Yemen’s Defense Ministry announced on Saturday that it was carrying out a military operation against the Iran-backed Houthi militia in retaliation against its recent attacks.
Army spokesman Majed al-Nazili said the operation was a response to the “treacherous Houthi attacks.”
It reflects the “unity of fronts, command and control of the armed forces,” he added.
The military held the militants “fully responsible for the continued escalation,” accusing the Houthis of dragging Yemen into regional conflicts “in service of foreign agendas.”
It also accused them of destroying Yemen’s economy and spreading sectarianism among the people.
On the western coast, fierce fighting erupted between the legitimate government forces and the Houthis north of Khokha city.
Resistance formations allied with the government repelled a Houthi attack south of Hodeidah, leaving losses in their forces.
Meanwhile, the National Defense Council held an emergency meeting, chaired by head of the Presidential Leadership Council Dr. Rashad al-Alimi, to follow up on the developments on the ground.
It ordered the raising of military readiness and discussed the Houthis ballistic and drone attacks on Marib, Shabwa and Hadramawt.
The council will keep its meetings open pending the developments.
The Houthis launched ballistic missiles and drones at displacement camps and residential neighborhoods in the city of Marib on Friday, killing two people and wounding 14, state news agency SABA reported, citing local authorities.
The attacks came a day after at least 45 Yemeni government troops were killed in strikes on military camps in Marib and Hadramawt provinces.
