Yemen: Calm returns to Al-Hudaydah after clashes interrupt ceasefire Dec. 18 /update 22

Event

Relative calm has returned to Al-Hudaydah after clashes broke out between pro-government forces and Houthi rebels in the eastern part of the city during the early morning hours (local time) on Tuesday, December 18, shortly after a UN-negotiated ceasefire took effect at 00:01. The clashes reportedly ended around 03:00. Further clashes between the sides are possible over the coming days despite the ceasefire.

Context

On December 13, delegations from the Houthi rebels and the Saudi-backed government agreed to cease fire and demobilize around the port and city of Al-Hudaydah, establish humanitarian corridors for aid shipments to Ta'iz, exchange 15,000 prisoners, and hold a new round of negotiations in January.

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.