Over the past four weeks, Saudi Arabia has led a series of airstrikes aimed at quashing the spread and rise to power of Shiite Houthi rebels in Yemen.
Backed by the Iranian government, the Houthi have risen from obscurity to prominence. Once a regional threat, the group began late last year to branch out on more aggressive missions aimed at securing strategically important sites around the country. They moved into the capital city of Sana’a, and earlier this year managed to stage a violent and successful coup against the western-backed Hadi government.
Iran’s involvement—which they deny, of course—has been the subject of contention for coalition partners in the region, who argue that the Iranians are using the Houthi rebels as a proxy occupation force and means to greater control over the increasingly volatile Arabian Peninsula. Similarly, Saudi’s airstrikes against Houthi advancement have been painted not as strategic, but as an unnecessary attack on civilians caught in the crossfire.
Today, Iran released a statement alleging that one Saudi Airstrike hit too close to the Iranian embassy in Sana’a, shattering windows and causing damage but fortunately not injuring anyone inside.
More from the AP:
The report says Iran’s Foreign Ministry summoned the kingdom’s envoy to Tehran to protest over the bombing on Monday.
It quotes Iran’s deputy foreign minister, Hossein Amir Abdollahian, as warning the Saudis to abide by their international obligations and respect diplomatic missions. The report adds that Tehran holds Riyadh responsible for the safety of its mission in Sanaa.
Sanaa came under heavy bombardment on Monday as Saudi-led coalition warplanes targeted weapon caches held by Iranian-backed Shiite rebels known as the Houthis who have seized much of Yemen.
This latest Saudi air campaign is purportedly aimed at destroying weapons bases currently controlled by Houthi rebels. Al Jazeera is reporting that 27 people have been killed in a separate airstrike targeting a Scud missile base in Sana’a. Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV channel is running a full court press against Saudi, saying that the strike missed the base and instead hit civilians in the area.
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That’s almost word for word what China said after its embassy was threatened by bombing during the brief NATO bombing of the former Yugoslavia under Milosevic. Since American intelligence is helping the Saudis according to credible reports, that is a bit curious.
Dang!
They missed!
The only good mullah is a dead mullah. Even they aren’t good, just less dangerous.
They make decent fertilizer.
https://youtu.be/oPwrodxghrw