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Saudi Bombs 'Destroy All Yemeni Fighter Jets'

Saudi Bombs 'Destroy All Yemeni Fighter Jets'

Saudi-led airstrikes have destroyed every fighter jet in Yemen and forced Houthi rebels out of government air bases, a Saudi military leader has claimed.

A coalition of 10 countries began bombing Yemen on Thursday, targeting the Shia rebels and allied troops loyal to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh.

Saudi Brigadier General Ahmed bin Hasan Asiri said the aerial campaign had also "devastated" all known Scud missile launching pads in the Arab state.

The international airport in the rebel-controlled capital Sanaa was disabled and 15 pro-rebel troops killed.

The Houthis began their offensive in September, seizing Sanaa, and holding President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi under house arrest.

The rebels later took control of the government and forced Mr Hadi to flee the country.

Mr Hadi accused Iran of being behind the Houthi offensive as leaders at an Arab summit in Egypt agreed to create a military reaction force in the Middle East.

Arab League chief Nabil al Arabi said the Saudi-led offensive would continue until the rebels "withdraw and surrender their weapons".

Egyptian officials said the planned reaction force would be made up of 40,000 elite troops, backed by jets, warships and tanks.

It raises the prospect of a regional conflict pitting Sunni Arab nations against Shia powerhouse Iran.

Iran denies arming the rebel movement, although the Islamic Republic has provided humanitarian and other aid.

Houthi fighters have continued to make gains since the airstrikes began.

On Friday, they gained their first foothold on Yemen's Arabian Sea coast by seizing Shaqra, 60 miles east of Aden, allowing them to open a new front to march on the south's main city.

Meanwhile, the United Nations has pulled out most of its 100 staff in Yemen .

Pakistan, which has yet to decide whether to offer military support to the Saudis, is flying 3,000 nationals out of the country.

A Chinese warship also docked in Aden on Sunday to evacuate Chinese diplomats and expatriate workers.