Coalition airstrikes hit Houthi military targets in Sanaa September 12
Category: Conflict
Severity: 3 (Moderate)
Source: Drum Cussac
09/12/2020 (Yemen) - Saudi-led coalition forces launched nine airstrikes targeting alleged Houthi military facilities in and around Sanaa in the early hours of Saturday, September 12. Yemeni government sources stated that the strikes had hit the headquarters of the national security apparatus in the city and an engineering camp in the Sawan area on the western outskirts of the former capital where a number of senior Houthi leaders were allegedly meeting. However, Saudi sources stated that the operation had targeted a site used by the rebels to process and manufacture unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and ballistic missiles. The extent of damage and casualties from the airstrikes is currently unclear.
Further coalition airstrikes and other military operations remain likely in Houthi-controlled areas of the country in the medium term.
Context
Yemen is engaged in a complex and multifaceted conflict, ongoing since Houthi rebels entered a civil war with the Saudi-backed Yemeni government in 2015. The Saudi-led coalition has carried out thousands of airstrikes in Yemen since launching an intervention in support of the government. Hundreds of Yemeni civilians have been killed in the strikes, which have hit schools, hospitals, and markets, in addition to Houthi militant positions and personnel. However, airstrikes targeting facilities in Sanaa have decreased significantly since the beginning of indirect peace talks in September 2019.
Saturday's airstrikes come two days after Houthi forces claimed to have launched ballistic missile and UAV attacks against an unspecified target in Riyadh on Thursday, September 10, in the latest in a long series of cross-border strikes. Saudi authorities did not confirm whether the capital had been targeted but announced the interception of multiple UAVs and missiles launched towards the country on Thursday.
Due to poor security conditions, many Western governments strongly advise their citizens against all travel to Yemen. Travel to the country should only be considered with extensive security protocols in place. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.
Copyright © 2024 Drum Cussac
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