Reports indicate that Yemeni forces supported by the Saudi-led coalition have begun military operations to seize the port of Hodeidah, Yemen's main port, on Wednesday, June 13. Al Arabiya, affiliated with Saudi Arabia, reported that the operation against the Shiite Houthi militia, which controls Hodeidah, commenced early Wednesday morning. The Associated Press, citing eyewitnesses, reported gunfire heard in the port city. The United Arab Emirates had previously given the Iranian-backed Houthi militants a deadline until the end of Tuesday, June 12, to leave Hodeidah. The United Nations had previously warned about the attack on Hodeidah, expressing concern that the assault by the Saudi and Emirati-backed forces could lead to a "humanitarian disaster." The Arab coalition has long sought to capture this port, which provides access to the Red Sea and supplies food and humanitarian aid to millions in the country. Approximately 600,000 people live in Hodeidah and its surroundings, and the United Nations states that the battle for this port could endanger the lives of 250,000 residents. The United Nations has been making extensive diplomatic efforts to prevent war in Hodeidah. Reem Al Hashimy, the UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, stated that if Hodeidah is taken from the control of the Houthi militants, the coalition will be able to prevent arms smuggling to this group. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also called on all parties involved in the conflict in Yemen to cooperate with the United Nations. In a statement, he emphasized the importance of keeping routes open for delivering humanitarian and essential aid to the people of Yemen while acknowledging the security concerns of the UAE. Reuters reports that over 10,000 people have been killed in the Yemeni civil war, and aid workers have warned of a "widespread humanitarian disaster," including outbreaks of deadly diseases, famine, and the displacement of citizens.
Operation Begins for Forces Supported by Arab Coalition to Capture Yemen's Main Port
Yemeni forces backed by the Saudi-led coalition have launched an operation to capture the port of Hodeidah from Houthi control, raising concerns of a humanitarian disaster. The United Nations has warned that the conflict could endanger hundreds of thousands of lives. This operation is significant as it impacts the flow of humanitarian aid to millions in Yemen.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Yemeni forces, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, launched an operation to capture the port of Hodeidah from Houthi control.
- The operation began on June 13, 2018.
- The United Nations warned of a potential humanitarian disaster affecting 250,000 residents.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
The Yemeni civil war involves a complex conflict between the Houthi rebels and the internationally recognized Yemeni government, supported by a Saudi-led coalition.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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