Yemen: Pro-government forces launch new assault on Al-Hudaydah /update 13

Event

Pro-government forces reportedly launched a new assault on the Houthi-held city of Al-Hudaydah on the evening (local time) of Monday, September 17. The offensive has included airstrikes on suspected Houthi personnel and installations in and around the city. Further escalation in the fighting between the Saudi- and UAE-led pro-government coalition and the Houthi rebels is expected in the coming days and weeks.

Context

Dozens of people have been killed around Al-Hudaydah in coalition airstrikes as well as in clashes between coalition forces and Houthi rebels since UN-brokered peace negotiations faltered between the Yemeni government and Houthi leaders in Geneva on September 8. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), tens of thousands of 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 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.