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Yemen: Thousands Flee U.S.-Backed, Saudi-Led Offensive on Hodeidah Port City

HeadlineJun 18, 2018

In Yemen, there are reports that hundreds of fighters have been killed and more than 4,000 civilians have been forced to flee their homes since the U.S.-backed, Saudi-led coalition launched an all-out offensive against the key port city of Hodeidah nearly one week ago. Early this morning, coalition aircraft bombarded Hodeidah’s main airport, wounding dozens and preventing aid organizations from reaching parts of the city. This is Yehia Tanani, who was forced to flee with his family.

Yehia Tanani: “Me, my kids, my siblings, mother, father and my cousins, the whole village left. But almost half of us went back with the elderly. The children couldn’t take it. Those who died died, and those who survived survived. Those who were killed are in the refrigerator at the hospital. We know of 10 to 15 bodies that are in the refrigerators. And we don’t know who our enemy is.”

International groups have warned the U.S.-backed offensive to seize the key port city of Hodeidah will exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, which is already experiencing the world’s worst cholera epidemic, with more than 1 million people afflicted, and with millions more on the brink of famine. We’ll have more on Yemen later in the broadcast.

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