Yemen: Gunmen attack aid ship near Al-Hudaydah June 3

Event

On Sunday, June 3, unidentified gunmen attacked a ship carrying humanitarian aid on behalf of the World Food Programme (WFP). According to reports, assailants on a skiff shot at the cargo ship and subsequently attempted to board it. The attack occurred approximately 60 km (37 mi) off the Yemeni coast, near the port of Al-Hudaydah.

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.