A large number of families fled the area where their homes were at risk of cross fire Houthis used civilians in the region on as human shields as the army advanced toward them DUBAI: Dozens of Houthi militants were killed and many others wounded in a military operation launched by units of the Yemeni army, east of Hodeidah, Saudi state-news channel Al-Ekhbariya reported Sunday morning. During the operation, the Amaliqa Brigades — captured several militants, including leaders, as well as weapons and equipment left behind by the fleeing militia, according to a statement on the Yemeni Armed Forces official website September net. The army also announced that the Amaliqa Brigades opened safe routes for displaced civilians to leave the areas of Kilo 16 and Kilo 10. The military source said a large number of families fled the area where their homes were at risk of cross fire, and were escorted to safe zones where they were given medical treatment and food. The source said the Houthis used civilians in the region on as human shields as the army advanced toward them