Saudi-led coalition launches airstrikes after Yemen truce ends

In this Oct. 14, 2016, file photo shows fire and smoke rise after a Saudi-led airstrike hit a site believed to be one of the largest weapons depots on the outskirts of Yemen’s capital, Sanaa.” (AP Photo)

Yemeni security officials said a Saudi-led coalition has launched a series of airstrikes around the capital Sanaa, just hours after a 72-hour cease-fire expired. The officials said that Sunday’s pre-dawn airstrikes targeted military facilities belonging to the Shiite Houthi rebels fighting the internationally recognized government. They had no word on casualties or damage

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media. The airstrikes came hours after the U.N. special envoy for Yemen urged the warring parties to extend the temporary cease-fire.

The war in Yemen began in 2014 when the rebels seized Sanaa, and later swept across much of the country. In March 2015, the Saudi-led coalition launched a campaign of airstrikes against the rebels and their allies.