A senior Yemeni official, in close proximity to the joint forces of the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the National Army alongside the Arabian coalition forces has head towards three Yemeni cities in order to free them from Houthi militia and defectors supporting the ousted President Ali Abdullah Saleh.

The three to-be-freed cities are Al Mukalla capital city of the Hadhramaut coastal region, Al Hudaydah the fourth-largest city in Yemen, and Mokha port city on the Red Sea coast of Yemen. Mokha belongs to the Taiz governorate.

Al Mukalla Yemeni city has been subject to al-Qaeda dominance since 2nd of April 2014. The source told Asharq Al-Awsat that units in located south have their own special operations scheduled, in addition to National Army operations.

Maneuvers against al-Qaeda will be within the range of first and second zones of the National army and their centers, the first centered area will be in Seiyun city in the Hadhramaut region, while the second will be in Al Mukalla. The source didn’t provide further information.

A video recording, acquired by Asharq Al-Awsat, is believed to show parts of the operation’s activity, launch, airdrop of equipment, and paratroop regiment action.

Senior political sources in Yemen told Asharq Al-Awsat, in Sana’a, that a broad coordination between pro-legitimacy forces on the anticipated military operation to free Sana’a from Houthi militia and Saleh supporting militants is being put into effect. The collaborative work features the efforts of prominent clan members, clan sheikhs of regions neighboring Sana’a, and those present inside Sana’a.

Informed sources informed Asharq Al-Awsat that Houthi militia have begun gradually deserting a majority of its commitments to citizens of areas fallen under their jurisdiction, amid the spread of corruption and persistent blunder of money by known militia leaderships. The money is being converted into foreign stocks and internal assets such as real-estate and personal properties.