Pro-Hadi militias set to launch new assault on Yemen coastline
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Militants loyal to the former Yemeni government are seen in the country’s third-city Ta’izz during clashes with army forces and allied Ansarullah fighters, on November 21, 2016. (Photo by AFP)
Yemen’s former President Abd Rabbuh Mansour Hadi has ordered a major assault on the country’s the Red Sea coast against Ansarullah fighters and allied army forces, who have been defending the nation against a deadly Saudi offensive.
Yemeni military sources said Saturday that reinforcements have been deployed by the ex-government to the war-torn country’s Red Sea shoreline, which is mostly controlled by army troops and Ansarullah fighters, AFP reported.
The former government now aims to push the Ansarullah fighters “from the western coast and Bab al-Mandab [Strait],” a Yemeni source said.
The offensive aims to seize an area stretching from Dhubab District in the Southwestern Province of Tai’zz to al-Khukha District, located 90 kilometers (60 miles) northwards. The contingents use tank reinforcements, armored vehicles, and Katyusha rocket launchers, according to the report.
Meanwhile, reports say Ta’izz been the scene of fierce clashes between Yemeni armed forces and pro-Saudi since Saturday.
Saudi aircraft were also reported to have carried out as many as 13 strikes against residential buildings in Sanhan District in western Sana’a Province, causing considerable damage to civilian properties.
Separately, it was reported on Sunday that the Yemeni army and Ansarullah fighters had targeted gunboats belonging to the Saudi mercenaries off Dhubab.
The Ansarullah fighters took control of state affairs in 2014 after Hadi resigned despite Ansarullah’s calls on him to review the decision. Hadi’s resignation created more chaos in a country already grappling with al-Qaeda terror threats.
ME
