The Yemeni Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates affirmed on Thursday that Saudi Arabia’s insistence on violating Yemen's sovereignty and its continued aerial targeting of the governorates necessitates a response until these hostile acts cease.
In a statement, the ministry explained that the Yemeni armed forces are tasked with defending the country’s sovereignty, protecting its citizens, and targeting sources of fire, in a manner consistent with the provisions of international law.
It noted that recent military build-ups by the Saudis on Yemeni territory have compelled the Yemeni armed forces to take necessary action to counter them.
The ministry added that the Saudis’ constant outcry serves merely to cover up its ongoing crimes against the Yemeni people -most recently, hundreds of airstrikes across numerous Yemeni governorates that continue to this moment, Saba news agency reported.
It further emphasized that Yemen has never posed, nor will it pose, a threat; rather, it seeks to build relations based on mutual respect and is prepared to be part of a regional security framework, particularly regarding the protection of navigation and in partnership with littoral states.
Finally, the ministry called upon the international community to view the unfolding events objectively and to compel the Saudi regime to stop targeting Yemen, violating its sovereignty, and undermining its resources.
It came as Saudi artillery units shelled border areas in Yemen’s northwestern province of Sa’ada late on Wednesday. There were no immediate reports about possible casualties and the extent of damage caused.
Yemen’s al-Masirah television channel, citing local sources, reported that Saudi forces struck the Walad Ayyash area in the Monabbih district, in addition to the Ghor al-Mishwat area in the Ghamr district.
Saudi warplanes also bombarded the Kitaf wa al-Boqe'e district in the same Yemeni province, though no reports of casualties were quickly available.
Earlier, Saudi fighter jets had carried out five airstrikes against the Aru area in the Bani Bahr district of Sa’ada province.
On July 20, the Sana’a government announced a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia in response to "an unjust and oppressive siege" on Yemen for almost 12 years.
Subsequently, the Yemeni armed forces have reported a series of successful missions that have targeted vessels associated with Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea.
In March 2015, Saudi Arabia and its allies imposed a blockade on Yemen, initiating a comprehensive military offensive that received support in terms of military, political, and logistical assistance from the United States and several Western countries.
Tens of thousands of Yemenis have lost their lives; however, Saudi Arabia has failed to achieve its primary goal of reestablishing a puppet government that served its interests.