02 Nov 2018 | 09:00 PM UTC
Yemen: Saudi-led coalition attacks SAH, Al-Dailami Air Base (Sana’a) Nov. 2 /update 16
Saudi-led coalition airstrikes target Sana’a International Airport (SAH) and Al-Dailami Air Base (Sana’a) November 2; fighting reported in Al-Hudaydah
Event
Saudi-led coalition airstrikes targeted Sana'a International Airport (SAH) and Al-Dailami Air Base (Sana'a), according to a statement by coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki on Friday, November 2. Al-Maliki also stated that SAH remained operational and there were no disruptions to flights. As of Friday evening (local time), there were no reports of casualties from the airstrikes. Fighting was also reported in a southern district of Al-Hudaydah on Friday morning. Additional airstrikes and further clashes between Houthi and coalition ground forces are expected in Sana'a and Al-Hudaydah over the coming days.
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. In late September, UN Special Envoy for Yemen Martin Griffiths claimed that "critical actions need to be taken now" to avert a famine in the country.
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.
