The Yemeni legitimate forces continued on Friday their advance to liberate the al-Bayda province from the Houthi militias. Twelve military and security brigades have been brought in for the mission, revealed informed Yemeni military sources to Asharq Al-Awsat. They spoke of a comprehensive plan to liberate the strategic province. The first results of this plan emerged two days ago with the complete liberation of the Numan region and the advance on the al-Malajem directorate. Dozens of other locations have been seized as the army marched 30 kms into the area. Elsewhere, the army, backed by the Saudi-led Arab coalition, advanced on several fronts, announcing the seizure of positions in Tour al-Baha and al-Shreija north of Lahj. It also blocked a Houthi infiltration attempt towards Hays in southern Hodeidah, leaving 40 militants dead, including field commanders, such as Abou Jalal al-Rayami. Meanwhile, Yemeni Vice President Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar met with Arab coalition leaderships and senior Yemen army commanders in Marib to follow up on the field developments on all fronts. He congratulated the national army on its successive victories with the support of the alliance, most notably on the Hodeidah, Sanaa and al-Bayda fronts. “Iran’s agenda in Yemen, represented by the terrorist Houthi militia, is nearing its collapse thanks to the determination and sacrifices of the military and coalition forces,” he declared before the gatherers according to the Saba news agency. “There can never be leniency with anyone threatening the security of Yemen and the region,” he vowed. Al-Ahmar called for doubling efforts and maintaining military operations until the Houthi militias are defeated and “every inch of land is liberated.” The defensive war waged by the legitimate forces, he explained, is aimed at reaching peace that has been rejected by the Houthis. He called on all members of the armed and security forces to stand united behind the leadership of the legitimate forces, “because this will ease the suffering of the people and achieve their goal of the establishment of a Yemen that is built on justice, equality and fair rule.”