Yemeni PM says 85 pct of Yemen liberated from Houthis

JEDDAH, Dec 12 (KUNA) -- A total of 85 percent of the Yemeni territory has been retaken from the grip of Houthi militias, said Yemen's Prime Minister Ahmed Bin Dagher on Tuesday.
The prominent role of the Saudi-led coalition in the "Operation Decisive Storm" and the "Restoration of Hope" as well as the effective participation of the coalition's courtiers were instrumental in repelling Houthis' rebellion, said Dagher.
Dagher made this statement while meeting GCC special envoy for Yemen Madkhal Al-Hazali, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said in a statement.
The Yemeni government backed by the coalition is working on normalizing life in the governorates liberated from Houthis, securing services and paying salaries as well as maintaining security and stability, he noted.
Dagher pointed out that the government is doing its best amid little revenues and looting of state's resources by Houthi militias supported by Iran, the statement said.
For his part, Al-Hazali said "GCC states are following up movement of the Yemeni governorate and lauding its efforts aiming to normalize life and defeat Houthis." GCC member states stand side by side with the Yemeni legitimate government, he said, referring that Yemen is Saudi Arabia's strategic depth and GCC states' common destiny. (end) nsa.hm