Saudi-led air raids in Yemen successful: Coalition AGENCE FRANCE PRESSE 26 March 2015 
RIYADH: The first wave of Saudi-led air raids against Houthi terrorists in Yemen was “successful,” the coalition said, vowing to press on with the intervention until unspecified goals are reached. Speaking to reporters, spokesman Ahmed Assiri also said that there were no immediate plans for a ground offensive but that the coalition would not allow any supplies to reach the rebels. Arab foreign ministers agree on joint military force AGENCE FRANCE PRESSE 26 March 2015 SHARM EL SHEIKH: Arab foreign ministers meeting in Egypt have agreed on the formation of a joint military force, the Arab League's chief and the Egyptian foreign minister said. The plan forms part of a draft resolution to be submitted to Arab leaders at a weekend summit in Egypt's Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheikh. The ministers "agreed on an important principle, to establish the force", Arab League secretary general Nabil Al-Arabi told a news conference. "This is the first time that a force will be created and work under the name of Arab states," he said, describing the move as "historic". Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said the agreement was unanimous. The rapid response force envisaged by the Arab League will work to counter terrorists, Al-Arabi said in a recent interview. Defense minister supervises operations against Houthi aggression SPA 26 March 2015 
RIYADH: Prince Mohammed bin Salman, minister of defense, chief of the Royal Court and special adviser to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, arrived yesterday at the center of the Air Force Operations Command to command Al-Hazm (Firm) Storm operation, which started its operations upon the order issued by King Salman, at midnight. The minister of defense supervises the first air strike on the Houthis’ strongholds in Yemen, which resulted in the destruction of all Houthi air defenses fully, Al-Dailami base, SAM missiles batteries and four warplanes, without any losses in the Saudi Air Force. At the operations command center, he received Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Naif, second deputy premier and minister of interior, who was briefed by the minister of defense on the details of the military plans and operations directly before the Saudi aircraft started their missions. Saudi Arabia has no immediate plans for ground operation in Yemen
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has no immediate plans to launch ground operations inside Yemen but its forces and those of its allies are ready to do so if needed, the military spokesman of the operation said. “There are no plans at this stage for ground forces operations, but if the need arises, the Saudi ground forces and those of the friends and sisterly forces are ready and will repel any aggression,” Brig. Gen. Ahmed Asseri told a news conference. |
