The Yemeni military has killed at least 80 Houthi officers in the last two months as part of an intensified push to roll back the Iranian-backed militia’s presence in the country.
All 80 officers were killed in Yemeni military campaigns supported by Arab coalition airstrikes. The National was able to verify this information in an official list sent by the Yemeni military.
However, the number of unconfirmed kills on Houthi officers is believed to be more, the spokesman of the Yemeni army, Colonel Abdo Megeli, told The National in a phone call Thursday.
The colonel said “hundreds” of high-ranking officers in the Houthi militia were killed following a push in November which aimed to recapture rebel-held Sanaa.
"They have lost their trained militants but they are trying to keep the news of their deaths confidential, however they have held funerals for many high ranking commanders in Saada, their stronghold" Colonel Megeli said.
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The Houthis suffered many of their causalities in Hodeidah, the only port city held by the Iranian-backed group and the most important stronghold after the capital.
On Wednesday, the spokesman for the Arab coalition, Colonel Turki Al Malki, said their forces struck an arms stockpile in the north of the country.
He added that the successful extermination of Houthi officers has led to low morale among the Houthi ranks.
The army of the internationally-recognised government of President Abdrabu Mansur Hadi ramped up offensives on three fronts –on the southeastern Al Bayda province, in the north and along the Red Sea coast –since two Houthi missiles were launched on Saudi Arabia on November 4 and December 19.
The official spokesman for the coalition forces said “the forces carried out monitoring operations and targeting of militia leaders inside Yemen and received contacts from Yemen territory on information on Al-Houthi leaders and their movements”.
In a warning to the Houthi militia, he said there were only two options: “peace or war and as for peace, it means that Houthi militia must hand over power, while the option of war is the second option that is about to be ended.”
On Monday, officials said Iran-backed Houthi rebels were facing severe depletion and discontent in their forces in areas under their control, according to confidential documents obtained by the Yemeni military.
The documents also showed 53 rebels and 12 government troops were killed in clashes and air strikes south of Hodeidah.
Day 5, Abu Dhabi Test: At a glance
Moment of the day When Dilruwan Perera dismissed Yasir Shah to end Pakistan’s limp resistance, the Sri Lankans charged around the field with the fevered delirium of a side not used to winning. Trouble was, they had not. The delivery was deemed a no ball. Sri Lanka had a nervy wait, but it was merely a stay of execution for the beleaguered hosts.
Stat of the day – 5 Pakistan have lost all 10 wickets on the fifth day of a Test five times since the start of 2016. It is an alarming departure for a side who had apparently erased regular collapses from their resume. “The only thing I can say, it’s not a mitigating excuse at all, but that’s a young batting line up, obviously trying to find their way,” said Mickey Arthur, Pakistan’s coach.
The verdict Test matches in the UAE are known for speeding up on the last two days, but this was extreme. The first two innings of this Test took 11 sessions to complete. The remaining two were done in less than four. The nature of Pakistan’s capitulation at the end showed just how difficult the transition is going to be in the post Misbah-ul-Haq era.
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Fresh faces in UAE side
Khalifa Mubarak (24) An accomplished centre-back, the Al Nasr defender’s progress has been hampered in the past by injury. With not many options in central defence, he would bolster what can be a problem area.
Ali Salmeen (22) Has been superb at the heart of Al Wasl’s midfield these past two seasons, with the Dubai club flourishing under manager Rodolfo Arrubarrena. Would add workrate and composure to the centre of the park.
Mohammed Jamal (23) Enjoyed a stellar 2016/17 Arabian Gulf League campaign, proving integral to Al Jazira as the capital club sealed the championship for only a second time. A tenacious and disciplined central midfielder.
Khalfan Mubarak (22) One of the most exciting players in the UAE, the Al Jazira playmaker has been likened in style to Omar Abdulrahman. Has minimal international experience already, but there should be much more to come.
Jassim Yaqoub (20) Another incredibly exciting prospect, the Al Nasr winger is becoming a regular contributor at club level. Pacey, direct and with an eye for goal, he would provide the team’s attack an extra dimension.
