RIYADH — Brig. Gen. Ahmad Al-Asiri, spokesperson of the coalition forces and adviser at the office of the minister of defense, denied on Monday any ceasefire plan in the ongoing “Decisive Storm” operation.
Addressing the daily press briefing on the 12th day of the operation, he said that a total of 11 Red Cross officials have been evacuated by the Saudi-led coalition forces from Yemen on Monday and more personnel will be evacuated in the coming days.
“The coalition forces will facilitate evacuation of more nationals from Yemen. We will positively respond to the initiative of countries like India, Pakistan and China to evacuate their citizens through the sea,” he said, adding that the coalition naval fleet and air force have been conducting intense surveillance in the sea.
Asiri said the coalition forces have received no orders to suspend military operation in the name of the so-called humanitarian work. Referring to rumors about Houthis' demand for returning to negotiation table, he said: “This issue is left to politicians. Our military plans are going ahead as per schedule in line with the intelligence reports and information received from Popular Resistance Committees and tribesmen.”
Responding to a question about Al-Qaeda's presence in Yemen, Asiri blamed the international community for its inaction in extending assistance to Yemen (in its fight against terrorism) over the past years which contributed to an increased presence of Al-Qaeda in the country.
The spokesperson said the Houthi militias are targeting Aden from the direction of Dalie, Shabwa and Hudaidah.
“The militia is left with two options — either remain in the Yemeni military camps occupied by them to face strikes from our forces or come out and move toward Aden and then things will be easier for the coalition forces,” he said.
