Yemen: the houthi attacks continue to the Saudi forces

(To Giampiero Venturi)
13/01/17

The 2017 in Yemen has begun in the name of war. Despite the cease-fire declared for humanitarian reasons, military operations continue unabated.

The militias Houthi in recent days they have struck major blows against the Coalition forces, inflicting significant losses on Saudi troops.

Last-minute news reports of rocket attacks in the Saudi province of Najran, near the town of Al Khadra.

On January 12, in the province of Jizan, southwestern corner of Arabia along the coasts of the Red Sea, the military base of Al Muntazah would have been evacuated by the army of Riyadh after an intense artillery pounding by Shiite Yemeni militias. Massive use of missiles Qaher, a former Russian anti-aircraft weapon adapted in Yemen for ground targets, it would prove once again lethal for Coalition troops.

Speaking of "war in Yemen" at this point seems an understatement. The theater of military operations increasingly concerns the territory of Saudi Arabia, with total involvement of the provinces close to the southern border, now out of control. 

However, the most massive land operations continue to concern Yemen, where the music as a whole does not change.

The Saudi attempt to reclaim the interior of the Taiz Governorate to reach the coastal city of Dhubab would have ended in total failure. Local sources speak of dozens of Riyadh soldiers and mercenaries killed in the first week of January. During the operation, the militias Houthi, supported by departments of the Republican Guard loyal to former President Saleh, they would have killed a Saudi Brigade general (the news, however, was not confirmed by Riyadh).

The city of Dhubab is part of the territory that overlooks the strategic Bab Al Mandab strait on the Red Sea, firmly in the hands of the rebels. The control of the area is the main objective of the Sunni forces, which however continue to struggle.

As is now customary, the main military response of the Saudis is entrusted to the fighter-bombers. Thanks to undisputed air superiority, royal jets incessantly pound strategic targets. In particular, the capital Sana'a and the Saada Governorate near the border with Arabia have paid the price in recent weeks. Numerous civilian casualties and incalculable damage to the country's infrastructure continue to be recorded.

(photo: yemeni press)