Troops associated with the Saudi-led coalition backing the internationally-recognised government of President Abd Rabbu Mansur Hadi have in recent weeks moved rapidly towards Hodeida from the south. The port city has at least 600,000 inhabitants and is the main source of food and fuel for the Huthi-held capital, Sana’a, and other densely populated areas in northern Yemen.
The Huthis will resist the assault, although their capacity has been considerably impaired by recent losses.
The Huthis will continue to fire missiles into Saudi Arabia, but without much expectation of doing serious damage.
UN envoy Martin Griffiths will produce a ‘framework for negotiations’ by mid-June.
Triumphant coalition leaders may be tempted to continue the war even if the Huthis are ready for peace talks.
