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Coalition forces control Yemeni airspace, sea -- spokesman

RIYADH, March 31 (KUNA) -- The Saudi-led coalition forces, carrying out operations against Houthi militias in Yemen, are in control of Yemeni airspace and sea, said the coalition spokesman Tuesday.
The Spokesman Brigadier General Ahmed Asiri said that the forces will continue operations as required, ruling out the necessity of ground operations in the meantime.
Regarding relief aid operation, Asiri said that the coalition welcomed such gesture to help the Yemeni people through the proper channels, stressing that relief aid should reach people in need of help but not the Houthi militias.
Troops loyal to former President Ali Abdullah Saleh failed in its advance towards Aden city, said Asiri, adding that forces loyal to legitimate government, with the help of the coalition forces, were repelling Houthi forces.
On the Houthis attempts to lure the coalition forces into populated areas, he stressed that airstrikes against Houthi locations were coordinated with anti-Houthi popular committees on the ground to make sure that no civilian casualties would occur.
On the reopening Najran airport, Asiri said that the airport was closed for a period of time, adding that the procedure was taken due to random shooting occurring near the airport.
Investigation will be carried out and operations at the airport are back to normal, he said . (end) od.gta