Yemen: Dozens killed Nov. 6 in latest coalition push to seize Yemeni port /update 17

Event

Fighting has intensified near Al-Hudaydah as of early November, amid a renewed Saudi-led coalition offensive to wrest control of the port city from Houthi rebels. Dozens of rebels and pro-government troops were killed in fighting near Al-Hudaydah on Tuesday, November 6, bringing the total number of deaths recorded in the past week to 200. According to coalition troops, the Saudi-led forces took control of a key neighborhood to the north of the city near the port facility. Fighting has also affected civilians, with artillery shells striking residential neighborhoods and damaging at least one health facility on Tuesday morning (local time). Humanitarian sources estimate that as many as 100 civilians have died in the past week due to the fighting. Intense fighting is expected to continue, and possibly escalate in the near term, as coalition troops attempt to seize control of the port amid growing international political pressure demanding a ceasefire.

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.