The Yemeni army is closing on Shiite rebels in the north of the country, according to military sources quoted on the defence ministry's website on Thursday. "Army and security forces units have taken control of many areas which were in the hands of the rebels and are conducting cleaning up operations" as well as pursuing fleeing fighters, a security source was quoted as saying by the 26sep.net site.
According to AFP, other security sources conveyed the offensive has been intensified in the past 48 hours, mainly through air raids on rebel positions in Saada and Amran provinces. "The eagles of the air force continue to land painful blows on the saboteurs, destroying their fortifications," one of the military sources said.
Meanwhile, Yemen's Foreign Minister Abu Bakr al-Qirbi has told 26September weekly that the international community, especially Arab and European countries, had demonstrated full understanding of the government's offensive. "Yemen is working to provide protection and security to civilians in Saada through providing essential services and food and establishing emergency camps in cooperation with international organizations", al-Qirbi pointed out.
According to him, he had held talks and meetings with a number of Arab and foreign ambassadors and officials to explain the latest developments in the country.
