Over the last fortnight, it appears the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen is closer than ever to launching an assault on the Houthi-controlled port of Hodeidah. A mysterious fire and a recent attack on Saudi naval forces have brought renewed attention to the port. Hodeidah is home to Yemen’s only maritime container terminal and is the country’s fourth largest city.
After initial successes both the coalition campaign in Yemen and peace talks designed to end the conflict have bogged down. Yemen is unlike other conflicts in the Middle East because it has a significant naval component.
Houthis allege that 16 civilians, including seven children, were killed in an apparent Saudi airstrike on Hodeidah on Monday. A UNICEF statement confirmed children had been killed in the attack and called on both sides in the conflict to respect the rights of children.
Saudi Arabia is now reporting that one of its oil tankers came under attack from Houthi naval forces on Tuesday.
Full story here: Defense Post
