Arab Coalition Launches Military Operation to Neutralize Threats against Saudi Oil Facilities

A fire erupted in Jeddah from a Houthi attack on Friday. (AFP)
A fire erupted in Jeddah from a Houthi attack on Friday. (AFP)
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Arab Coalition Launches Military Operation to Neutralize Threats against Saudi Oil Facilities

A fire erupted in Jeddah from a Houthi attack on Friday. (AFP)
A fire erupted in Jeddah from a Houthi attack on Friday. (AFP)

The Saudi-led Arab coalition announced on Saturday the launch of a military operation to neutralize threats against oil facilities in the Kingdom and protect global energy sources.

It carried out air strikes against sources of threats in Yemen's Sanaa and Hodeidah, it added.

The operation was launched in wake of the Iran-backed Houthi militias' targeting of energy supplies in Saudi Arabia on Friday. The Houthis had fired 16 armed drones, ballistic missiles and projectiles that targeted Saudi vital installations and civilian areas.

The operation is aimed a "protecting the global energy sources from hostile attacks and securing supply chains," said the coalition.

"We have exercised the utmost restraint against the Houthi attacks on oil facilities," it stressed.

The coalition had declared that it would be carrying out the operation, urging people to avoid oil sites and facilities in Hodeidah.

"The Houthis must assume the responsibility of the hostile behavior," it added, saying the military operation was in its early stages and that it will continue until it achieves its objectives.



UAE Expresses Deep Concern over Escalating Violence in Sudan

UAE flag flies over a boat at Dubai Marina, Dubai, United Arab Emirates May 22, 2015. REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah/File Photo
UAE flag flies over a boat at Dubai Marina, Dubai, United Arab Emirates May 22, 2015. REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah/File Photo
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UAE Expresses Deep Concern over Escalating Violence in Sudan

UAE flag flies over a boat at Dubai Marina, Dubai, United Arab Emirates May 22, 2015. REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah/File Photo
UAE flag flies over a boat at Dubai Marina, Dubai, United Arab Emirates May 22, 2015. REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah/File Photo

UAE Minister of State Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan has expressed the UAE’s deep concern over violence in Sudan, particularly against women, children, and the elderly in Al Jazirah state, which resulted in the killing and wounding of a number of innocent civilians, state news agency WAM reported.

He underlined that the UAE is alarmed by reports of sexual violence against women and girls, the high risk of famine, and the continued suffering and displacement of thousands of civilians.

Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan called on the Sudanese warring parties to return to dialogue, respect their commitments under the Jeddah Declaration and the mechanisms proposed by the Aligned for Advancing Lifesaving and Peace in Sudan (ALPS) related to facilitating safe, urgent, and unhindered access to humanitarian aid. His also underscored the necessity for all parties to adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law.

The Minister emphasised the importance of protecting civilians according to international humanitarian law, and the need to ensure that they are not targeted during conflict.

In this regard, Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan reaffirmed the UAE’s unwavering position in calling for an immediate ceasefire, stressing its support for efforts to achieve national consensus toward forming a civilian-led government, in a way that meets the aspirations of the Sudanese people for development and prosperity.