OIC backs operation for legitimacy in Yemen

JEDDAH, March 26 (KUNA) -- The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Thursday emphasized backing the Saudi-led military operation "Decisive Storm" supporting legitimacy in Yemen.
The military moves in Yemen came in response to a request by the Yemeni leadership to pick up the country out of a state of chaos caused by the Houthi militias, referring to repercussions on the entire region, OIC Secretary-General Iyad Ameen Madani said in a statement.
He stressed the necessity of handling the issue in a way likely to "maintain legitimacy and the constitutional institutions" in Yemen.
The OIC repeatedly warned against the consequences of the Houthis' adventures and transgressions, pushing the country toward civil war and imposing a fait accompli on other parties in Yemen, Madani noted.
He reaffirmed OIC stance supporting Yemen's unity, stability and territorial integrity, hoping conditions in the country would soon be back to normal, so that the legitimate leadership would fulfill its constitutional missions.
On Thursday morning, a Saudi-led coalition of more than ten countries began military operations to protect the people of Yemen and their legitimate government from the advancing Houthi militas. The military intervention, dubbed "Operation Decisive Storm," was carried out at the request of the Yemeni government. Yemen has been gripped by increased turmoil since the Houthi rebels overran the capital, Sana'a, in September. (end) nh.msa