LOC00:58
21:58 GMT
ABU DHABI, Sept 5 (KUNA) -- The United Arab Emirates air forces, which form part of an Arab coalition, highlighted its continuing raids on militant targets in Yemen only shortly after 45 of its soldiers taking part in the operation were killed in combat.
UAE fighters "destroyed insurgent bases and strongholds," according to an official statement released by state news agency, WAM, which added that in the central town of Al-Baidha, Houthi gatherings were targeted as well as an armory in Makiras and Maareb.
A mine factory in Saada was also targeted as was a training base and another armory in Abb and Sanaa, which the statement went on to say received "severe losses."
It added that the missions were completed in success with the fighters returning safely to their main post.
Meanwhile, the UAE has announced an official three days of mourning with flags flown at half-mast in honour of the fallen soldiers in Yemen as of Saturday.
They were martyred "while defending justice and the oppressed as they were carrying out their sacred duty as part of the Arab coalition in Operation Restoration of Hope," read a Presidential Affairs statement by President Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan. (end)
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