Saudi Arabia to End Military Operations in Yemen, Next Phase is ‘Political Process’
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triloks/iStock/Thinkstock(WASHINGTON) — The Saudi Embassy in Washington on Tuesday announced the end of the Saudi-led military operation within Yemen.
According to a statement, the objectives of the operation have been achieved, and “at the request of President Abdrabu Mansur Hadi of Yemen, the focus will now shift from military operations to the political process.” The Saudi-led coalition said it still intends to work to protect the Yemeni people.
Yemen has been the site of violence in recent months after Houthi rebels overthrew the Yemeni government.
Saudi Arabia and other nations took part in Operation Decisive Storm with the aim of protecting Yemen from a Houthi takeover, ensuring security for surrounding nations, preventing weapons from making it into Yemen from outside and protecting the legitimate Yemeni government.
Operation Renewal of Hope, which the embassy says begins Tuesday, set goals including “protecting civilians, enhancing humanitarian and medical assistance to the Yemeni people, confronting terrorism, and preventing any moves by the Houthi militias and their allies to acquire or use weapons seized from the Yemeni armed forces or abroad.”
Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal tweeted his celebration over the conclusion of operations, promising 100 Bentleys for the pilots involved in Operation Decisive Storm.
A well-placed source tells ABC News that while the Saudis left open the option to return with forces later on, “this represents the end of the military operation,” and the next phase is “primarily a political process.”
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