Smoke billows in the distance as Yemeni pro-government forces patrol during clashes against Shiite rebels in Yemen's western Dhubab district, about 30 kms (20 miles) north of the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait, on January 9, 2017. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)

SANAA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- At least eight students were killed Tuesday morning when Saudi-led warplanes hit an elementary school northeast of the Yemeni capital Sanaa, residents, rescuers and officials told Xinhua.

The students were schoolgirls and schoolboys. So far, other 15 students were critically injured in the airstrikes, which took place in Nehm district, around 25 km northeast Sanaa.

Rescuers said search operations were ongoing as tens of students trapped under rubble. The school was totally devastated.

This is the latest in a series of airstrikes against Yemeni civilians since the war started in March 2015.

Last Saturday, a total of 12 villagers were killed when the airstrikes targeted a school and mosque on the western outskirts of Sanaa, according to medics and residents.

The coalition has been fighting the dominant Houthi rebels, which have seized control of most of northern Yemen, including the capital Sanaa since Sept. 2014, to restore power to the expelled but internationally recognized government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi.