Airstrikes hit Yemen rebels after Saudis say operation over

SANAA, Yemen (AP) — Saudi-led airstrikes targeted Iran-backed rebels and their allies in Yemen today, hours after Riyadh declared an end to a nearly monthlong air campaign.

The Shiite forces later said they would welcome United Nations-led peace talks to end a conflict that's killed hundreds without dislodging them from the capital.

The rebels, known as Houthis, say they called for a resumption of dialogue and any efforts under the auspices of the U.N. that lead to a peaceful compromise.

"We welcome any United Nations efforts that are on the side of peaceful solutions," Houthi spokesman Mohamed Abdul-Salam said in a statement, which came as thousands of angry Houthi supporters marched in the capital, Sanaa, denouncing what they described as "Saudi-American aggression."

The continuing Saudi-led strikes suggest that the U.S.-backed offensive, aimed at restoring Yemen's internationally recognized president, is entering a new phase in which military action will be scaled back but not halted.

"If there are any military movements that are suspicious on the ground, the coalition will attack it," said Riad Kahwaji, director of the Dubai-based Institute of Near East And Gulf Military Analysis. "There will be a support and backup for the [pro-Hadi forces] and those supporting the legal movement in Yemen."