Saudi-led Arab Coalition launches a major humanitarian operation in Yemen

Foreign ministers of the Saudi-led coalition announced on Monday the launch of a comprehensive humanitarian operation in Yemen.

The countries announced the provision of $1.5 billion in aid to help the Yemeni people. They said that: the Al Khadra border crossing with Yemen will be opened to facilitate the delivery of aid to Yemen; the capacity of the ports in Yemen will be expanded to receive the aid; and the port of Hodeidah will remain open for an additional month.

The Saudi ambassador to Yemen, Mohammed bin Saeed al-Jaber, said that the humanitarian plan goes beyond financial targets and there is a support center to oversee the implementation of the plan in Yemen. He added, however, that Iran continues to support the Houthis to destroy Yemen and the countries of the region, pointing out that the aim of the humanitarian operation is to help the Yemeni people and ensure delivering the aid to all areas of the country. The Saudi ambassador also said that an airdrome will be prepared in Marib to secure the arrival of aid provided by all international organisations.

The UAE has expressed support for the Saudi positions in Yemen at various levels.

Read: Saudi-led coalition to give $1.5 bln in Yemen aid, expand port capacity

The Spokesman for the Arab Coalition, Colonel Turki bin Saleh al-Malki said that it is necessary to ensure that weapons are not smuggled to Yemen from any country or port. He added that there is a coordinated effort to monitor any smuggling of arms.

During the meeting of the foreign ministers of the coalition countries, Al- Jaber affirmed support to the Hadi-led government in Yemen. “The Houthis are responsible for the destruction and devastation in Yemen,” he said, adding that Saudi Arabia has been hit by more than 90 ballistic missiles launched by the Houthi militias.