Charting the course of UAE's achievements in Yemen: paper
Date
11/8/2015 4:48:30 AM
(MENAFN- Emirates News Agency (WAM))
DUBAI 8th November 2015 (WAM) -- Liberating vital and sensitive areas from Al Houthi control the UAE Armed Forces have played a notable part in the Saudi-led coalition forces in Yemen.
"Since its participation in Operation Restoring Hope the UAE Air Force has repeatedly bombed key Al Houthi encampments heavy artillery sites and armament stores playing a determining role in fighting the militia and forces loyal to the deposed Yemeni president Ali Abdullah Saleh" said Gulf News in an article yesterday.
The Dubai-based daily went on to say "According to a report by Sky News Arabia 30 UAE fighter jets participated in military operations in Yemen in addition to Apache helicopters which play a crucial role in battles taking place in mountainous areas.
"During the liberation of Aden the UAE Armed Forces provided sufficient artillery cover for the Yemeni troops to secure the city. The UAE also played a vital role in reclaiming the airport which is now being reconstructed after violent clashes left it severely damaged.
"After liberating the city and its airport military focus shifted to Ras Imran west of Aden. The UAE Armed Forces were fighting on the frontlines along with resistance and Yemeni troops and providing air cover during operations targeting Al Houthi compounds. Sky News Arabia reported that the UAE forces were overseeing the coordination of military action.
"Once Aden was liberated military efforts were directed towards the Anad Air Base. The battle to liberate Aden which is the largest military base in the south of Yemen was a determining move with the city now serving as a temporary capital of the country. According to the report the operation convinced Al Houthis that the Saudi-led coalition was a force to be reckoned with and impossible to out-manoeuvre.
"The battle expanded to include the area overlooking the Bab Al Mandab. Military operations there according to Sky News Arabia lasted four months after which the coalition extended its control to Perim Island (Mayyun) a volcanic island at the southern entrance of the Bab Al Mandab.
"Battles to reclaim the Marib Dam accelerated Sky News Arabia reported ending with the coalition flags being hoisted on the historic dam a strategic victory that contributed to the morale of the coalition troops and the pro-government forces" concluded the paper.
WAM/Esraa/Moran