Hundreds of Saudi-sponsored mercenary forces have been killed and dozens more sustained injuries as Yemeni Armed Forces, backed by allied fighters from popular committees, continue to make gains in Yemen’s southwestern province of Lahij, according to a report.
The report, quoting a senior Yemeni source speaking on condition of anonymity, said on Saturday night that Yemeni military units have dealt heavy blows to the so-called Giants Brigades in the Ras al-Ara area, killing and wounding more than 400 Saudi-backed militiamen, including top commanders, in the process.
The soaring number of casualties has created dissatisfaction among the Saudi-sponsored mercenary forces, according to the source, who noted that the magnitude of the losses has become a source of growing concern among the militiamen deployed in the area.
The source further noted that the inefficacy of Saudi Arabia's air defense systems has compelled Riyadh to intensify its ground force deployments in pursuit of battlefield gains, even in the face of considerable losses.
The high-ranking Yemeni official stated that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was taken aback by both the scale and precision of Yemeni missile attacks.
According to the source, the severity of Yemeni missile assaults has complicated Saudi Arabia’s efforts to achieve military gains and put excessive pressure on its ongoing assaults against Yemen.
The source also pointed to growing fears in Saudi Arabia that the conflict could continue for an extended period, noting that certain enterprises and financial stakeholders have commenced deliberations about leaving Saudi Arabia.
The developments come as Yemen’s Armed Forces have expanded their presence along the western coast and around the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait, reclaiming areas previously held by Saudi-backed mercenary forces.
The Sana’a administration also announced the implementation of a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia on July 20, in response to an unjust and oppressive siege imposed upon Yemen for approximately twelve years.
The Yemeni armed forces have declared multiple successful military operations targeting vessels associated with Saudi Arabia across the Red Sea.
The developments have also added pressure on Saudi Arabia’s already constrained oil exports.
In March 2015, Saudi Arabia and its allies imposed a blockade on Yemen, initiating a comprehensive military offensive that received support in terms of military, political, and logistical assistance from the United States and several Western countries.
Tens of thousands of Yemenis have lost their lives; however, Saudi Arabia has failed to achieve its primary goal of reestablishing a puppet government that served its interests.
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