Houthi Rebels Loot Russian Consulate in Yemeni City of Aden - Reports

Armed men broke down doors and entered the building, seizing equipment and documents, loaded it in cars before driving off. On Wednesday, the Consulate General of Russia in Aden was damaged as a result of bombings conducted by the Saudi Arabia-led coalition against the Houthis.

BEIRUT (Sputnik) — Houthi militants broke into the Consulate General of Russia in the Yemeni seaport of Aden and looted it, according to reports in local media.

The Wednesday attack was said to have been staged by both Houthis and supporters of former President of Yemen Ali Abdullah Saleh, local media Huna Aden informed.

According to reports, armed men broke down doors and entered the building, seizing equipment and documents, loaded it in cars before driving off.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Consulate General of Russia in Aden was damaged as a result of bombings conducted by the Saudi Arabia-led coalition against the Houthis.

The same day, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini urged the conflicting sides in Yemen to protect civilians and infrastructure amid coalition airstrikes.

Last week, an international coalition headed by Saudi Arabia launched a military operation against Houthi positions in Yemen following a request for military support from Yemeni President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi.

The Houthis have recently taken control of the Yemeni capital Sanaa, forcing the elected president to flee the country, and making rapid advances into other cities.

Foreign countries and international organizations, including the United Nations, have been evacuating their citizens and staff from Yemen amid the intensified conflict.