Pakistan Still to Voice Official Stance on Yemen Operation - Coalition

The Pakistani government has not yet voiced its official position regarding participation in the international Decisive Storm operation against Houthi rebels in Yemen, Saudi-led coalition spokesman Brig. Gen. Ahmed Asiri said.

MANAMA (Sputnik) – On Friday, the Pakistani parliament approved a resolution saying that Pakistan needed to hold a neutral position on the conflict in Yemen.

Commenting on the decision, Asiri said Pakistan's government has not yet officially voiced its position on the issue.

Earlier Saudi Arabia called on Pakistan to join the coalition and send troops, warships, and airplanes to participate in the military operation in Yemen. The Pakistani parliament was discussing the issue throughout the entire week.

The Saudi-led coalition started carrying out airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen on March 25 in response to a request for military assistance from President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi.

Shiite Houthis have taken control of various parts of Yemen, including the capital Sanaa. They forced the Yemeni government to resign in Januray. Hadi withdrew his resignation after escaping from house arrest to the southern port city of Aden. At the end of March Hadi left Yemen for Saudi Arabia.