(Photo by Mohammed Hamoud/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

Saudi Arabia has launched a coalition operation, joined by other Arab countries, against Shi’ite Houthi rebels in Yemen.

SANAA, Yemen —Warplanes and missile batteries from Saudi Arabia-led the coalition operation of Arab allies, struck Shi’ite Muslim rebels in Yemen. The civilians, including children and women, were killed in the Saudi led airstrike operation.
A coalition led by Saudi Arabia said they are “defending the legitimate government” of President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi.
Adel al-Jubair, Saudi ambassador to the US stated “The operation is to defend and support the legitimate government of Yemen and prevent the radical Houthi movement from taking over the country.”
Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iranian Foreign Minister, requested an immediate halt to the military operation in Yemen. Iranian state media perceived the airstrikes as a “US-backed aggression”.
Although the US were not involved in a direct military action in Yemen, the White House said the United States supported the Arab Gulf Cooperation Council countries operation, and that President Barack Obama had authorized the U.S. “logistical and intelligence support”.
The US Secretary of State John Kerry organized a conference call with Gulf ministers to talk over the Yemen crisis, a senior US official said.

The Fears of Proxy War

Yemen’s crises have turned into a battlefield of international actors and the security problems in the region have increased due to power struggle among actors.
Although Sunni-ruled Saudi Arabia and some Western officials accuse Iran to help the Shi’ite rebels in Yemen, Iran denies providing money and training to the Shia Houthi militia.
After growing turmoil and attacks of Houti rebels, the President Hadi fled to an undisclosed place.

Ayşe Nur DOK