Operation Decisive Storm: Iran and Hezbollah have trained Houthi militants to harm Yemenis

RIYADH, 8th April 2015 (WAM) --- A military spokesman for the Saudi-led Operation Decisive Storm said on Tuesday that Iran and Hezbollah have trained Houthi militants to harm Yemenis. "We have evidence that Iran trained Houthi militias on operating fighter jets," Saudi Brigadier General Ahmed Asiri was quoted by Al Arabiya news channel as saying in a news conference at Riyadh Airbase. Asiri said there was "no way for militias to acquire fighter jets," referring to Iran’s support for the Houthi rebels. The Houthis are targeting civilians and hospitals in Aden, but the situation in the city is "stable" now, the spokesman said. Speaking about humanitarian relief missions in Yemen, Asiri said the coalition had cleared permits allowing the International Committee of the Red Cross ship to enter Aden, adding the coalition was working to ensure the safety of humanitarian missions. An initial ICRC flight transporting medical personnel has reached the Yemeni capital Sanaa, reported AFP on Tuesday. Asiri also said the coalition was communicating with countries that seek to evacuate their citizens from Yemen. The spokesman reiterated that the coalition remained "vigilant" in order to safeguard civilian lives and infrastructure. "Our principle goal right now is to safeguard Aden," he said. The spokesman called on Yemeni army leaders supporting the ousted president Ali Abdullah Saleh to instead back legitimacy. – Emirates News Agency, WAM – http://www.wam.ae/en/news/arab-international/1395279019726.html