Yemen: Critical battle looms for Hodeida port

A battle for the port city of Hodeida which has long loomed on the horizon appears to be nearing, with forces from the Saudi Arabia-led coalition moving fast up the west coast. In the final week of May alone, coalition forces advanced almost 90km, from Al-Hima to within striking distance of the port. That has prompted a new round of diplomatic activity from United Nations special envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths in an effort to avoid large numbers of casualties should fighting intensify in and around what is a key supply route for the Houthi rebels.