Iran and Hezbollah trained Houthis to ‘harm Yemenis’

A military spokesman for the Saudi-led “Operation Decisive Storm” said on Tuesday that Iran and Hezbollah have trained Houthi militias to “harm Yemenis.”

“We have evidence that Iran trained Houthi militias on operating fighter jets,” Saudi Brigadier General Ahmed Asiri told reporters.

Asiri said there was “no way for militias to acquire fighter jets,” referring to Iran’s support for the Houthis 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 seeked 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.

And the spokesman called on Yemeni army leaders supporting the deposed leader Ali Abdullah Saleh to instead back legitimacy.