Saudi Arabia fires over 130 rockets, shells at northern Yemen

More than 130 rockets and artillery shells have been fired from Saudi Arabia at populated areas in Yemen’s northern Sa’ada province over the past 12 hours, Al Masirah television reports.

The Houthi-controlled channel said the shelling was continuing and that settlements in the Al-Zahir and Haydan districts had been targeted.

Meanwhile, Al Hadath television reported that Yemeni government forces had regained control of several positions in southern and western Taiz province following heavy clashes with the Houthis.

The conflict in Yemen has continued since August 2014 between Saudi-backed government forces and the Houthis. According to the report, the conflict escalated in early September after the Houthis launched an offensive in southwestern Yemen and began missile and drone attacks on Red Sea coastal areas and the vicinity of Taiz.

The Houthis have sought to cut routes to Mocha and advance towards areas near the strategically important Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

By Sabina Mammadli