Saudi Arabia ends Operation Decisive Storm in Yemen

Saudi Arabia announced on Tuesday that it was ending a month-long series of air strikes in Yemen , known as “Operation Decisive Storm”, against Shia Houthi rebels and militia loyal to former President Ali Abdullah Saleh.

Saudi spokesman Brigadier General Ahmed Asiri told reporters on Tuesday that the coalition may still target Houthis.

“The coalition will continue to prevent the Houthi militias from moving or undertaking any operations inside Yemen,” he said.

Asiri said the decision came in response to a request by current Yemeni President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi after the operation achieved its objectives.

He pointed out that a new operation, called “Renewal of Hope”, would aim to protect civilians and combat “terrorism” in the country.

The Saudi Ministry of Defence issued a statement saying that: “Operation Decisive Storm has achieved its goals … removing the threat to Saudi Arabia and neighbouring countries, especially in terms of heavy weapons.”

The statement comes only hours after Saudi King Abdulaziz bin Salman issued a royal decree to send the Kingdom’s elite National Guard to secure its border with Yemen.

The National Guard has not been involved in the operation until now.