ADEN, Yemen, June 10 (Xinhua) -- Three Yemenis were killed and nearly 16 others injured by airstrikes launched by the Houthi rebels against the country's oil-rich province of Marib on Thursday, a government official told Xinhua.

"The Houthis launched a coordinated attack using ballistic missiles and drones against the government-controlled areas in Marib," the local government source said on condition of anonymity.

He confirmed that the Houthi attack resulted in the killing of three civilians and injuring of nearly 16 others.

"A number of ambulances and rescue teams rushed to the bombing sites and are still working there," he said.

He clarified that "about three ballistic missiles and three booby-trapped drones struck Marib, causing huge explosions."

The very loud explosions created panic among the local residents, according to the official.

On Saturday, a Houthi-fired ballistic missile landed on a fuel station in Marib, causing huge explosions and leaving at least 17 people killed.

The Iran-backed Houthi rebels began in February a major offensive against the Saudi-backed Yemeni government troops in a bid to capture the province of Marib.

The recent round of UN-brokered negotiations between Yemen's warring sides has failed to reach a ceasefire deal.

Yemen has been mired in a civil war since late 2014 when the Houthi rebels seized control of several northern provinces and forced the internationally recognized government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi out of the capital Sanaa. Enditem

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)