Over 165 Killed in Latest Round of Fighting on Yemen's West Coast

The Associated Press reports that over 165 people have been killed in intense clashes between the Saudi-led coalition and their supported forces, and Houthi rebels on Yemen's west coast. The recent fighting comes as the United Nations attempts to revive peace negotiations. According to 'security officials' cited by the Associated Press, heavy fighting occurred on Friday and Saturday in an area south of the key port city of Hodeidah. The recent confrontation has taken place while civilians continue to try to flee Hodeidah and seek refuge in safer areas. Yemen's government forces, supported by the Saudi-led coalition, have launched a large-scale operation to seize the port of Hodeidah on Yemen's west coast. This intense confrontation has left dozens dead and thousands displaced, prompting the United Nations and several humanitarian organizations to repeatedly warn of a new 'disaster' in the country. Consequently, last week, Martin Griffiths, the UN envoy, traveled to Yemen's capital to negotiate with the Houthi rebels regarding the situation in Hodeidah. The port of Hodeidah is one of the main areas for importing goods into Yemen and plays a crucial role in delivering humanitarian aid to the country's civilians. Over 70% of Yemen's imports come through this port, which is one of the primary reasons for the UN's concern about a potential 'humanitarian disaster.' It was reported that the fighting had subsided for a time and the Saudi-led coalition had halted its attacks. Two days ago, Arab News reported that 'the Yemeni army has resumed attacks on the Al-Tuhayta area in connection with preparations for the complete liberation of the area and movement towards Al-Zubayd.' Both Al-Tuhayta and Al-Zubayd are located south of Hodeidah and near the Red Sea coast. The Saba news agency, affiliated with the Houthis, also reported that meetings in Sana'a were held to 'assist the western coast front' and send more forces to the area. According to the Associated Press, the government of Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi, the Yemeni president in self-imposed exile, has demanded that the rebels 'unconditionally' withdraw from Hodeidah. The Houthis have rejected this demand, but there are indications that they have agreed to UN control of the port of Hodeidah as part of a potential ceasefire agreement.