There is much concern among the international humanitarian relief agencies – and thus international organisations and governments – about a planned attempt to attack/capture/besiege Hodeida by President Hadi’s forces supported by the coalition. This is widely seen as the main objective of Operation Golden Spear. It is expected that one force will attack from the south, coming from the direction of Mocha and possibly another from the north coming from Midi. In addition, there will be a seaborn landing, possibly using facilities in ports of Berbera, Assab, and Djibouti. The Huthi/Saleh forces are clearly aware of all this and planning counter-measures, including attempts to mine likely sea approaches to the ports and prepare land defences.

(To be countinued in the report)