Dozens Killed as Houthis, Saudi Forces Fight Along Yemen Border

Saudis Claim Only Three of Their Soldiers Among the Slain

For the first time in their month-long war against Yemen, Saudi ground troops were involved in direct combat today, fighting against Houthis along the border in a battle that left dozens killed.

The fighting began with the two sides trading mortar fire along the border. Saudi officials claim the Houthis attacked them first, and also claimed that only three of the slain were Saudi troops, with the rest Houthis.

Elsewhere in Yemen, there continued to be skirmishes between Houthis and the remnants of the former Hadi government, with Saudi warplanes launching airstrikes against several cities.

The World Food Program also announced it is pulling out of Yemen’s western Hudaydah Province today, having run out of fuel, and will likely halt aid in other provinces in the near future. The Saudis have been conducting a naval and aerial blockade of Yemen, which historically imports over 90% of its food, causing widespread shortages.

Author: Jason Ditz

Jason Ditz is Senior Editor for Antiwar.com. He has 20 years of experience in foreign policy research and his work has appeared in The American Conservative, Responsible Statecraft, Forbes, Toronto Star, Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Providence Journal, Washington Times, and the Detroit Free Press.