Prior to that, medical sources had reported 150 deaths in the space of 24 hours in fighting in the city. Washington and London are putting renewed pressure on Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which lead a coalition supporting President Abd Rabbu Mansur Hadi’s internationally recognised government, to end the fighting across Yemen.
Seizing Hodeida from the Huthis is an opportunity for a victory, and fighting will likely continue until it falls.
Capturing Hodeida will not reduce the Huthis’ ability to control the capital Sanaa and the mountainous north.
Any damage to Hodeida or the cutting of vital supply routes will increase the already high threat of famine.
Washington and London will voice concern, but will stop short of action threatening vital defence and commercial interests.
Even if the coalition agrees to talks, agreeing terms for a lasting ceasefire will be challenging.
