The Yemeni Defense Ministry on Saturday said it has initiated a coordinated military operation against the Iran-backed Houthi militia. The attack comes in response to a recent spate of deadly attacks by the militant group.

The army operation is a proper response to the “unfriendly attacks by the Houthis,” and a reflection of the “unity of command and control of the country’s security forces due to the Houthis’ treacherous attack,” Army spokesman Majed al-Nazili said.

Military officials take the militants 100% responsible for the escalation. They said that the group was trying to involve Yemen in wider regional conflicts in the interests of the foreign agenda of Iran, and to destroy the national economy and instigate factionalism among the people.

There have been intense battles on the western coast recently, and the legitimate government troops have been fighting against Houthis north of Khokha city. Also, allied anti-government groups repulsed a Houthis attack south of Hodeidah, which is located in the northern part of the province, and dealt significant blow to the militant group.

The National Defense Council met in emergency session led by the head of the Presidential Leadership Council Dr. Rashad al-Alimi in response to the deteriorating security situation. The council has immediately called up for increased military preparedness and said that its meetings will continue as events unfold on the ground.

The emergency meeting highlighted the recent Houthis’ ballistic missile and drone attacks against the provinces of Marib, Shabwa, and Hadramawt. International organisations such as the United Nations have been increasingly worried about the rising violence and humanitarian impact of the conflict.

Marib was hit by militant projectiles on civilian displacement camps and residential areas on Friday. The state-run Yemen News Agency (SABA) reported that two civilians were killed and 14 others were wounded in these attacks.

The civilian tragedy came a day after a massive assault on military camps in the Marib and Hadramawt provinces that killed at least 45 Yemeni government troops.