Former Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh has left Yemen early Wednesday and an official announcement over the deposed leader's departure from the conflict-torn country is expected shortly, the local Yemen 24 website cited high-level sources in Riyadh as saying. The sources added that it was agreed for Saleh and his family to leave Yemen but the destination is still unknown.
After Saudi-led coalition forces pounded southern Yemen with a fresh series of airstrikes Wednesday, Houthi rebels called for peace talks.
“We call for… the resumption of political dialogue under the auspices of the United Nations,” Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdul-Salam, wrote on his Facebook page.
The statement appeared after the Arab alliance announced on Tuesday it was stopping its campaign but would continue to target Iran-allied Houthi rebel movements inside Yemen as needed, and enforce an air and sea blockade to prevent weapons shipments.
On Wednesday, US Defense Secretary Ash Carter said he is concerned that Iranian ships heading toward Yemen may be carrying advanced weapons for the Houthi rebels, and moving a US aircraft carrier to the region gives the president options.
After the end of Operation Decisive Storm, the coalition said the campaign would enter a second phase called Operation Renewal of Hope focusing on resuming political talks, aid deliveries and “fighting terrorism”. “The Houthis should be under no illusion that we will use force in order to stop them taking over Yemen by aggressive actions. So that will not change,” Saudi Ambassador Adel Al-Jubeir told reporters in Washington on Wednesday.
The alliance said it had destroyed the rebels' missile and air capabilities, but the Houthis and their allies still control the capital Sanaa and swathes of the country. — Al Arabiya News and Agencies
