UN Representative Meets with Houthis; Efforts to Reduce Conflicts in Hodeidah

The United Nations has sent a representative to Yemen to engage in dialogue with Houthi rebels in an effort to reduce conflicts in the key port city of Hodeidah. Meanwhile, the Saudi-led coalition has reported the continued advance of its supported forces in the area. Hodeidah port in Yemen is one of the most important regions controlled by the Houthis and a key port for humanitarian aid to this impoverished and war-torn country. According to UN spokesperson Martin Griffiths, the organization's envoy traveled to Sanaa, the capital of Yemen, on June 4 to discuss with the Houthi rebels. In addition to efforts to reduce violence in Hodeidah, another issue to be raised in the meetings is the return to peace negotiations to end the three-year war in the country. Concurrently with Mr. Griffiths' visit to Sanaa, the Saudi-led coalition announced that the Yemeni forces supported by this coalition have reached '9 kilometers from Hodeidah.' Turki al-Maliki, the spokesperson for the Saudi coalition, stated on June 27 that 'the Yemeni army, with coalition support, has reached 20 kilometers from [the port of] Hodeidah, and military operations continue.' Recent clashes between Houthi rebels and the Yemeni army around Hodeidah have resulted in over a hundred deaths. Intense fighting on Friday and Saturday erupted after the Houthis attempted to retake areas they had lost. The Associated Press reported that 'the Houthi attack has been repelled.' Turki al-Maliki said on Monday, 'We are regrouping and clearing mines... we are preparing to carry out fundamental operations.' The spokesperson for the Saudi coalition emphasized that when conditions are ready, 'forces will act to liberate Hodeidah.' The UN has expressed concern over the recent clashes in Hodeidah and warned that continued violence could hinder humanitarian assistance to the war-torn people of Yemen. According to reports, 70% of aid sent to Yemen enters the country through Hodeidah port. Hodeidah is located in western Yemen, 230 kilometers from Sanaa, the capital of Yemen. The capital fell under the control of Houthi rebels, who are supported by Iran, in 2014, and a year later, Saudi Arabia launched attacks on various areas of the country by forming a regional coalition. Saudi Arabia claims it aims to restore power to the Yemeni government, which still has representation in the UN. Tehran recognizes the Houthis ruling Sanaa as the government of Yemen. Saudi Arabia and its allies blocked all Yemeni ports nearly seven months ago to prevent the shipment of weapons to the Houthi rebels. Saudi Arabia has accused Iran of sending weapons to the Houthis. The Islamic Republic has denied these accusations, stating that such actions are impossible due to the blockade of Yemen. The closure of Yemeni ports has drawn global criticism.