Saudi-led coalition pounds Yemen Huthi targets

Saudi-led coalition warplanes bombed Yemeni Huthi targets including in the capital yesterday following insurgent drone strikes on a key oil pipeline that Riyadh said were ordered by Tehran.

The Saudi deputy defence minister warned that Tuesday’s attack by Yemeni Huthis on a major pipeline in the kingdom was “tightening the noose” around peace efforts. The Saudi-led coalition confirmed that its warplanes were carrying out multiple strikes across Huthi-held territory.

“We have begun to launch air strikes targeting sites operated by the Huthi militia, including in Sanaa,” a coalition official, who declined to be identified, said. A strike on one Sanaa neighbourhood killed at least six people and wounded 10, Dr Mokhtar Mohammed of the capital’s Republic Hospital said.

The coalition carried out 11 strikes on the capital in all, among 19 across rebel-held territory, the rebels’ Al-Masirah television reported. The raids began around 8 am (0500 GMT). “There were many strikes,” a witness said.