(AFP FILE PHOTO)
Militant action in Yemen has continued as the Saudi-led coalition targeted republican guards camps in Yemen’s capital, Sana’a. Egypt condemned the terrorist attacks.
The Egyptian Foreign Ministry issued a statement Friday condemning the terrorist attacks that targeted mosques in Sana’a, killing 31 and leaving scores injured.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Badr Abdelatty asserted Egypt’s firm stance rejecting “communalism and sectarianism”, whilst also supporting “legitimacy”, according to the statement.
The attacks claimed by the militant group Islamic State (IS) hit three mosques that belong to the Shi’a Zaydi sect, of which the rebellion group, the Houthis, who have taken over Sana’a and large territories in Yemen, belong to.
On the political stage, the UN-brokered peace talks in Geneva between the Houthis and representatives of President Abd Rabbuh Mansour Hadi’s government have stalled, resulting in a ceasefire.
UN special envoy for Yemen Ismail Ould Sheikh Ahmed said Friday the parties “didn’t reach a final agreement. We have to be clear and transparent”, AP reported. Sheikh Ahmed added that “further consultation” will be needed in order to achieve a deal.
Since Hadi fled the country and the Saudi-led coalition’s air strikes began in March, Yemen was only able to catch its breath during a five-day ceasefire in May.
Hadi’s government and the Saudis insist on the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2216, calling for a withdrawal of Houthi troops from all conquered territory and the return of military and political power to Hadi.
The Saudi-led coalition’s airstrikes fighting the Houthis has been stepping up recently, especially since a Scud missile was fired towards a Saudi air base almost two weeks ago.
Early on Saturday, the coalition launched airstrikes that targeted camps of the republican guard in Sana’a, Saudi newspaper Al-Arabiya reported.
The coalition also launched airstrikes that hit other targets in Sana’a, Al-Jawf and Aden governorates.
