Several fighters from both the Yemeni government and the Houthi movement were killed on Sunday (15 August) as clashes renewed in the Yemeni western province of Hodeidah. The province is the focus of the Stockholm agreement signed in 2018 which helped established a ceasefire in the province.
According to Sputnik news agency, fighting included use of mortars. The clashes are the latest in a series of sporadic violence that has been occurring in recent weeks. Fighting has also been ongoing in populated areas, resulting in damage to civillian houses.
Hodeidah is a vital lifeline for many Yemenis. It is currently the main entry port into the Northern areas of Yemen. The Stockholm agreement of 2018 ensured that forces are relocated to the outskirts and provided for the entry of goods into the country.
For now, no side has been able to secure major advances. Continued clashes will likely damage the Stockholm agreement. The Province of Hodeidah is still recovering as deminers make areas safe again.
Clashes have also continued in Marib without major gains for either side. The Houthi forces, who are at the doorsteps of Marib, have so far not succeeded in entering the city.
source: commonspace.eu with Sputnik (Moscow), 2 December Network (Sanaa).
photo: View from areas that witnessed clashes in Hodeidah; Twitter: @ALyemennow.