Saudi Ambassador: Operation Decisive Storm Achieved its Objectives

WASHINGTON, April 22, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Saudi Ambassador to the United States Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir said today that Operation Decisive Storm has achieved its narrow objectives and, at the request of the legitimate government of Yemen, the coalition decided to move into the next phase of operations – Operation Renewal of Hope. The ambassador provided an update on operations at a press conference at the Saudi Embassy. 

"Operation Decisive Storm was designed to eliminate the threats facing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," stated Amb. Al-Jubeir in reference to the Houthi militias. "We've degraded their capabilities substantially and thereby eliminated the threat that they pose to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and, in the process, ensure the safety of our borders, our territory and our citizens. That was the objective of Operation Decisive Storm, in addition of course to the protection of the legitimate government of Yemen. Those objectives have been achieved, so now we enter a new phase." 

The ambassador reiterated that Operation Renewal of Hope will shift toward facilitating the political process. He stated that the coalition will continue to use force, as necessary, to prevent the Houthis from terrorizing the Yemeni people. He encouraged the Houthis to end their aggression and participate in the political process in order to restore peace and stability in Yemen.

"The objective is to focus on the political process, on the humanitarian process, while at the same time seeking to protect the Yemeni population from Houthi aggression," he said. "When the Houthis or their allies make aggressive moves, there will be a response. The decision to calm matters now rests entirely with them." 

The ambassador stressed that the coalition will focus on expanding humanitarian relief and medical assistance to the people of Yemen. He explained that Saudi Arabia will work closely with the United Nations and international aid organizations to provide prompt and effective relief to those in need. In response to a UN appeal for $274 million to support humanitarian efforts in Yemen, Saudi Arabia donated the total amount on Saturday (local time).

"Our ambition in Yemen is the welfare of the Yemeni people and peace, stability and security in Yemen, which has a positive impact on us in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," said Amb. Al-Jubeir.

The video of the press conference can be viewed here.

For updates on Operation Renewal of Hope, please visit: www.operationrenewalofhope.com.

SOURCE Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, Information Office

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