Hodeida: The joint Yemeni Resistance Forces, backed by the coalition fighting on behalf of the internationally recognised government in Yemen, are within striking distance of Hodeida.
A Yemeni resistance fighter told the Emirates News Agency, WAM, “We are in the district of Al Duraimi, which is under the control of Al Houthis. The people of the city have been forbidden to leave, and many of the houses and mosques have been mined.”
Al Houthis have used the tactics of deliberately mining key civilian infrastructure and holding residents hostage as human shields. The Yemeni forces supporting the legitimate government remain optimistic, said the fighter adding, “Al Houthis are harming the country. God willing, we will win this war soon. We will make every effort the rescue the people of this city.”
Residents of Al Munthar, a small town close to Hodeida airport and the frontline, are beginning to return home following the liberation of the city by coalition-backed Yemeni forces.
“Al Houthis were here for four years and we suffered terribly. God knows it was hard. We have been back for two months now, and so far, thank God, it has been safe” one of the many returnees told WAM.
Al Houthis “targeted the town, its schools and mosques by rockets and mortars” another resident said.
As Yemeni resistance forces push along the coastal road to Hodeida, towns and villages once under Al Houthi control have been liberated and are coming back to life.
Al Houthi militias still pose a threat to the town and its citizens even after being driven out. The townspeople see better days ahead. “Now that the legitimate government is here, we have a glimpse of a better future, better than when Al Houthis were here” a resident added.
