SANAA (Sputnik) – Over 20 people have died and more than 30 were wounded as a result of airstrikes conducted by a Saudi Arabia-led international coalition against Houthi militia in Yemen, local security and medical sources have told Sputnik.
Saudi Arabia's air assault in Yemen is an offensive to restore the collapsed Yemeni government http://t.co/5z779U4QvC pic.twitter.com/ancEbE3UWy
— The New York Times (@nytimes) March 26, 2015
As of 6:30 a. m. local time on Thursday (03:30 GMT), 22 people were killed and over 30 were injured in the north of Yemen's capital Sanaa, according to the sources. Most of the strikes hit residential areas close to the Sanaa International Airport (El Rahaba Airport).
Saudi Arabia, allies launch air campaign in Yemen against Houthi fighters: http://t.co/I6HTsh0fHe pic.twitter.com/2Sbs3mUPdD
— Reuters Top News (@Reuters) March 26, 2015
The airstrikes also targeted government buildings and the airport itself, along with the Al-Dilmi Air Base. According to sources in Yemen’s security services, 4 Sukhoi jets stationed at the base were destroyed as a result of the strikes.
Quite Sanaa streets at 7am as many r not going to schools, colleges or work after air strikes panic. #Yemen pic.twitter.com/vCd41ZleZn
— Hafez Albukari (@hafezbukari) March 26, 2015
The military operation in Yemen started at 7 p.m. EST. It began with airstrikes, but will also involve "other military assets," al-Jubeir said, adding that artillery from a coalition of more than 10 countries is en route to Saudi Arabia.
UPDATE: Saudi Arabia contributing 100 warplanes, 150,000 soldiers to Yemen operations http://t.co/dAzo7Kj9Ie pic.twitter.com/RsWsDTMHhB
— RT (@RT_com) March 26, 2015
Meanwhile the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV channel has reported dozens of civilian casualties in the Sanaa airstrikes. The channel urged Yemen's medical personnel to report to Sanaa hospitals as soon as possible.
Reports from the ground indicate that Saudi forces have bombed an office belonging to Houthi rebels in Sanaa's Jiraf area, with many casualties. Local residents say bombs from warplanes have completely destroyed the airport in Sanaa, which is now without power.
Saudi Arabia plans to involve 100 fighter jets and 150,000 servicemen in the coalition military operation launched against Houthi militia in Yemen on Wednesday, Al Arabiya reports.
