Yemen: Intense fighting in Al-Hudaydah leaves 149 dead November 12 /update 18

Event

Medical sources reported the deaths of 149 people overnight from Sunday, November 11, to Monday, November 12, in the strategic port city of Al-Hudaydah. At least 110 Houthi fighters and 32 pro-government soldiers were killed in the most recent bout of fighting as the conflict moves from the outskirts of the city into residential neighborhoods. At least 400 people have died in the past 10 days as the Saudi-led coalition has pushed to wrest control of the port from Houthi rebels. The latest clashes have been focused on eastern neighborhoods near Sana'a road and May 22 Hospital, along with areas near the Red Sea Mall. A continued escalation of fighting, including airstrikes, shelling, use of landmines, and small arms fire, is expected in the near term as coalition forces move deeper into the city.

Context

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.