Saudi ready for ground attack in Yemen

A ground operation in Yemen is an option if there is a need for it, Alamatonline.net yesterday reported the spokesman of Operation Decisive Storm saying.

Brigadier General Ahmed Asiri also hailed the UN Security Council’s decision to impose sanctions on the Houthi militias as well as on the son of the former Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh. He called this a “victory for the Yemeni people” and considered it a “complement for Operation Decisive Storm”.

Asiri said that a number of Yemeni military leaders and their brigades had returned and pledged allegiance to Yemeni President Abd Rabbu Mansur Hadi. He called on other leaders to take the same step before it is too late.

“In a difficult and historic point, these leaders felt the responsibility laid on their shoulders towards their country,” he said, “therefore, they returned to legitimacy.”

Replying to a question about the possibility to start a ground operation, he said: “We are still in an aerial airstrike, but when there is a need to go for a ground operation, we will do.” He did not give more details, but said “when we reach the point of a ground operation, we will let you know.”