Yemen crisis: Saudi Arabia-led coalition declares end to bombing campaign against Houthi Rebels
However, an army spokesman did not rule out restarting air strikes
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A coalition led by Saudi Arabia has ended a bombing campaign to target Houthi rebels, which has lasted almost a month.
The end of the so-called operation “Decisive Storm” will now make way for a new phase aimed at preventing the rebels from functioning effectively, a spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition targeting Iran-allied rebels has said.
The announcement comes after two air strikes in Yemen killed at least 40 people, most of whom were civilians, medical sources on the scene told Reuters.
Speaking at a news conference in Riyadh on Wednesday, Brig. Gen. Ahmed Asiri said the objectives of the campaign have been met and it would cease at midnight.
An earlier statement read on Saudi-owned Arabiya TV announced that the first phase of the military campaign was a success.
Asiri mirrored the statement and said the rebels no longer pose a danger to civilians and that the new phase, called “Renewal of Hope” would focus on rebuilding the country while interdicting the rebels.
The new mission will focus on security at home, counter-terrorism, aid and a political solution in Yemen.
However, Asiri did not rule out future air strikes against the Houthi rebels, indicating that military action by the alliance of Sunni Muslim state may yet continue.
Last month, Saudi Arabia and its allies launched the intensive campaign of air strikes against the Houthi, after fighting between the rebels and the Saudi Arabia-backed forces of President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi intensified.
Additional reporting by Reuters
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments