RIYADH: Incoming fire from Yemen hit a residence for construction workers in Jazan, killing three people and wounding 28, the Civil Defense said.

It said that four Saudis were among the wounded, without giving the nationalities of the others.

Al-Ekhbaria channel showed pictures of blast-damaged cars and shrapnel-punctured walls.

The attack brings to at least 64 the number of people killed in Saudi Arabia from border shelling and skirmishes since the coalition began the anti-Houthi campaign.

A source told AFP said that the coalition is making slow but steady progress five days into a major offensive toward Sanaa.

Giving a update on the fighting in Maarib, the source said “things are going slowly but surely.”

Taking Maarib would allow the coalition to move on Sanaa, which the Houthis seized last year. “The battle will not enter its decisive phase yet,” because the coalition seeks to minimize its casualties, the source said.

“Progress occurred this morning north of Marib dam,” several kilometres from Maarib city, where howitzers, fighter jets and helicopters targeted resistance, the source said. “The battle to restore Maarib is a vital operation because it will be the beginning of a quick end” to the Houthis’ control, he added.