Ukraine in Arabic | Iran says Saudi Arabia deserves punishment’ over Yemen strikes

05.05.2015 - 10:38 #Yemen, #Iran, #Saudi Arabia, #Sanaa, #US, #Houthi, #Airport, #Attack, #Yemen strikes, #Saudi-led forces, #Humanitarian catastrophe

There is growing tension between Iran and Saudi Arabia after the Yemeni capital Sanaa was again bombarded by Saudi-led forces. Black smoke rose from the airport after warplanes attacked it, destroying what Shi’ite Houthi rebels said was a private jet.

Kiev/ Ukraine in Arabic/ The airstrikes were reportedly aimed at stopping an Iranian plane from landing. Iran says it was carrying medical supplies and flew home. A month of airstrikes have targeted the Houthis, who control Sanaa and most of western Yemen and are supported by Iran.

But Tehran denies claims by the US, Saudi Arabia and their allies that it is arming the rebels.

With the airport runway unusable, planned aid flights have been suspended.

Relief workers have warned that the situation in the Arab world’s poorest country is a humanitarian catastrophe.

As the coalition targeted the homes of Houthi commanders, fighting has continued between the rebels and forces loyal to Yemen’s government in exile.

Iran has cranked up the rhetoric against Saudi Arabia. A senior military commander said the Saudis deserved “severe punishment” for their attacks.