JEDDAH/ADEN: Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the delivery of cargo planes carrying humanitarian goods to the liberated city of Aden, Al Arabiya News Channel reported on Thursday. The move follows following directions from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman.
The delivery planes, tasked with delivering aid to the newly reopened Aden airport, belong to the Royal Saudi Air Force.
Yemeni troops and local militias, backed by the Saudi-led coalition, seized full control of Aden after repelling Iran-backed Shiite rebels from their last holdout in this southern strategic port city and were pushing on Thursday to solidify their gains, military officials said.
Anti-rebel forces erected new checkpoints around Aden and searched for remaining rebels. Gunmen roamed the streets amid pockmarked and half destroyed buildings. Residents cautiously ventured out of their homes.
“The city is unrecognizable,” said Hameed Al-Qureishi, a resident.
Meanwhile, airstrikes by the coalition continued north of Aden, in Dar Saad.
There was also intense fighting around the rebel-controlled military base of Al-Anad in the province of Lahj, north of Aden, leaving at least 50 killed on both sides, according to medical officials.
Meanwhile, deposed President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s representatives have reportedly held rare meetings with diplomats from the US, UAE and Britain, a member of his party said on Thursday.
Hadi forces clear Aden of Houthis
Updated 25 July 2015