Yemen: Fire breaks out at Hodeidah port March 31

Event

A major fire broke out at the Hodeidah port in the city of Hodeidah on the morning of Saturday, March 31 (local time). According to media reports, the fire started inside a warehouse. Employees from the UN World Food Programme (WFP) said that the blaze destroyed a significant amount of humanitarian aid, including fuel and foodstuff. Initial reports indicate that the fire was started by an electrical short circuit.

Context

Hodeidah is under the control of Houthi rebels. Most of the critical humanitarian aid brought into the country comes through the city’s port. Yemen has been engaged in a complex and deadly conflict since Houthi rebels started fighting the international coalition-backed government in 2015. In total, over 10,000 Yemenis have died in the fighting and around 3 million have been displaced.

Advice

The security environment in Yemen remains complex. Due to poor security conditions, many Western governments strongly advise their citizens against all travel to Yemen. Travel to the country should only be considered with proper security protocols in place. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.