Yemen's president orders military chief to push for Sanaa
Officials confirm successful air strikes on Houthi reinforcements north-west of rebel-held capital
Ali Mahmood
December 31, 2017
Updated: December 31, 2017 08:22 PM
Yemeni fighters, loyal to the Saudi-backed Yemeni government, hold position during an offensive against Houthi rebels positions in the Nihem region, east of Sana'a. Soliman Al Nowab / EPA
Yemeni fighters, loyal to the Saudi-backed Yemeni government, hold position during an offensive against Houthi rebels positions in the Nihem region, east of Sana'a. Soliman Al Nowab / EPA
The Yemeni army chief of staff Major General Tahir Al Aqaili said the army is ready to advance towards the rebel-held capital, Sanaa, after recent victories in a renewed military offensive.
The officer announced the pledge on Yemeni official news agency, SEBA, after receiving a call from the internationally-recognised government of President Abdrabu Mansur Hadi, urging him on to rid Yemen of the Iranian-backed rebels.
"The chief of staff said that army troops as well as the public resistance are ready to advance towards Sanaa to liberate it of the sectarian militia," said Yemeni army Brigadier Abdo Megeli.
Meanwhile, 20 Houthi militants were killed in a Saudi-led air strike on the western battlefront as part of a push to recapture the port city of Hodeidah.
Lieutenant Mohammed Mohsen, a commander in the Yemeni army, said the attack targeted reinforcements on their way to support the Houthis who are now struggling to fend off an offensive launched by the Arab coalition.
The city on the Red Sea coast is the only major port under rebel control and widely regarded as second only to the capital, Sanaa — also still in Houthi hands — in its strategic importance.
The bombing struck a Houthi convoy carrying militants, equipment and motorcycles — the vehicle of choice for rebel snipers.
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