Local Editor
Yemeni forces have pushed back a large-scale assault by militants and mercenaries on the port city of Hodeida, a source in the so-called Saudi coalition has told Agence France-Presse.
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have deployed about 10,000 new troops to Yemen's west coast after repeated campaigns to seize Hodeida were thwarted by Houthis and their allies in the Yemeni army.
After 11 days of clashes, Saudi-backed militants say they have now reached residential neighborhoods in Hodeida 's east, sparking fears of street fights that would further endanger civilians trapped in the city.
Medics and military sources were quoted as saying Monday that nearly 150 people had been killed in 24 hours of clashes, including several civilians.
Based on a tally provided by AFP, 110 protectors of the city and 32 invaders were killed overnight. A military official in Hodeida confirmed seven civilians deaths, without giving further details.
Houthi fighters and their allies, however, have pushed back the massive offensive to occupy Hodeida, the news agency admitted, citing a source in the coalition as saying.
Residents told AFP that Yemeni snipers had taken positions on rooftops in eastern Hodeida, a few miles from the port on the western edge of the city, in preparation for street battles.
Battle-hardened Houthi fighters and their allies are expected to fare better in street battles. To overwhelm them, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are most likely to resort to heavy bombing of the city in order to pave the way for ground advances.
Saudi Arabia launched its devastating military campaign against Yemen in March 2015. According to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED), the war has claimed the lives of around 56,000 Yemenis so far.
Source: News Agencies, Edited by Website Team
