SANA’A: Yemeni Shia rebels seized a strategic port city yesterday to widen their fast-expanding zone of control. The Houthi Shia rebels met little resistance as they overran Hudeida, taking control of Yemen’s second most important seaport.
Military sources confirmed that Houthi militants were seen deployed across main roads in the city of more than two million residents. Witnesses said the militants had set up checkpoints at the city’s main entrances. The takeover came just weeks after the Huthis, almost unopposed, swept into Sana’a.
With political crisis mounting, tens of thousands of supporters of the separatist Southern Movement gathered in Aden to press demands for the south’s independence. The demonstration came on the 51st anniversary of the south’s revolt against British colonial rule. AFP
