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UN does not yet plan to take action in connection with military operation in Yemen

Deputy Spokesperson for UN Secretary General Farhan Haq told TASS that the UN is aware about the military operation in Yemen and is trying to learn more details

UNITED NATIONS, March 26. /TASS/. UN Security Council (SC) does not yet plan to take any action in connection with the military operation in Yemen launched by Saudi Arabia and other countries of the Persian Gulf, a diplomat from one of UN SC member-countries told TASS on Thursday.

Earlier, Deputy Spokesperson for UN Secretary General Farhan Haq told TASS that the UN is aware about the military operation in Yemen. "We are aware of what is happening. We are trying to learn more details," Haq said. He did not clarify whether UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon was notified about the planned operation in advance.

Saudi Arabia Ambassador to US Adel al-Jubeir announced the military operation in Yemen launched by Riyadh. Al-Jubeir said Saudi Arabia acted to "defend the legitimate government" of President Abd Rabbuh Mansour Hadi, who was ousted from Sanaa by Houthi rebels.

Dozens of fighter jets are employed in the military operation against rebels. Al-Arabiya reported that Bahrain and Kuwait sent 15 combat vehicles, Qatar — 10, United Arab Emirates — 30. Jordan, Marocco and Sudan are expected to send fighter jets. Egypt and Pakistan expressed readiness to support the coalition and said they considered launching a groud operation together with Jordan and Sudan.

On Tuesday, Yemen’s authorities asked the UN Security Council to support the military operation in the country aimed at ousting Houthi rebels, according to the letter of Yemeni President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi cited by Reuters.

Hadi asked the UN Security Council to adopt a resolution authorizing "willing countries that wish to help Yemen to provide immediate support for the legitimate authority by all means and measures to protect Yemen and deter the Houthi aggression."

Crisis in Yemen

Since August 2014, Yemen has been hit by a severe political and security crisis. In late January, the armed groups of Ansar Allah forced the president and the government to announce resignation.

The rebels later took control of the country’s capital and several northern provinces. They also announced the adoption of the so-called constitutional declaration.

Currently, Hadi remains in the seaport city Aden, in southern Yemen. He continues de facto accomplishing the duties of the president and is recognized as the president at the international level. The capital Sanaa is now under the control of the rebels.