Tens of Thousands Gather in Sana'a on Anniversary of Saudi-Led Coalition Attacks

Reports indicate that tens of thousands of people marched in the streets of Sana'a, the capital of Yemen, on Saturday, April 6, to commemorate the anniversary of the Saudi-led coalition's attacks on Houthi militia positions and supporters of former Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh, condemning Saudi intervention. According to Reuters, this march is one of the largest held in Yemen since the ousting of Ali Abdullah Saleh in 2011. Ali Abdullah Saleh attended the rally and addressed the crowd, stating, 'We extend a hand of peace to Saudi Arabia, a courageous peace, for direct dialogue with the Saudi government, without going to the United Nations Security Council, even though this council is capable of doing nothing.' The United Nations reports that the civil war in Yemen has led to the displacement of at least 2.3 million people, and the country is now on the brink of a humanitarian disaster. A protester told Reuters, 'We have come out today to tell the world that the people of Yemen have remained steadfast and continue to resist despite the siege, hunger, and airstrikes over the past year.' Reuters also noted that Houthi supporters held a rally in Sana'a on Saturday evening. Since the start of the Saudi-led coalition's attacks to counter the advance of Houthi militants, at least 6,200 people have been killed in Yemen. The coalition's attacks began on April 6 last year to support Yemeni President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi and restore him to power. Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi fled to Aden in 2014 after Houthi forces captured Sana'a. Currently, the Saudi-led coalition and forces loyal to Mansur Hadi control the port of Aden.