The Saudi-Arabia-supported military coalition in Yemen has launched its biggest attack since beginning of war three years ago: it wants to recapture port town of Hudeida, located at Red Sea. Fighter planes and warships are in use, as internationally recognized Yemeni government in exile has shared.
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Hudeida, located about 150 kilometers southwest of capital Sanaa, has largest port of Yemen. 70 percent of relief supplies for north of country controlled by Huthi forces rebels come into country via this port. A disruption of replenishment could cause a catastrophe for millions of people: re is a threat of famine.
The UN special envoy Martin Griffiths had tried to prevent attack until last time. The UN has already described situation in Yemen as greatest humanitarian catastrophe of today. According to human rights organization Amnesty International, tens of thousands of people had to flee ir homes because of violence.
It is first time since its war entry 2015 that military alliance is launching an attack on a heavily fortified, larger city. Their goal is to stop replenishment of Huthi forces rebels, forcing insurgents to join negotiating table.
The capital city of Sanaa had already taken Houthis in September 2014. They are fighting against Yemeni forces, which are supported not only by Saudi Arabia, but also by United Arab Emirates. The two coalition partners fear that Iran, with support of Houthis, will expand its power in region. The conflict is refore considered a proxy war. Peace talks had failed last 2016.