The Russian Consulate General in the Yemeni sea port of Aden has been hit Saudi-led coalition airstrikes, a source in the Russia embassy in Yemen told Sputnik.
“There is not a single intact window left,” the source said.A possibility of consulate closure and the evacuation of Russian nationals is currently under review, the source added.
Earlier on Wednesday a Russian plane charted for the evacuation of Russian citizens caught in the conflict had been diverted to Cairo, after the coalition denied it landing in the Yemeni capital Sanaa.
READ MORE: Russian evacuation plane denied landing in Yemen, diverts to Cairo
On Wednesday, Houthi rebels have reportedly take control of the Presidential residence in Aden after violent clashes that killed 15 and injured dozens.
“Houthis have taken control of the presidential residence, clashes are taking place around the residence between Houthis and armed groups that support President Hadi. Civilians who have answered the call of [Yemeni] Foreign Minister Riyadh Yaseen to protect the city and restore control over the residence are also taking part in the clashes,” a local source told Sputnik.
According to reports in the Yemeni Hun Aden, the factions clashing in Aden have also looted the Russian consulate building. Citing eyewitnesses, the agency claims the attackers seized documents and office equipment and took them to an unknown destination.
When contacted by TASS, the Russian Embassy in Sanaa did comment on the situation in Aden, saying only that over the last few days the diplomatic mission had been “working in emergency mode.”
Meanwhile Egypt has begun the evacuation of its citizens from Yemen either through border crossings or by sea in a coordinated effort with Oman and Saudi Arabia, the country’s foreign ministry said.
Last week, five Gulf states and Egypt launched a series of airstrikes against the Shia Houthi rebels, who had gained control of the capital and large swathes of territory in the west of the country. In addition Jordan, Sudan, Morocco and Pakistan declared their willingness to participate in the military effort.Neighboring Saudi Arabia, has taken full control of the country’s air and sea ports, purportedly to prevent the inflow of weapons from abroad.
