Saudi Arabia launches air strikes in Yemen

Saudi Arabia has begun launching air strikes in Yemen as part of a coalition of Arab nations in an effort to dislodge Iranian- backed Houthi rebels sweeping through the country
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Saudi F-15

Saudi Arabia: Reportedly deploying 100 fighter jets, 150,000 soldiers and other naval units in “Operation Decisive Storm”

SAUDI ARABIA

Sadah

RED SEA

Hodeida

ERITREA

DJIBOUTI

Al Hazm

Marib

Ataq

Al Bayda

Zinjibar

Bab al Mandab

Main global oil transit chokepoint

GULF OF ADEN

Al Mukalla

YEMEN

Air strikes

OMAN

Al Ghaydah

160km 100 miles

Socotra

SOMALIA

Houthi rebel control

Government control

Al Qaeda presence

Al Hirak (separatist) presence
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KEY DEVELOPMENTS

1 Sanaa: Air strikes launched againstHouthi targets in capital, including airport and military airbase. At least 18 people killed in raids

2 Taizz: Third-largest city, tens ofthousands of protesters gatheringto demand Houthi withdrawal

3 Al Anad: Airbase hosted U.S.forces until their recent evacuation.Now controlled by Houthis

4 Aden: Power base of Yemeni President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi,under Houthi assault
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ANTI-HOUTHI COALITION

Gulf Cooperation Council

Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and UAE sending total of 70 aircraft to join Saudi effort

Jordan, Morocco Sending six jets each

Egypt, Pakistan, Sudan Expressing readiness to contribute ground troops against Houthis

United States: Providing“logistical and intelligence”support to Saudi-led forces
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Source: Wire agencies

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