Houthi rebels in Yemen have reinforced Hodeidah, Yemen’s main port, as the Saudi-led coalition forces moved closer to the city centre.
The assault on Hodeidah began on June 12th. The Iran-backed Houthi rebels have held the port for three years. Government forces control the Yemeni capital Sanaa and most populated areas.
Fierce clashes broke out at the weekend near Hodeidah University, 3km west of the city centre, on the coastal road linking the airport to the port, locals claimed.
Coalition forces seized the airport last Wednesday June 20th and have been consolidating their hold in the area. The UN is trying to broker a political deal that would avert an assault on the port.