Five Saudi soldiers have died on the border with Yemen, the Saudi-led coalition said late on Sunday as forces inside Yemen began a major offensive against rebels. The statement, carried by the official Saudi Press Agency, said they died "in the line of duty while protecting the nation's borders".It appeared to be the largest single military loss in the border region announced by the coalition since March 26, when it began action in Yemen against Houthi rebels.
On Sunday coalition-supported anti-rebel forces in Yemen began a major offensive aimed at pushing the Houthis out of Marib province and eventually moving on the capital Sanaa which the Houthis seized last year. Another 10 Saudi troops died inside Yemen earlier this month. They were among 60 coalition soldiers killed when a missile hit their base in Marib province.