Saudi-led raids kill 15 Houthis in southern Yemen

By Murad al-Arifi, Ali H. M.Abo Rezeg

SANAA

At least 15 Houthi rebels were killed in Saudi-led airstrikes in western Yemen on Sunday, according to a local medical source.

Several rebels were also injured in the attacks, which targeted Houthi positions south of Hodeidah province, the source said on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to media.

“Hospitals are full to bursting with scores of injured Houthis, who came from southern districts where fighting is flaring on,” the source told Anadolu Agency.

A local security source said powerful explosions were heard in the area, suggesting that the raids had targeted Houthi weapons depots in the province.

Anadolu Agency could not reach Houthi leaders for comment.

Yemen has remained dogged by violence since 2014, when the Shia Houthi group overran much of the country, including the capital.

The conflict escalated in 2015 when Saudi Arabia and its Arab allies launched a devastating air campaign aimed at rolling back Houthi gains in Yemen.

Yemen has since become the scene of what the UN has called the worst humanitarian disaster in modern times, with millions on the verge of famine.