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The Saudi-led coalition, currently carrying out an intervention in Yemen announced the beginning of a new operation, aimed at destroying Houthi targets.
#BREAKING: Saudi-led Arab coalition: The military operation aims to destroy Houthi ballistic operations that threatens the lives of civilians https://t.co/7P6YGm9zYp pic.twitter.com/8oMu9M31sm
— Arab News (@arabnews) March 30, 2020
This followed a ballistic missile attack on Saudi capital Riyadh, blamed on the Houthis.
On March 28th, Saudi-led coalition spokesperson col. Turki Al-Malki announced the incident.
“At 23:23 on March 28th 2020, the Royal Saudi Air Defense intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles launched by the terrorist Iran-backed Houthi militia from (Sa’dah) and (Sana’a) toward civilians and civilian objects in the Kingdom
The two ballistic missiles were launched toward (Riyadh) and (Jazan). No casualties, up until the issuance of this release, were recorded. The interception of the missiles resulted in debris scattering on some residential areas in Riyadh and Jazan.
The launch of ballistic missiles by the terrorist Houthi militia and the IRGC at this time reflects the real threat of this terrorist militia and the Iranian regime sponsoring it. This villainous attack does not target the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its nationals and expatriates only, but targets international unity and solidarity, especially under such difficult and bitter conditions in which the world unites in combatting the outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic. This escalation by the Houthi militia does not reflect its announcement of acceptance of the ceasefire and de-escalation, nor any seriousness in engaging in confidence-building measures and reaching a comprehensive political solution with the Yemeni government to end the coup. It is a continuation of Iran’s strategy of falsification and procrastination to deepen the suffering of brotherly people of Yemen, and further proof that the Houthi militia is stripped of its will and decision-making ability to end this crisis.
The Joint Forces Command of the Coalition will continue to apply and implement all decisive and deterrent measures to neutralize and destroy such ballistic capabilities to protect civilians as well as regional and international security.”
Debris from the ballistic missiles being shown to reporters. Click to see full-size image
Two civilians were slightly injured due to the falling of the intercepted missile’s debris as it exploded in mid-air over residential districts. The incident was tackled according to the procedures and plans prepared for that, Lt. Col. Mohammed Al-Hammadi, spokesperson for the Civil Defense in Riyadh region said.
In response, the Saudi-led coalition began carrying out airstrikes on the Yemeni capital of Sana’a which is under Houthi control.
#BREAKING| The #Saudi-led coalition in #Yemen carries out air strikes on the capital Sanaa, shortly after Saudi Arabia intercepted two ballistic missiles by the #Houthis towards Riyadh and Jazan.#BaghdadPost pic.twitter.com/r2desPieoL
— The Baghdad Post (@BaghdadPostPlus) March 30, 2020
The US Ambassador to the Kingdom condemned the alleged attack by the Houthis, saying that the world should focus on fighting COVID-19.
“As the world focuses on combating the COVID-19 pandemic and saving lives, the Houthis focused on doing the work of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force by attacking innocent civilians,” said John Abizaid said.
“We wish those injured in the attacks a speedy and full recovery.”
On March 29th, a Houthi military spokesman said Ansar Allah forces had launched rockets and drones at “sensitive” sites in Riyadh and at economic and military sites in Jazan, Najran and Asir, near the Yemen border.
Yahya Saria said Zulfiqar missiles and Samad 3 drones were fired at Riyadh, and other drones and missiles were launched at the southern areas. Saria warned of further “painful operations” against Saudi Arabia if aggression against Yemen continued.
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