UAE assures Yemeni president of continued fight 'until victory'

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) said on Saturday the Gulf Arab state would continue to fight in Yemen until victory is achieved, state news agency WAM reported.

"The UAE will remain committed to the Arab Coalition alongside Saudi Arabia to defend Yemen and the region until security, stability and peace are restored to sisterly Yemen," the crown prince of Abu Dhabi and deputy supreme commander Sheikh Mohamed told Yemeni President Abd Rabbu Mansour Hadi, one day after the deadliest incident for the Arab coalition in Yemen.

On Friday, 22 emirati soldiers were killed during the operation "Restore Hope" when a missile attack caused a blast at an ammunition store of the 107th Brigade in the eastern Yemeni oil province of Marib.

The attack also killed 10 Saudi soldiers and scores of Yemenis.

Friday's losses marked the heaviest since the UAE's foundation as an independent state in 1971.

As for the accident on Friday, Sheikh Mohamed said "such events will not deter us from carrying out our fraternal and humanitarian duty towards our brothers, but they will increase our resolve and strength to achieve the security and humanitarian objectives in the region."

Sheikh Mohamed also told Hadi that the UAE was with Yemen until the mission is accomplished. "Yemen is not your country alone, but we share common history with you. We pray to the Almighty Allah to bless our impending victory."

Exiled President Hadi arrived on Saturday in the Gulf state in order to pay his respects and condolences to the death of 45 Emirati soldiers who fell since the Saudi-led campaign Operation Restore Hope began on March 25 2015.

The UAE is part of the Saudi-led coalition comprising nine Arab states supporting Yemen's "legitimate" government under President Hadi.

The campaign aims to stop Shiite Houthi rebels from seizing the power in the country, as Saudi Arabia claimed the rebels are backed by Iran.

Earlier in the day, the UAE air force pounded positions of the Houthi rebels in Yemen, Abu Dhabi daily The National reported.

The UAE also bombed rebel strongholds in the northern city of Al Baydaa and warehouses in Mukeiras and weapons depots in Ab, causing "heavy losses.

Source: XINHUA