Yemen: Saudi-led coalition resumes strike on Al-Hudaydah July 27 /update 8

Event

Offensive operations by the forces of the Saudi-led coalition resumed in the port city of Al-Hudaydah on Friday, July 27. Airstrikes were reported in several parts of the city and its surrounding districts, including Zabid and al-Tahita. According to local reports, the strikes targeted a Houthi military police camp in the city center, a reproductive health facility, and a public laboratory. The attacks in Zabid also hit a sanitation facility and a water station that according to the UN supplies water to most of the city. UN officials warned on July 29 that hundreds of thousands of civilians are at extreme risk due to the resumption of the airstrikes. Further airstrikes and ground operations are likely in and around Al-Hudaydah in the coming days and weeks.

Context

UN officials have stated that tens of thousands of people could be killed in the city if the situation turns into a lengthy siege; the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has predicted that 200,000 people may be displaced by the fighting. Emirati officials have announced that they seek to gain control over the city's airport and seaport; the Emirati-backed fighters have reportedly gained control over the airport, but have not launched an offensive on the seaport because of the Houthis' heavy mining of the area.

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.