Saudi Ministry of Defense Briefing: Operation Decisive Storm - April 4

WASHINGTON, April 4, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is a summary of the daily press briefing held today in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on the developments of Operation Decisive Storm. The briefing was conducted by Brig. Gen. Ahmed bin Hasan Asiri, advisor in the Office of the Minister of Defense.

• Foreign nationals in Yemen are being evacuated in coordination with the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The coalition command called on all parties interested in evacuating foreign nationals and facilitating humanitarian assistance to communicate with Saudi Arabia and other coalition members.
• In addition to facilitating relief efforts and evacuation procedures, the coalition is also verifying that relief is provided to the people that need it.
• The coalition formed a committee today to accelerate the evacuation process for recognized humanitarian organizations. The foreign ministry is in contact with legal and humanitarian authorities to make sure their missions are carried out.
• Reports that the coalition has delayed or stalled the Red Cross' humanitarian efforts are false. The organization's Sunday flights are proceeding as scheduled. The Red Cross has changed where it's receiving shipments and where its aircraft will depart. The humanitarian work of the Red Cross is part of the coalition's mission.
• The Red Cross will provide two relief aircraft. The U.N., the EU, Germany, Pakistan, Canada, Jordan and Iraq all have requested to provide relief aircraft and their requests are being processed.
• Foreign nationals evacuated since the start of Operation Decisive Storm include nationals from Russia, India, Algeria, Indonesia and Pakistan. There are departing flights scheduled for tomorrow and Monday for additional states and NGOs; including, UNICEF, China, Djibouti, Egypt and Sudan.
• Foreign nationals are being evacuated first to Jazan Airport in Saudi Arabia. Their home countries are then to determine an appropriate way to get them home. The coalition leadership has called on countries and NGOs to respect and comply with the process, in order to ensure a safe evacuation.
• The Houthi militias are disrupting the evacuation process by attempting to control the airports.
• The coalition forces continue to drop logistical support for the people committees and members of the Yemeni resistance in Aden. Aden is currently quiet and some small groups of Houthi militia are isolated in pockets of the city.
• Airstrikes in Aden are continuing at a regular pace, despite poor weather yesterday. Because of the weather, the coalition did not carry out operations last night in order to ensure accuracy.
• Two border guards were killed yesterday in clashes near the Saudi border. The Saudi Arabia Land Forces responded with attacks on militias near the border. The militias are currently hiding in small groups in caves and mountains. Some mountainous hiding locations were destroyed.
• Coalition naval forces continue to prevent cargo ships from accessing Yemeni ports to provide supplies for the militias.
• The coalition is monitoring Al-Qaeda in their stronghold of Al-Makalla, where they stormed prisons yesterday. Forces loyal to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh have allowed Al-Qaeda to control banks and government offices in the city. The coalition forces are currently assessing the situation.
• Reports that Russian aircraft have dropped supplies and weapons to Houthi militia and transported former president Saleh are false. All evacuation operations, including the evacuation of Russian nationals, were conducted under the coalition's supervision.
• The primary objectives of the coalition remain restoring the legitimate Yemeni government and establishing peace, security and stability for the Yemeni people. Those who have committed crimes against the people of Yemen will face trials by the legitimate government at a later date.

SOURCE Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, Information Office