Summary
An Arab-led coalition backing Yemen's exiled government began an assault Wednesday morning on Yemen's port city of Hudaida, a crucial battle in the 3-year-old conflict that aid agencies warned could push the Arab world's poorest country into further chaos.
The battle for Hudaida, if the Houthis don't withdraw, also may mark the first major street-to-street urban fighting for the Arab-led coalition, which can be deadly for both combatants and civilians alike.
Some 2,000 troops who crossed the Red Sea from an Emirati naval base in the African nation of Eritrea landed west of the city with plans to seize Hodeida's port, Yemeni security officials said.
Forces loyal to Yemen's exiled government and irregular fighters led by Emirati troops had neared Hodeida in recent days.
The Arab-led coalition entered the war in March 2015 and has received logistical support from the U.S.
The United Nations and other aid groups already had pulled their international staff from Hodeida ahead of the rumored assault.
The Arab-led coalition has been criticized for its airstrikes killing civilians.
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