Yemeni forces backed by a Saudi-led coalition launched a major offensive Wednesday to retake the rebel-held port city of Hodeida, a key aid hub, sparking calls from the United Nations for restraint.
Pro-government troops began the assault despite mounting international fears about the humanitarian fallout, pressing toward Hodeida airport south of the city after receiving a “green light” from the coalition.
The Red Sea port, controlled by the Iran-backed Huthi rebels who hail from northern Yemen, serves as the entry point for 70 percent of the impoverished country’s imports as it teeters on the brink of famine.
The UN envoy for Yemen, Martin Griffiths, said he was continuing to hold negotiations on keeping the key port open to aid deliveries.
