate attacks targeting civilian objects and civilians in the Saudi Southern region.

Earlier this week, the Coalition also successfully intercepted and destroyed two explosive-laden boats in the Red Sea.

According to Maliki, the boats were launched from Hodeidah Governorate, which the Houthi militias use "as a base to launch ballistic missiles, drones, booby-trapped remote-operated boats."



KSrelief: 1,960 Tons of Assistance Delivered to the Syrian People

54 new trucks entered through the Jaber border crossing into the Syrian capital (SPA)
54 new trucks entered through the Jaber border crossing into the Syrian capital (SPA)
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KSrelief: 1,960 Tons of Assistance Delivered to the Syrian People

54 new trucks entered through the Jaber border crossing into the Syrian capital (SPA)
54 new trucks entered through the Jaber border crossing into the Syrian capital (SPA)

More than 1,960 tons of Saudi aid have been delivered to the Syrian people through both land and air bridges. This assistance includes food baskets, rice, flour, shelter kits, personal care packages, dates, winter clothing, blankets, and medical supplies.

On Sunday, the 13th Saudi relief plane landed at Damascus International Airport, coinciding with the entry of 54 new trucks through the Jaber border crossing into the Syrian capital. These efforts are part of the air and land relief bridges organized by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) to assist the Syrian people, carrying essential food, shelter, and medical supplies.

The recently arrived relief plane carried approximately 30 tons of aid, according to Syria’s official news agency, SANA. Previously, Syria had received 60 aid trucks via the Saudi land bridge.

According to the King Salman Center, the total aid delivered to Syria thus far amounts to 1,969.66 tons, with 114 trucks crossing the Syrian Nasib border as part of Saudi Arabia’s land relief efforts.

This aid reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing humanitarian commitment to supporting the Syrian people during times of crisis, alleviating their hardships.

The Kingdom’s efforts date back to the start of the Syrian conflict in 2011, providing refuge to millions of Syrians and offering free education, healthcare, work opportunities, and integration into Saudi society.

Information obtained by Asharq Al-Awsat revealed that 40 of the trucks were loaded with flour designated for Syria’s General Establishment for Bakeries, aimed at mitigating the economic crisis, particularly the bread shortage, and ensuring continued access to food for Syrian families.

In comments to Asharq Al-Awsat, Mubarak Al-Dosari, Director of Branches at KSrelief, reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s continued support for providing flour supplies. He stated: “We work tirelessly to bring smiles to the faces of the Syrian people, which is our greatest reward.”

Saudi Arabia had emphasized that there is “no fixed limit” to the aid being sent to Damascus via the air and land bridges. These efforts will continue until the humanitarian goals are achieved, as directed by the Kingdom’s leadership, to alleviate the suffering of those affected.

During an official visit to Damascus on Friday, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan reiterated his country’s support for Syria’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, as well as its solidarity with the Syrian people. He stated: “This visit reaffirms Saudi Arabia’s stance in supporting Syria to ensure its security, stability, and resurgence.”

In total, over 1,960 tons of Saudi aid have been delivered to Syria, including food baskets, rice, flour, shelter kits, personal care packages, dates, winter clothing, blankets, and medical supplies as part of the Kingdom’s ongoing relief efforts.