DUBAI: Yemen鈥檚 national army, backed by the Saudi-led Arab coalition, foiled an attempt by Houthi militia to infiltrate areas in the Hays district in the southern countryside of Hodeidah province, Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

鈥淭he Houthis tried to infiltrate through a valley in the outskirts of Hays, but our forces thwarted the attempt and inflicted heavy casualties on the militia and their equipment,鈥� Yemen鈥檚 army media center said.

Meanwhile, SPA reported that the Houthis continued 鈥渃riminal operations鈥� and 鈥渧iolations against civilians in the province.鈥�

The statement added that the Houthi militia had shelled several civilian houses with mortars, causing severe damage, displacing dozens of families.