Yemen: Saudi-backed government forces close in on Al-Hudaydah /update 1

Event

Saudi-backed government forces have closed in on the Houthi-controlled city of Al-Hudaydah in recent days. On Monday, May 28, local media sources reported that rebels retreated from government forces advancing northward along the Red Sea coast. Saudi-led coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki stated on Monday that government forces are around 20 km (12 mi) from Al-Hudaydah, with military operations still ongoing. Continuing clashes between Houthi rebel fighters and Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces are expected in the coming days and weeks as the northward offensive to Al-Hudaydah continues.

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 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.