Yemen: First serious clashes between Government forces and al-Houthi rebels in Hodeida after truce
Yemeni security officials and eyewitnesses say that fighting has erupted in the key port city of Hodeida, the first significant clashes since warring sides agreed to a UN-brokered cease-fire deal in December.
They say the combat began overnight into Sunday, leaving fires burning on the main front lines in the city’s east and south, while exchanges of artillery fire shook the beleaguered city.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity as they weren’t authorised to brief journalists, while witnesses did so for fear of their safety.
The fighting comes days after the internationally-recognised Yemeni government, along with allies Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, accused al-Houthi militant foes of breaking the ceasefire and refusing to withdraw their forces from the city in line with the December agreement.