The official spokesman for the Saudi Ministry of Defense Gen. Ahmed Hassan al-Asiri speaks during news conference in Riyadh March 26, 2015.

Non-military aid to Yemen provided by countries or humanitarian organizations is ‘welcomed’ but needs to be made through “diplomatic channels,” the Saudi-led coalition spokesman said Tuesday.

Brig. Gen. Ahmed Asiri said all relief efforts are hailed by the Arab coalition fighting the Houthi movement in Yemen, but urged that “such work be presented through diplomatic channels” that comply with the ongoing military operations.

Asiri made the remarks during a daily briefing session in Riyadh on the Saudi-led campaign in Yemen.

Earlier in the day, it was reported that Iran sent a shipment of non-military aid to Yemen, considered the first since Saudi-led coalition air strikes started last week.

During the brief, Asiri said that Yemen’s Najran airport resumed operating after temporarily closing due to a fire. He noted that flights will go as scheduled.

He said that operations are continuing in the cities of Dalea and Shabwa in the northern Yemen region of Saada, a Houthi stronghold. Asiri said the Houthi fighters in these areas are operating among civilians.

The strikes have also targeted militants, air defense systems, in addition to ballistic missiles, he added.

In remarks about a ground military intervention, Asiri said: “So far there is no need for land intervention,” adding the need might arise “at any time.”

[wpResize]

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