16 Aug 2018 | 07:32 AM UTC
Yemen: Heavy fighting near Al-Hudaydah kills 13 civilians August 14 /update 10
Heavy fighting continues south of Al-Hudaydah on August 14; continued airstrikes and ground operations in and near Al-Hudaydah are likely
Event
Heavy fighting near western Yemen's main port city of Al-Hudaydah resulted in the deaths of at least 13 civilians on Tuesday, August 14, according to Houthi-affiliated health organizations. The most recent clashes occurred in Al-Durayhimi district to the south of the port, as Saudi- and Emirati-led airstrikes supported ground operations in an attempt to wrest territory from Houthi control and seize key supply routes. According to a Yemeni coalition spokesman, operations focused on the town of Al-Durayhimi and over control of the road from Bait al-Faqih to Zabayid. Continued heavy fighting, including air strikes, are expected in the city and surrounding areas in coming days and weeks.
Context
Fighting between the Houthis and coalition forces in and around the port city of Al-Hudaydah resumed in late July after a brief ceasefire. Houthi fighters have held the city and its port since 2014. Negotiations for a peaceful resolution to the city's conflict, and the war more broadly, have failed. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), at least 50,000 households have been displaced from Al-Hudaydah in the fighting.
Yemen is engaged in a complex and deadly conflict, ongoing since Houthi rebels entered into a civil war with the Yemeni government, supported by a Saudi-led coalition, in 2015. The Saudi-led coalition has carried out thousands of airstrikes in Yemen since its intervention began. Hundreds of Yemeni civilians have been killed in the strikes, which have hit schools, hospitals, and markets, in addition to Houthi militant positions and personnel. In total, more than 10,000 Yemenis have died in the fighting and some 3 million have been displaced.
Advice
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.
