War jets of the Saudi-led Arab coalition in Yemen bombed early Thursday positions of Houthis and forces loyal to ousted president Ali Abdullah Saleh in Aden and Lahij, sources said.

Explosions resulting from the airstrikes were so powerful, the sources added.

Fresh air strikes were launched hours after Saudi Arabia announced on Tuesday an end to the nearly-month-long Operation Decisive Storm and the start of a new phase of operations dubbed "Renewal of Hope" to protect civilians and combat terrorism.

The new air raids are targeting the positions where the Houthis and pro-Saleh forces are taking refugee in Aden and Lahij.